ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Visual Development Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $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 · On-site

$2K - $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 ...

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 shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a ...

New

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 shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsTemporary Visual Development Artist Jobs

Temporary Visual Development Artist information

See salary details

$36.5K

$107.8K

$152.5K

How much do temporary visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary visual development artist in the United States is $107,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectTemporary Visual Development ArtistConcept Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant art or design backgroundPortfolio, art or design degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFilm, animation, or game studios, often on a temporary basisGame, film, or animation studios, often freelance or full-time
Industry UsageUsed for early-stage visual exploration, concept refinementCreates initial character, environment, or object concepts

The Temporary Visual Development Artist and Concept Artist roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within the entertainment industry. The main difference is that the Temporary Visual Development Artist focuses on supporting visual development during production, while the Concept Artist primarily creates initial concepts and designs. Both roles are essential for visual storytelling but differ in scope and stage of the creative process.

What are some common challenges faced by Temporary Visual Development Artists, and how can they navigate them effectively?

Temporary Visual Development Artists often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new art styles and project requirements, as they may join ongoing productions for limited periods. Balancing creativity with the established visual direction of a project is essential, and clear communication with art directors and other team members can ease this transition. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and integrating feedback efficiently are crucial skills. Building flexibility and strong collaboration habits helps temporary artists contribute effectively while expanding their professional network.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Visual Development Artist, you need strong artistic fundamentals, proficiency in drawing and color theory, and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your visual storytelling abilities. Familiarity with digital painting tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes 3D software such as Blender or Maya is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with directors and other artists under tight deadlines. These skills ensure the development of compelling visual concepts that align with project goals and maintain production efficiency.

What are Temporary Visual Development Artists?

Temporary Visual Development Artists are creative professionals hired for a limited period to help shape the look and feel of animated films, television shows, or video games. They create concept art, character designs, environments, color scripts, and other visual assets that guide the production team. Their work helps establish the overall style and mood of a project before it moves into full production. Temporary roles typically support specific projects or fill in during busy production periods.
What cities are hiring for Temporary Visual Development Artist jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Visual Development Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Visual Development Artist jobs include:
Temporary Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 10 days 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. 
 
#Animation