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Visual Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epacenter

Visual Arts Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$57K - $73K/yr

VISUAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR Job Type: Part-time Temporary, Reports to: Director of Visual Arts ... Commitment to ongoing professional development both as an artist and as an arts educator * Cultural ...

Epacenter

Visual Arts Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

VISUAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR Job Type: Part-time Temporary, Reports to: Director of Visual Arts ... Commitment to ongoing professional development both as an artist and as an arts educator * Cultural ...

Epacenter

Visual Arts Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$57K - $73K/yr

VISUAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR Job Type: Part-time Temporary, Reports to: Director of Visual Arts ... Commitment to ongoing professional development both as an artist and as an arts educator * Cultural ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 is a visual artist?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How much money does a visual artist make?

The average salary for a visual artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, but typically ranges from $20,000 to $70,000 annually. Many visual artists supplement income through commissions, gallery sales, or teaching, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite can influence earning potential.

What are 5 careers in visual artist?

Five careers for a visual artist include becoming a fine artist, graphic designer, illustrator, art director, or muralist. These roles often require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and may involve working in studios, agencies, or freelance settings. Each career offers different opportunities for creative expression and project types.

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, agencies, or freelance settings.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,416 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Visual Arts Instructor

arc After School and Experiential Education

Imperial, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Visual Arts Instructor – Imperial ValleyMake a Difference Through Art!

Do you love working with teens? Are you passionate about visual arts, creativity, and helping young people express themselves? Do you want to introduce students to the many career possibilities within the arts?

If so — we want to meet YOU!

At Arc Experience, we bring learning to life through engaging enrichment programs that support youth across Southern California, including the Imperial Valley. We value our instructors and provide the structure, support, and resources they need to create meaningful experiences for students.

Our instructors are at the heart of Arc. As a Visual Arts Instructor, you'll help students build artistic skills, explore their creativity, gain confidence, and discover how their interests in art can translate into future educational and career opportunities.

About the Role

Arc Experience is seeking a creative and engaging Visual Arts Instructor to lead enrichment courses for students in the Imperial Valley.

This course will introduce students to foundational visual arts skills through hands-on projects while exposing them to potential college and career pathways in art, design, and other creative industries.

Instruction may be delivered in one of two formats:

  • Twice per week for 5 weeks, or
  • Once per week for 10 weeks
What You'll Teach

Students will participate in engaging, hands-on visual arts lessons that may include:

  • Drawing, painting, illustration, or mixed-media techniques
  • Elements of art and principles of design
  • Creative expression and developing original concepts
  • Hands-on individual and collaborative art projects
  • Introduction to tools, materials, and artistic techniques
  • Career exploration in visual arts, graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, and other creative fields
  • Professional skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and presenting one's work

You'll lead your own class and create an environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, building new skills, and developing their own artistic voice.

Schedule & Compensation
  • Location: Imperial Valley, CA
  • Schedule: Flexible; generally between 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday
  • Hours: Based on course structure; 10 total instructional sessions
  • Pay Rate: $35/hour for instructional time | $22/hour for meetings or non-teaching time
  • Position Type: Part-time
  • Travel: Must be comfortable traveling between participating school sites and Arc locations as needed
What You'll Do
  • Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate visual arts lessons
  • Facilitate hands-on art projects and creative activities
  • Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment
  • Encourage students to experiment, problem-solve, and express themselves creatively
  • Teach foundational artistic techniques and concepts
  • Introduce students to educational and career pathways within visual arts and creative industries
  • Manage classroom materials and maintain an organized learning environment
  • Attend occasional meetings or training sessions as needed
What We're Looking For
  • Experience or a strong background in visual arts, fine arts, design, illustration, or a related creative field
  • Passion for working with and mentoring high school students
  • Confidence leading a classroom and facilitating hands-on projects independently
  • Ability to make visual arts approachable, engaging, and fun for students with varying experience levels
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Reliable transportation for travel within the Imperial Valley
  • Teaching, coaching, mentoring, or youth program experience preferred
  • Professional or educational experience in visual arts is highly valued
Why Join Arc?
  • $35/hour for instructional time
  • Flexible, part-time opportunity
  • Share your passion and artistic expertise with the next generation
  • Help students discover creative talents and potential career pathways
  • Gain meaningful experience working with high school students
  • Opportunity for ongoing or expanded instructional work beyond the initial course

Turn creativity into impact. Join Arc Experience and help Imperial Valley students build artistic skills, confidence, and a vision for what's possible after high school.

Apply