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Lookdev Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Krea.ai, Inc

Account Executive

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We care about creativity: our team includes musicians, designers, visual artists, and engineers ... Be the creative's partner: map real workflows (storyboards, lookdev, asset pipelines, versioning ...

Canoo

Creative / Art Director

Justin, TX · On-site

$142K - $150K/yr

... artists creating images, video and animations of our products at a high standard. You will work ... lookdev, theming and ideation all the way through to delivering final production design. While ...

All JobsLookdev Artist Jobs

Lookdev Artist information

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$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do lookdev artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lookdev artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lookdev Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lookdev Artist, you need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, texturing, shading, and rendering, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Houdini, Substance Painter, and rendering engines like Arnold or V-Ray is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication with other departments set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure that assets meet both artistic vision and technical requirements, resulting in visually compelling projects.

Is VFX artist a good career?

A VFX artist is a professional who creates visual effects for film, television, and other media, often requiring skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Nuke. The career offers opportunities in entertainment and advertising industries, with potential for growth as demand for high-quality visual effects increases. Success typically depends on technical proficiency, creativity, and a strong portfolio.

What is the difference between Lookdev Artist vs Texture Artist?

AspectLookdev ArtistTexture Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant art or technical backgroundPortfolio, focus on texturing skills
Work EnvironmentVFX, animation, gaming studiosVFX, animation, gaming studios
ResponsibilitiesDefines material properties, shading, lighting for realistic or stylized looksCreates surface textures, maps, and details for models

The Lookdev Artist focuses on defining how surfaces look under various lighting conditions, including shading and material properties. The Texture Artist specializes in creating detailed surface textures and maps to enhance visual realism. While both roles work closely in the asset creation pipeline, the Lookdev Artist emphasizes material setup and lighting, whereas the Texture Artist concentrates on surface detail and surface quality.

What are Lookdev Artists?

Lookdev Artists, short for Look Development Artists, are professionals in the visual effects (VFX), animation, and gaming industries responsible for defining the appearance of digital assets. They create the materials, textures, shaders, and lighting that give 3D models their final look, making sure they appear realistic or stylistically appropriate for the project. Lookdev Artists collaborate closely with modelers, lighting artists, and art directors to ensure visual consistency and achieve the desired artistic vision. Their work is crucial in bridging the gap between the creative concept and the technical execution of digital imagery.

How does a Lookdev Artist typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

A Lookdev Artist works closely with modeling, lighting, and compositing teams to ensure that the visual assets meet the creative vision and technical requirements of the project. Communication is key, as Lookdev Artists often need to adjust materials or textures based on feedback from supervisors or changes in lighting setups. They also collaborate with pipeline developers to ensure assets are optimized for rendering. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and efficiency across the production process.

What does a lookdev artist do?

A lookdev artist is responsible for creating the visual appearance and surface qualities of 3D models and environments in film, animation, or video games. They work with shading, lighting, and texturing techniques using tools like Maya, Substance Painter, or Houdini to achieve realistic or stylized looks that match the project's artistic vision.

What is the highest paid art job?

In the art industry, senior roles such as Lead Lookdev Artist or Art Director tend to have the highest salaries, especially in large studios or high-budget projects. These positions require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Substance Painter, and often involve overseeing teams and project vision.

How much do vis dev artists make?

Lookdev artists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior artists with specialized skills in software like Maya or Substance Painter can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or large studios.
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What cities are hiring for Lookdev Artist jobs? Cities with the most Lookdev Artist job openings:
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Lookdev Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lookdev Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing

Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing

Spencer's and Spirit Halloween

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Spencer's rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

Overview

We are authentic, professional providers of fun, focused on building a Great Place To Work For All by staying true to our mission: "Life's a Party, We're Makin' It Fun!" and "So Much Fun It's Scary!"

At Spencer's and Spirit, we do the right thing always-integrity, fairness, respect, and transparency are our foundation. You will find our culture to be inclusive, passionate, resilient, and one that values differences and embraces all.

One Team / One Goal

We are leaders and owners of our business success. Whether it's developing new and exclusive costumes, quality testing products, or implementing technology solutions, our teams understand the value of working collaboratively to embrace change through innovation, curiosity, and thoughtfulness.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Flexible work environment
  • Career advancement
  • Competitive base salary
  • Bonus opportunity
  • Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holiday pay
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life and AD&D insurance
  • 401k with a company match
  • 30% merchandise discount
Responsibilities

The Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing with the costume design team to create PBR textures and materials for garment printing and fabrication utilizing 3D surfacing workflows; work to bridge 3D + 2D design into the real world of costumes.

  • Work alongside the costume design team to produce high-quality PBR (physically based rendering) textures and materials for garment printing specific to costumes
  • Leverage Substance Painter / Designer and emerging AI workflows
  • Manage and review outsourced assets
  • Collaborate across multiple teams and projects, adhering to the needs of the business and deadlines
Qualifications
  • Experienced 3D Texture/Lookdev artist
  • Strong PBR (physically based rendering) fundamentals experience
  • Hands-on experience using Substance Painter or Mari
  • Working knowledge of a 3D software like ZBrush and CLO/ Marvelous Designer
  • Clear understanding of color space, shading, lighting, rendering, and texture baking methods
  • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate multiple projects seamlessly
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Self-starter; comfortable leading the charge with projects and deadlines
  • 3D character art experience is a plus
  • Experience in games, toys, fashion, or other product development is a plus
  • Required software experience: Zbrush, Substance Painter/Mari, Clo3D/ Marvelous Designer, Illustrator, Photoshop
  • Blender, Maya, Mesh Mixer preferred

The pay range reflects the potential base salary range for this role. Individual base pay is determined by various factors such as relevant experience and skills, and the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Pay Range$75,000 - $85,000Employment Type: OTHER

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