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Visual Development Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist- Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

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 content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

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 content using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a hands-on role ...

Skydance Media

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

Previous experience as a visual development artist in animation is required. Responsibilities * Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall ...

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture within the larger Production and Art team Requirements * 5+ years of experience working as a visual development artist on animated ...

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Visual Development Artist information

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$36.5K

$107.8K

$152.5K

How much do visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 a visual development artist?

A Visual Development Artist creates the overall look and feel of a project by designing characters, environments, props, and color schemes. They work closely with directors and art teams in animation, film, and gaming to establish a cohesive visual style. Their work helps guide the production team in bringing the story to life. This role requires strong artistic skills, creativity, and knowledge of digital painting and design tools.

What does a visual development artist do?

As a Visual Development Artist, your day often begins by reviewing project briefs and collaborating with the art director or other team members to align on creative direction. You’ll spend a significant portion of your time sketching, painting, and revising environment designs, characters, or color scripts, either digitally or traditionally. Regular feedback sessions with the team are common, providing opportunities to iterate and improve your work. Throughout the day, you may also research visual references and ensure your designs are consistent with the project’s overall style and story. This mix of creative independent work and collaborative interaction is key to shaping the visual identity of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual development artist?

To thrive as a Visual Development Artist, you need strong skills in drawing, color theory, composition, and storytelling, often backed by a degree in art or a related field. Proficiency with digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and knowledge of 3D software like Blender or Maya is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills, helping you translate concepts into compelling visuals and collaborate with other team members. These abilities enable you to contribute high-quality visual assets that guide the look and feel of animation, film, or game projects.

How much do visual development artists make?

The average salary for a visual development artist ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level artists typically earn lower wages, while those with advanced skills in digital tools like Photoshop and Maya can command higher salaries.

What do you need to be a visual development artist?

A visual development artist typically needs strong artistic skills, including drawing, painting, and design, along with proficiency in digital tools such as Photoshop or SketchUp. A relevant portfolio demonstrating concept art and visual storytelling is essential, and a background in fine arts, illustration, or animation can be beneficial. Knowledge of industry workflows and collaboration with other creative teams is also important.
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Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Development Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,828 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Visual Development Artist

MFI Technologies Incorporated

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 5 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.

Visual Development ArtistRole Type

Full-time

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
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