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Visual Development Artist Jobs in California (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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... Background in art direction, storyboarding, or visual development * Familiarity with what makes ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... Background in art direction, storyboarding, or visual development * Familiarity with what makes ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist -- the creative brain ... Background in art direction, storyboarding, or visual development * Familiarity with what makes ...

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All JobsVisual Development Artist JobsVisual Development Artist Jobs in California

Visual Development Artist information

See California salary details

$36K

$106.4K

$150.5K

How much do visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual development 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 does a typical workday look like for a Visual Development Artist?

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 is a Visual Development Artist job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Visual Development Artist position, and why are they important?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Development Artist jobs in California? The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Visual Development Artist jobs in California? For Visual Development Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Visual Development Artist jobs? Cities in California with the most Visual Development Artist job openings:
Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 13 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. 
 
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