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Entry Level Visual Development Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

ymcadetroit

Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48K - $61K/yr

Established local visual arts instructor with at least one year of teaching experience * Ability to ... Our ideal candidate has a passion for youth development that equals their passion for the arts and ...

ymcadetroit

Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48K - $61K/yr

Established local visual arts instructor with at least one year of teaching experience * Ability to ... Our ideal candidate has a passion for youth development that equals their passion for the arts and ...

TrueShort

Reference Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This role sits at the intersection of concept design, visual development, and AI-native production workflows. We're looking for artists with strong visual taste, storytelling instincts, and an ...

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Entry Level Visual Development Artist information

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$36.5K

$107.8K

$152.5K

How much do entry level visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level visual development artist in the United States is $107,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level visual development artist?

Entry Level Visual Development Artists are creative professionals who help establish the look and feel of animated films, video games, or other visual media projects. They create concept art, mood boards, character and environment designs, and color scripts under the guidance of senior artists and art directors. At the entry level, these artists are typically recent graduates or those new to the industry, focusing on learning studio workflows and contributing to the early visual explorations that shape the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level visual development artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Visual Development Artist, you need strong foundational skills in drawing, color theory, and composition, often supported by a degree or coursework in illustration, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with digital painting tools like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and knowledge of industry-standard workflows are typically expected. Creativity, openness to feedback, and effective collaboration make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for creating visually compelling concepts that align with the creative vision and production needs of animation or game studios.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level visual development artists in a studio setting?

Entry level visual development artists often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring their work aligns with the established visual style of the project. Collaboration is key, as artists frequently work with art directors, animators, and other team members to iterate on designs and incorporate feedback. Building strong communication skills and developing the ability to accept and implement critiques can help new artists succeed and grow within a studio environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Visual Development Artist vs Entry Level Concept Artist?

AspectEntry Level Visual Development ArtistEntry Level Concept Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, basic art skills, possibly a degree in art or related fieldPortfolio, strong drawing skills, often a degree in art or design
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, film productionVideo game studios, animation, film pre-production
Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, film to develop visual styleUsed in gaming, film to create initial character and environment concepts

Both roles involve creating visual assets, but the Visual Development Artist focuses on establishing the overall look and style, while the Concept Artist specializes in designing characters and environments during early project phases. Entry Level Visual Development Artists often work closely with concept artists but have a broader scope in visual style development.

How much does an entry level visual development artist make?

Entry level visual development artists typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, company, and portfolio quality. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions, but with skills in digital painting, concept art, and tools like Photoshop or SketchUp, new artists can increase their earning potential as they gain experience.

What do you need to be an entry level visual development artist?

To become an entry-level visual development artist, you typically need a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic skills, proficiency in digital art tools such as Photoshop or SketchUp, and a foundational understanding of color, composition, and design principles. A relevant degree in art, illustration, or a related field is often preferred, along with good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a creative environment.

What does an entry level visual development artist do?

An entry level visual development artist creates concept art, character designs, and environment sketches to establish the visual style of a project. They collaborate with art directors and use tools like Photoshop or other digital painting software to develop ideas for animation, games, or films. This role often involves learning industry workflows and refining artistic skills through practice and feedback.
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Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Development Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,828 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)

Skydance Media

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$115 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.

Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.

Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.

Responsibilities
  • Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
  • Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
  • Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
  • Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
  • Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints
Requirements
  • 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
  • Traditional 2D animation background
  • Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
  • Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
  • Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
  • Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,00-140,000 annually. 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.

This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.

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