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Look Development Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an ... look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an ... look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic ...

AGBO

Asset Artist

Los Angeles, CA

Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the ... Participate in look development and R&D to elevate visual fidelity while balancing performance ...

AGBO Films LLC

Asset Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the ... Participate in look development and R&D to elevate visual fidelity while balancing performance ...

AGBO

Asset Artist

Los Angeles, CA

About The Company Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent ... Participate in look development and R&D to elevate visual fidelity while balancing performance ...

AGBO

Asset Artist (Remote)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the ... Participate in look development and R&D to elevate visual fidelity while balancing performance ...

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Skilled in look development and lighting for photorealistic renders * Skilled in replicating ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Mastery of look development and lighting for photorealistic renders, including human skin, eyes ...

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Skilled in look development and lighting for photorealistic renders * Skilled in replicating ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Mastery of look development and lighting for photorealistic renders, including human skin, eyes ...

Embraer

Unreal Engine Technical Artist

Melbourne, FL

$117.70K - $140.90K/yr

... Look Development Design, build, and optimize complex Unreal materials and shaders using the ... Collaborate with artists to ensure assets are built correctly for Unreal ingestion. _____ 5) VFX ...

Embraer

Unreal Engine Technical Artist

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$117.70K - $140.90K/yr

... Look Development • Design, build, and optimize complex Unreal materials and shaders using the ... with artists to ensure assets are built correctly for Unreal ingestion. 5) VFX, Animation ...

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How much do look development artist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for look development artist in the United States is $34.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Look Development Artist do?

A Look Development Artist is responsible for defining the final appearance of 3D assets in films, TV, and games. They focus on creating textures, shaders, and materials that give objects realistic or stylized visual qualities. They work closely with lighting, modeling, and surfacing teams to ensure assets match the artistic vision. Using software like Maya, Substance Painter, and Houdini, they refine colors, reflections, and surface details. Their work helps bring characters, environments, and props to life with high-quality visual fidelity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Look Development Artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Look Development Artist, you need a strong background in 3D modeling, texturing, shading, and rendering, ideally with a degree in computer graphics or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Substance Painter, and rendering engines like Arnold or V-Ray is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make candidates stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills ensure visually compelling assets that align with the creative vision and technical requirements of animation, VFX, or game projects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Look Development Artist in a production environment?

A Look Development Artist spends their day creating high-quality textures, shaders, and surface materials for 3D models, ensuring that assets achieve the desired visual style. They collaborate closely with lighting, modeling, and compositing teams to make necessary adjustments and troubleshoot technical issues. Daily tasks often include reviewing renders, refining materials based on feedback, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and workflows. This role is highly collaborative and involves regular communication with supervisors and other artists to maintain consistency and meet project deadlines.
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Look Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Look Development Artist job openings in the United States as of May 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 $72,499 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by developing compelling, immersive environments that support narrative, mood, themes, and character.
You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film's established style, story themes, and overall visual quality. Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic experience.
The ideal candidate has a strong sense of design, composition, and storytelling through environments, with the ability to translate narrative needs into believable, visually engaging spaces.
Previous experience on a feature animated film is required.
This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.
Responsibilities
  • Create art for project concepts, environments, set designs, and related visual development elements (textures and surface details are a plus)
  • Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final environment concepts
  • Develop environment designs, including turnarounds, floor plans, and layout studies to support spatial storytelling and production needs
  • Create set dressing and environmental detail callouts to help define world-building elements and visual continuity
  • Produce 2D and/or CG visual development models to explore scale, composition, and cinematic staging of environments
  • Conduct visual and narrative research to inform design decisions and ensure environments feel grounded, intentional, and story-driven
  • Develop presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent, mood, and storytelling purpose
  • Brainstorm and explore inventive environmental ideas that enhance storytelling, deepen world-building, and reinforce tone and emotion
  • Apply strong knowledge of architecture, landscape design, and spatial composition to create believable and engaging environments
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
  • Maintain organized files following show-specific versioning and naming conventions
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Revise and resubmit work as needed based on feedback from the Production Designer or Art Department leadership
  • Collaborate closely with the Production Designer, art team, leadership, and production staff regarding status updates, progress, and any production challenges

Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in environment design/ visual development on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design environments that support narrative, mood, and character action
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work clearly and respond effectively to feedback
  • Strong understanding of architecture, perspective, composition, and spatial design
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. 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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