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Color Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Turtle Rock Studios

Lead VFX Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

The Lead VFX Artist will maintain consistency across the department providing direction and ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual ...

Blo Blow Dry Bar

Part Time Make Up Artist

La Mesa, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

We are seeking a talented Makeup Artist to join our team. If you have a passion for beauty and ... color theory, and trends - Ensure all tools and work areas are sanitized before and after each ...

Hasana, Inc.

Retouch/Digital Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Retouch/Digital Artist Intern for Luxe Media you will have a variety of responsibilities ... Ensure colour consistency between image assets * Upload assets to web servers in accordance to ...

Bellota Labs

Senior / Principal Game Artist

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $175K/yr

Strong understanding of composition, color theory, lighting, typography, and visual storytelling ... We're looking for artists who understand how to use these tools thoughtfully to increase creative ...

Bellota Labs

Senior / Principal Game Artist

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $175K/yr

Strong understanding of composition, color theory, lighting, typography, and visual storytelling ... We're looking for artists who understand how to use these tools thoughtfully to increase creative ...

Thuma

CGI Artist

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

We're looking for a CGI Artist who thrives at being both highly-creative and technical. You'll ... Strong color editing and correction skills * Experience using render farms * Skilled at working to ...

Punch Studio

Production Artist I

Culver City, CA · On-site

SUMMARY The Production Artist is responsible for creating final digital and print-ready mechanical ... Two years experience in a print production environment with 4 color print media. * Page layout and ...

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Color Artist information

What is a color artist?

A Color Artist is responsible for enhancing the visual appeal of artwork, animations, comics, or films by selecting and applying colors that align with the project's style and mood. They work closely with designers, animators, and directors to ensure consistency and emotional impact. Their tasks may include creating color palettes, shading, and lighting effects. Color Artists require a strong understanding of color theory, composition, and digital tools.

What does a color artist do during a typical workday on a team project?

A typical workday for a Color Artist involves receiving line art or sketches from other artists, carefully applying colors in line with the project’s style guidelines, and communicating frequently with lead artists, art directors, or writers to ensure consistency and quality. You might review feedback, adjust palettes, and manage several drafts simultaneously to meet production deadlines. Collaboration is central, as you’ll often attend team meetings, share progress updates, and sometimes help brainstorm visual concepts. This dynamic environment requires a balance between creative autonomy and teamwork, making each day varied and engaging. Over time, Color Artists may take on more complex projects or progress to art direction roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a color artist?

To thrive as a Color Artist, you need a solid understanding of color theory, strong artistic skills, and experience with visual storytelling, typically backed by a degree in art, illustration, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar software is essential, and familiarity with file formatting and layer management is highly valued. Attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to meet deadlines are key soft skills that help Color Artists excel. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality colored illustrations that enhance the visual narrative and align with client or team expectations.

How do you become a color artist?

To become a color artist, individuals typically pursue a degree in fine arts, illustration, or a related field, and develop strong skills in color theory, digital painting, and software such as Adobe Photoshop or Painter. Building a portfolio showcasing your work and gaining experience through internships or freelance projects are important steps in entering the field.

Is a color artist a good career?

A color artist is a professional who specializes in applying color to digital or traditional artwork, often working in animation, gaming, or film industries. The role requires strong artistic skills, knowledge of color theory, and proficiency with tools like Photoshop or other digital painting software. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about visual arts and creative expression, with opportunities for growth and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Color Artist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Color Artist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Color Artist jobs in California?

For Color Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Color Artist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Color Artist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Color Artist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Color Artist job openings:

Color Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Color Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Lead VFX Artist

Turtle Rock Studios

Irvine, CA • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

At Turtle Rock, we make the games we want to play. We're dedicated to providing a collaborative environment where our team members feel empowered with the creative freedom to contribute and grow. While we are based in Orange County, CA, we support flexible work arrangements ranging from in-studio, hybrid, to fully remote throughout North America. Join our award-winning game development team and help create our next hit title.
We are looking for a Lead VFX Artist to be a part of our VFX team. The Lead VFX Artist will maintain consistency across the department providing direction and feedback, ensuring all team members understand their role in the department and know what is expected of them. The right candidate will look for opportunities to enhance the player experience, embrace and provide constructive feedback while guiding the creative process; driving VFX process for game effects. This position will report to the Creative Director.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the VFX team: maintain consistency across the department providing direction and feedback, ensuring all team members understand their role in the department and know what is expected of them
  • Lead team meetings and relay important studio information when required
  • Work closely with department manager to provide mentorship and coaching for VFX team members including but not limited to: 1:1s, career development, performance evaluations, and goal setting
  • Guide the creative process; drive the concept process for game effects
  • Bring in-progress and prototype effects to completion
  • Work with the Art Directors and art teams to ensure artistic unity across the game
  • Create real-time visual effects to enhance environments, characters, and combat
  • Work with designers, engineers, and other artists in creating strong moment-to-moment gameplay
  • Collaborate with other team members to ensure that assets fall within set parameters in regards to performance, best practices, and art style
  • Playtest with both the studio and the VFX team to review and iterate VFX
Requirements
  • 7+ years game experience in creating effects in game development with one or more shipped titles on multiple platforms
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in creating real-time effects
  • Self-driven, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude
  • Ability to problem-solve and prioritize issues while working with a team
  • Experience with creating compelling, real-time effects using Photoshop, Maya, and/or in-game effects systems
  • Knowledgeable of 3D graphics, particle systems, physics, etc.
  • Experience in UE5
  • Keen production sensibilities, ability to collaborate on timelines and communicate with Production and team members on task duration and prioritization
  • Ability to maintain high quality and consistent progress
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching skills
  • Strong ability to interpret and adapt to general and flexible direction. Can thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Proficient in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender
Preferences
  • Shipped one or more major titles on current generation/PC platforms as a Senior VFX artist
  • Experience with AAA First Person action titles
  • Previous leadership experience preferred, or senior/principal role in games environments
  • Experience working with shaders and materials
  • Familiarity with asset tracking and issue tracking tools such as Perforce and JIRA
  • Passion for games
Benefits
Some of the benefits and perks our employees get to enjoy, include:
  • 100% Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage for you and your family
  • Retirement Savings Plan Matching
  • Career Improvement Plan
  • Flexible Work Arrangements - In-House, Hybrid, and Remote
  • Generous Time Off Policy
  • Company Events - In-Person + Virtual Events
  • Fully Stocked Kitchen + Sponsored Food Trucks

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $135,000 - $165,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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