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Entry Level Visual Novel Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration. Research ... level) * Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields * Senior ...

CVPA Academic Advisor

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$40K - $49K/yr

The primary mission of the College of Visual and Performing Arts is to provide the highest quality ... In particular, the advisor must cultivate a deep knowledge of entry-level art courses, fields ...

... arts. Our students learn to apply visual and historical analyses to artworks, as well as ... Professional Outcomes Technology and Data Required Qualifications This is an entry level position ...

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Entry Level Visual Novel Artist information

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$24

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How much do entry level visual novel artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level visual novel artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level visual novel artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Visual Novel Artist, you need foundational skills in digital illustration, character design, and storytelling, typically supported by a portfolio showcasing relevant work. Familiarity with graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar tools is essential, and experience with asset management systems is advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback and collaborate effectively with writers and developers are important soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating engaging visual content that enhances the narrative experience and meets the needs of the development team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Visual Novel Artist vs Entry Level Game Artist?

AspectEntry Level Visual Novel ArtistEntry Level Game Artist
Required Skills2D illustration, character design, storytelling2D/3D art, character/environment design, animation
Work EnvironmentIndie studios, visual novel companies, freelanceGame development studios, indie or AAA companies
Industry UsagePrimarily visual novels and interactive storiesVarious game genres including action, RPG, adventure

Entry Level Visual Novel Artists focus on creating 2D artwork and storytelling elements specific to visual novels, while Entry Level Game Artists have a broader scope, working on various game assets across multiple genres. Both roles require strong illustration skills, but the visual novel artist specializes in character and scene art for narrative-driven projects.

What does an entry level visual novel artist do?

An Entry Level Visual Novel Artist creates 2D artwork for visual novel games, including character sprites, backgrounds, and sometimes user interface elements. They work closely with writers and developers to ensure that the visual elements support the game's narrative and mood. Tasks often involve sketching, digital painting, and revising artwork based on feedback. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about storytelling through art and are looking to build experience in the game industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level visual novel artists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level visual novel artists often face challenges such as adapting to a project's specific art style, meeting tight deadlines, and collaborating effectively with writers and developers. It's important to communicate regularly with team members to ensure consistency in character designs and backgrounds. Building a strong foundation in digital art tools and being open to feedback can also help new artists grow quickly in this field. Over time, gaining experience with visual storytelling and understanding the unique requirements of visual novels will make collaboration smoother and more rewarding.
More about Entry Level Visual Novel Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Visual Novel Artist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Visual Novel Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Novel Artist jobs? The most popular types of Visual Novel Artist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Visual Novel Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Visual Novel Artist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Novel Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands

Wheat Ridge, CO • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Acuity Brands rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

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