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Entry Level Visual Development Artist Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Entry Level Visual Development Artist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.6K

$111.1K

$157.1K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level visual development artist in Chicago, IL is $111,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $156,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Development Artist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,078 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Sr Associate, New Business, Visual Designer

Quad

Chicago, IL • On-site

$69K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Quad rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description


The Sr Associate, New Business, Visual Designer will bring a passion for storytelling and a sharp eye for design to join our New Business Team. In this role, you won't just make things look good; you'll help ideas come alive. You'll transform complex strategies into compelling visual narratives that captivate potential clients and bring content to life.
You'll work closely with strategists, planners, and business leaders to develop presentations, proposals, and case studies that clearly communicate ideas and strategies. From concept to execution, you'll shape the visual identity of our new business efforts, ensuring every touchpoint is engaging, polished, and on-brand.
This is a role for a designer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and loves the challenge of turning abstract ideas into bold, beautiful visuals that win hearts and business.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Bring ideas to life by designing visually compelling presentations, pitch decks, and creative assets that tell a clear, engaging story.
  • Collaborate closely with strategists, business leads, and creatives to translate complex ideas into simple, beautiful visual narratives.
  • Own the visual identity of new business efforts-ensuring consistency, polish, and innovation across all materials.
  • Design with purpose using PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and other tools to create high-impact visuals that resonate with clients.
  • Lead the visual development of RFPs, proposals, and case studies-tailoring each to the prospect's brand, tone, and business needs.
  • Manage timelines and workflows for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring on-time delivery without compromising quality.
  • Iterate quickly and thoughtfully based on feedback from internal stakeholders, always pushing for stronger, smarter design.
  • Maintain and evolve templates, icon libraries, and visual systems to streamline future work and elevate the team's creative output.
  • Stay ahead of design trends and bring fresh thinking to how we present our work and our agency.
  • Contribute to a culture of creativity and excellence, offering feedback, inspiration, and support to teammates across disciplines.

Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Media Arts, or a related field-or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:
  • 0-2 years of professional experience in visual design, presentation design, or a related creative field.

A portfolio that demonstrates strong visual storytelling, layout, and presentation design skills is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Business level proficiency in English - both written and oral communication.
  • Proficiency in PowerPoint and a strong understanding of presentation design principles.
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop); familiarity with Figma or similar tools is a plus.
  • Strong visual storytelling skills-able to translate abstract ideas into clear, engaging visuals.
  • Excellent attention to detail, layout, typography, and brand consistency.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills-you're comfortable giving and receiving feedback.
  • A proactive, curious mindset with a desire to learn, grow, and contribute creatively to a team.

Employees can be expected to be paid an annualized salary range of $69,620-$80,000, based on variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions.
#LI-MW1
About Us
Rise is an award-winning, full-service Media Agency of Record that is backed by data and powered by people. We create omnichannel experiences using our proprietary tech stack and advanced analytics capabilities to help solve the unique struggles brands face today. This approach, with transparency at its core, specializes in omnichannel media, commerce and retail media, advanced in-home media, as well as content and creator marketing.
We offer "Risers" the opportunity to work in an ever-evolving industry that will foster learning and development, provide an innovative work environment with diverse projects and clients, career advancement paths a collaborative team environment, corporate social responsibility initiatives, an inclusive and diverse culture, plus association with a reputable media agency. We're looking for talent like you who can continue to elevate our work and culture.
About the Team
We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.
Rise and Quad are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We are committed to creating a place of belonging - a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Rise and Quad do not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Rise and Quad also prohibit harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
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