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Visual Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brave Christian Schools

Visual Art Teacher

Dublin, CA · On-site

$50K - $63K/yr

This full-time position will teach a variety of visual arts courses, including traditional studio art, digital photography, and graphic design. The ideal candidate is first and foremost an educator ...

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

TEACHING ARTIST

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Position Summary The Music Center seeks experienced, creative, and collaborative Teaching Artists in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, media arts, or multidisciplinary arts to provide high-quality ...

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All JobsVisual Artist JobsVisual Artist Jobs in California

Visual Artist information

See California salary details

$36K

$106.4K

$150.5K

How much do visual artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual artist in California is $106,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get as a visual artist?

A visual artist can pursue various roles such as fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, muralist, concept artist, or art director. These jobs often require skills in drawing, painting, digital tools, and a strong portfolio, and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-earning jobs such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $3,000 or more per day. In creative fields like high-profile visual artists or commercial photographers with significant commissions or contracts, daily earnings can also reach this level, especially with established reputations and premium clients.

What is the difference between Visual Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectVisual ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfoliosDesign degrees, software skills
Work EnvironmentStudios, galleries, public spacesOffices, agencies, client sites
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, installationsAdvertising, branding, marketing

While both Visual Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Visual Artists focus on personal or fine art projects often showcased in galleries or public spaces. Graphic Designers typically work on commercial projects like branding and advertising, using specific software tools. The roles overlap in creativity and visual communication but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

What jobs can you do with visual arts?

A visual artist can pursue careers such as fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, art director, muralist, or animator. These roles often require skills in drawing, painting, digital tools, and creativity, and may involve working in studios, agencies, or freelance settings.

What Does a Visual Artist Do?

A visual artist creates works of art using a variety of materials. As a visual artist, your duties may be to draw images, work with paint, develop murals, design in 3D, or create art with mixed media. While many visual artists create art solely to display in galleries and sell to collectors, you can also work in a variety of other fields. Your responsibilities vary with the position, but you can work as an advertising specialist, marketing director, CAD designer, product designer, and more. Visual artists can also work in the movie industry, develop video games, or create brand images for a company. Social media is another growing area where visual artists can create content.

What is the job of a visual artist?

A visual artist creates artwork using mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or digital media. They develop concepts, produce original pieces, and often work in studios or galleries, requiring skills in composition, color theory, and technical tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

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

To thrive as a Visual Artist, you need a strong foundation in drawing, color theory, composition, and art history, often supported by a degree in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate, as well as traditional media, is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective self-promotion are essential soft skills for standing out in a competitive field. These abilities enable artists to produce compelling work, adapt to evolving media, and build a sustainable career.

What are visual artists?

Visual artists are creative professionals who use various mediums—such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital art—to express ideas, emotions, or concepts visually. Their work can be displayed in galleries, public spaces, online platforms, or commercial settings. Visual artists may work independently or collaborate with organizations, and they often develop unique styles or techniques. The field encompasses a wide range of specializations, including fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and more.

How do visual artists typically collaborate with other creative professionals during a project?

Visual artists often work closely with graphic designers, art directors, writers, and marketing teams to bring creative concepts to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, interpreting briefs, and providing sketches or drafts for feedback. Clear communication and openness to constructive critique are essential, as projects may go through multiple revisions. This teamwork not only enhances the final product but also helps artists expand their creative network and skill set.
More about Visual Artist jobs
What are popular job titles related to Visual Artist jobs in California? For Visual Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Visual Artist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Artist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Visual Artist jobs? Cities in California with the most Visual Artist job openings:
Visual Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Artist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,416 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

AI Visual Artist / Show Designer -- Electronic Music Artist

Meme House LA, Inc

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$900 - $1.4K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

AI Visual Artist / Show Designer — Electronic Music Artist

Meme House LA, Inc

Contract, Part-time

Hybrid | BEVERLY HILLS, CA, United States


AI Visual Artist / Show Designer (Part-Time) — Electronic Music Artist

Emerging melodic techno artist is hiring a part-time AI visual artist to create immersive, cinematic stage visuals and content. Cosmic, dark, atmospheric aesthetic (think Afterlife / Anyma / Tale of Us-inspired). Long-term creative partnership.

Schedule: Part-time — approximately 20–30 hours per month. Flexible.

Responsibilities:

  • Create AI-generated visual content for live show backdrops and screens

  • Design looping visuals synced to tracks (cosmic, sci-fi, atmospheric themes)

  • Produce short-form AI video content for social media and music releases

  • Build a visual library that supports the artist's overall brand identity

  • Collaborate with the videographer and content manager on visual consistency

Requirements:

  • Strong portfolio in AI-generated visuals, motion design, or VJ work

  • Proficient with tools like Runway, Kaiber, Sora, Pika, Midjourney, After Effects

  • Understanding of electronic music culture and stage visual aesthetics

  • Creative, reliable, and able to deliver consistent monthly output