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Visual Artist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

A nimble and hungry creative intern specializing in design, photography, video, and visual arts. Our goal is to make ads and social content for brands that will resonate with their target audience.

A nimble and hungry creative intern specializing in design, photography, video, and visual arts. Our goal is to make ads and social content for brands that will resonate with their target audience.

Senior Environment Artist

Boston, MA · On-site

$99K - $163K/yr

You will own the skyline to the streets, defining the visual identity of Cyberpunk 2. Note: * This ... Artists should include a portfolio to their application. Responsibilities: * Design and execute ...

You will own the skyline to the streets, defining the visual identity of Cyberpunk 2. Note ... Artists should include a portfolio to their application. Responsibilities: * Design and execute ...

Senior Environment Artist

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$99K - $163K/yr

You will own the skyline to the streets, defining the visual identity of Cyberpunk 2. Note: * This ... Artists should include a portfolio to their application. Responsibilities: * Design and execute ...

Showing results 21-40

Visual Artist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$38.2K

$113K

$159.8K

How much do visual artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual artist in Boston, MA is $112,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $159,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Artist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Visual Artist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Visual Artist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Visual Artist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Visual Artist jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Visual Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Visual Artist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,960 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Media Arts (Evergreen)

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity
Lesley University always welcomes applications for adjunct faculty to teach upcoming daytime or evening classes for our Media Arts programs at the undergraduate level. Subject areas in this department include courses on Animation, Film, Game Art, Game Design, and Visual Effects. Classes in this department are primarily taught in-person and on-campus.
Since adjunct faculty positions are ongoing, evergreen positions, your materials will remain on file and will be reviewed on an as-needed basis throughout the upcoming semesters. By submitting your application, you will be put into consideration for current and future adjunct positions within the undergraduate Media Arts subject area. We hire adjunct faculty on a regular cadence to support our Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The specific course hired for is subject to change depending on semester, course catalog, and department needs.
About Lesley Art + Design
At Lesley Art + Design, students are multidisciplinary artists who shape cultural trends and spark change. As future leaders in their fields, students understand that ideas and implementation are equally important, encompassing both artistic vision and business acumen.
Our undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts programs span Communication Arts, Illustration, Media Arts, and Studio Arts. We also offer low residency Master of Fine Arts programs in Visual Arts and Creative Writing.
Qualities & Capabilities
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Film, Game Design, Visual Arts, or related field
  • 2+ years minimum of professional experience working in a related arts field
  • Demonstrated successful experience teaching in the particular discipline at the undergraduate level
  • Experience in studio-based, experiential learning with an emphasis on student engagement
  • Demonstrated advanced studio competencies and fluency in technical, conceptual, medium-specific skills specified by the discipline
  • Experience and commitment to teaching and developing culturally responsive curriculum
  • Please note: Portfolio examples of the candidate's work and/or student work is required. Please provide a combined PDF that is no larger than 5mb, or a link to an online portfolio.

Preferred:
  • MFA or equivalent terminal degree in a related field
  • For Game Design courses, experience with Unreal Engine and Blueprint is necessary for most courses. Experience with software such as ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maya, Blender and related Game Design software are relevant, based on the course syllabus.
  • For Film courses, all faculty should be familiar with Adobe Premiere (or similar NLE) software. Experience with Adobe Audition, DaVinci Resolve and Celtx (or Final Draft) are also valuable. Courses may include on-set skills with Canon or Blackmagic cameras, studio lighting, audio recording. Other courses include editing, post-production and audio post. Familiarity with cinema history, contemporary discourse and production practices are also valuable. Filmmaking requires a range of skills, which can be relevant to the course syllabus. Please list areas of filmmaking where you have expertise, as our courses cover a range of topics.
  • For Animation & VFX courses, experience with ToonBoom, Maya, Blender, and DragonFrame is valuable. Experience with Unreal for virtual cinematography is a bonus. We offer a range of traditional, experimental, digital 2D and 3D animation courses. Familiarity with the history of animation, contemporary discourse and professional practice is valuable. Please list your skills and software expertise, as our courses cover a range of topics.

Why Lesley
Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.
Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.
Expressing Interest
A CV/resume which demonstrates teaching experience, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.
At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.
Lesley University Adjunct Faculty positions are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). To view our compensation targets for this position, please visit this link.