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Senior Visual 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 upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by ...

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 upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by ...

Apple Bank

Senior Visual Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$120K - $140K/yr

The Senior Visual Designer also contributes expertise to sponsorship advertisements, video ... Web development experience is considered a plus. Visa sponsorship not available. We are an equal ...

Apple Bank

Senior Visual Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Senior Visual Designer also contributes expertise to sponsorship advertisements, video ... Web development experience is considered a plus. Visa sponsorship not available. We are an equal ...

PacSun

Sr. Visual Designer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$88K/yr

... bring about positive development. Through our PacCares program, we are committed to our ... Provide additional support to the Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising in assisting in helping ...

Ellipsis Labs, Inc

Senior Visual Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$170K - $225K/yr

Ellipsis Labs is seeking a Senior Designer to define and elevate the visual language of our ... dev tools, etc.). * Portfolio demonstrating strong visual craft (type, color, layout), system ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130.90K - $156.70K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130.90K - $156.70K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual ...

Kofax

Sr. Visual Designer

ABOUT THE ROLE The Sr. Visual Designer is responsible for the design and production of marketing ... development plans and objectives while continually learning new software/tools, project management ...

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Senior Visual Communication Designer In a nutshell: Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the ... Contribute to the development and expression of brand identities across mediums * Create looks-like ...

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

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 8 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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