ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Visual Development Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Vancouver, WA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Previous experience as a visual development artist in animation is required. Responsibilities * Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Previous experience as a visual development artist in animation is required. Responsibilities * Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA

The Senior Visual Designer is responsible for creating cohesive, high-quality creative through ... Expert in print and digital files and development * Production artist capabilities such a design in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVisual Development Artist JobsSenior Visual Development Artist Jobs

Senior Visual Development Artist information

See salary details

$21

$56

$109

How much do senior visual development artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior visual development artist in the United States is $56.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $62.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Visual Development Artist vs Concept Artist?

AspectSenior Visual Development ArtistConcept Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant art degrees, experience in visual storytellingPortfolio, art degrees, strong drawing skills
Work EnvironmentFilm, animation, gaming studios, collaborative teamsPre-production, brainstorming sessions, independent or team projects
Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, film for visual style developmentPrimarily in entertainment, gaming, film for initial design concepts

The main difference is that Senior Visual Development Artists focus on creating the overall visual style and look for projects, working closely with art directors. Concept Artists primarily generate initial character, environment, and object designs during early production stages. Both roles require strong artistic skills and industry experience, but their focus and stage of involvement differ.

How does a Senior Visual Development Artist typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

As a Senior Visual Development Artist, you will frequently collaborate with directors, art directors, character designers, and 3D modelers to ensure a unified visual style across the project. Your role often involves translating story concepts into detailed visuals that serve as references for other departments. Effective communication and the ability to receive and incorporate feedback are essential, as you’ll participate in regular reviews and brainstorming sessions to align creative direction. This collaborative environment allows you to contribute to the overall artistic vision while learning from cross-functional teams.

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

To thrive as a Senior Visual Development Artist, you need advanced drawing and painting skills, a strong understanding of color theory and composition, and a portfolio showcasing experience in concept art for animation or games. Mastery of digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and familiarity with 3D software like Blender or Maya is often expected. Strong communication, creative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the effective translation of storytelling ideas into compelling visuals that drive the overall look and feel of a project.

What is a Senior Visual Development Artist?

A Senior Visual Development Artist is a creative professional who helps define the visual style, mood, and look of animated films, video games, or other media projects. They create concept art, color scripts, environments, characters, and props that guide the production team in achieving a cohesive visual direction. Senior artists in this role are also responsible for mentoring junior artists, collaborating with directors and other departments, and ensuring that the visual storytelling aligns with the project's vision. Their work is critical in establishing a project’s unique identity and atmosphere.
What cities are hiring for Senior Visual Development Artist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Visual Development Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Development Artist jobs? The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Visual Development Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Visual Development Artist jobs include:
Senior Visual Development Artist jobs near you

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA

$59.16 - $85/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

The Visual Development Artist works closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film, including sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style. This is a union-covered position.

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:
  • Work under the guidance of the Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork related to sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style
  • Generate work across all stages of production, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final paintings
  • Create artwork that informs the early story and visual development process, as well as the production process
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished look
  • When requested, build and present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs
  • Ensure all artwork is accurately backed up, organized and stored appropriately
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
Qualifications:
  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory 
  • Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.  
  • Areas of expertise to include one or more of the following: set/location/props design; character/costume design; special effects design; and/or color styling
  • A solid understanding of 2D to 3D translations and hands-on use of 2D or 3D tools in your design process is helpful
  • Able to solve problems creatively
  • Manage time efficiently
  • The ability to work creatively in a fast-paced production environment under pressure
  • Self-motivated, good communication skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook
  • Working knowledge of software and hardware, including Photoshop and Cintiq

The anticipated base salary for this position is $59.16/hour to $85.00/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement.The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Apply