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Associate Visual Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and ... The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how ...

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Associate Visual Designer information

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$11

$19

$35

How much do associate visual designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate visual designer in California is $19.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Associate Visual Designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Associate Visual Designers often work closely with product managers, UX designers, and developers. One common challenge is balancing creative vision with technical or business constraints, requiring clear communication and flexibility. Additionally, aligning design concepts with project goals and stakeholder feedback can be demanding, so being receptive to constructive criticism and iterative changes is essential. Building strong relationships and understanding the roles of other team members can greatly enhance collaboration and project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Visual Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Visual Designer, you need a solid grasp of design principles, proficiency in layout and typography, and typically a degree in graphic or visual design. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaborative platforms like Figma or Sketch is essential. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing visually compelling work that aligns with brand standards and effectively communicates ideas to both clients and teams.

What does an Associate Visual Designer do?

An Associate Visual Designer is responsible for creating and supporting visual elements across various digital and print platforms. They work under the guidance of senior designers to produce graphics, layouts, and other visual assets that align with brand guidelines. Their tasks may include assisting in the design of websites, social media content, marketing materials, and user interfaces. Associate Visual Designers collaborate with other team members to ensure consistent and effective visual communication. This entry-level role is ideal for those looking to build their portfolio and gain experience in the design industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Visual Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Visual Designer jobs in California? For Associate Visual Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Visual Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Visual Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Visual Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Visual Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Visual Designer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,614 per year, or $19 per hour.
Associate Costume Designer

Associate Costume Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

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Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio’s Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and support the development of wardrobe concepts established in collaboration with the broader Visual Development team and film leadership.

This role ensures the creative vision is carried through consistently, while identifying opportunities to enhance storytelling and elevate character performance through research and design. Additionally, this position will also bring technical expertise in costume packeting, supported by a solid foundation in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. 

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. 

Responsibilities
  • Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director’s overall vision for story, character development, and visual tone
  • Drive costume research in support of the films vision
  • Visually explore research by pitching, iterating, adapting, and designing different costumes taking into consideration leaderships notes and feedback 
  • Create costume style guide and apply approved design language to primary, secondary, tertiary, and crowds
  • Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual Development team
  • Provide and share expertise on clothing styles, fabrics, fabrication techniques, and patterns to align with the narratives, character, and show designs
  • Prepare detailed costume packets alongside Costume Design Assistants considering downstream departments by including and advising on information such as textiles, fabric properties, and garment construction including pattern making and draping
  • Partner with Costume Design Assistants by tracking assignments, giving notes, doing draw overs all while keeping in mind quality set by department leads
  • Creative problem solving
  • Implement feedback promptly ensuring deadlines are met
  • Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture within the larger Production and Art team
Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience working as a visual development artist on animated projects and 1+ years working on costume designs in visual development, theater, live action, or related field
  • Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design, or Art preferred
  • Self-starter and organizer with the ability to drive all production needs keeping mind production pipeline and deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream animation departments that inform final design execution
  • Knowledge of costume terminology, methods, practices, and techniques
  • Proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839)
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $67.00-75.00/hour.  The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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