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Visual Development Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Gofractional

Senior Visual Design Artist

Dublin, CA · On-site

$75 - $104/hr

Knowledge of the game development pipeline including optimization, localization, implementation ... other visual designers and artists to develop interactive experiences for League of Legends. We ...

TrueShort

Reference Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This role sits at the intersection of concept design, visual development, and AI-native production workflows. We're looking for artists with strong visual taste, storytelling instincts, and an ...

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 ...

PlayStation Global

Senior 3D UI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient, execution-focused 3D artist who thrives in a structured ... Experience with icon design and light visual development within a defined art direction * Comfort ...

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 ...

SharkNinja

Associate Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

What You'll Do Own visual development across campaigns, including moodboards, style boards, visual ... Partner with producers, directors, DPs, editors, designers, motion teams, CG/VFX artists, stylists ...

Ninjakitchen

Associate Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$118 - $196/hr

What You'll Do Own visual development across campaigns, including moodboards, style boards, visual ... Partner with producers, directors, DPs, editors, designers, motion teams, CG/VFX artists, stylists ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Brand Designer

Costa Mesa, CA

$109K - $116K/yr

... artist, but passionate about elevating creative vision. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Conceptualize, develop, and execute creative end-to-end across digital, print, and web * Visual development using sketches ...

Anduril Industries

Motion Designer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate is not only an impeccable artist, but also has outstanding knowledge of form ... Visual development of kinetic text and motion graphics, mission scenes, animations utilizing both ...

Skydance

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$4.0K - $4.6K/wk

This position requires a strong artistic sensibility, a deep understanding of visual storytelling ... Create and contribute high-quality concept art, visual development materials, and key imagery

SCALIS

Character Designer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$115 - $140/hr

... artistic direction of each project. * Support additional concept development, world-building, and visual design initiatives as needed. You'll need to have: * Professional experience designing ...

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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 Sep 7, 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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Visual Development Artist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Visual Development Artist jobs in California are:

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
Infographic showing various Visual Development Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,416 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Visual Arts Instructor

Epacenter

East Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

VISUAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
Job Type: Part-time Temporary,
Reports to: Director of Visual Arts
Organizational Overview
EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement headquartered in East Palo Alto. We are dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community.
EPACENTER presents a dynamic range of public programs, including captivating live performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and installations, stimulating lectures, curated film screenings, and spirited community events. Our comprehensive array of classes in digital, visual, and performing arts offers abundant opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the discovery of lifelong passions. Additionally, fellowship and training programs open doors to rewarding high-wage careers within the creative industries.
Designed as an inviting and accessible 25,000-square-foot space, EPACENTER is a welcoming gathering spot where people of all abilities explore their talents, engage with inspiring ideas, and flourish creatively.
Position Overview
The Visual Arts instructor role at EPACENTER is a highly visible, involved role with measurable outcomes. Reporting to the Director of Visual Arts, instructors are expected to design curricula in alignment with youth development and holistic well-being.
The Visual Arts instructor teaches mixed-media, collage, sewing, fiber arts, sculpture, flower-making, etc. to children and youth, ages 3-18. Visual Arts Instructor creates a class syllabus, develops lesson plans, teaches an assigned class, manages the classroom, tracks attendance, and oversees the administration of class evaluations.
The EPACENTER studio model draws on a socially engaged, materials-based approach to producing art, treating public space, a wall, hallway, or classroom as a canvas for participatory, site-specific storytelling.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 - 5 years teaching visual arts in a non-traditional learning environment for school-age children.
  • Active pedagogical approach to education
  • Deep experience in community-centric design, immersive exhibition design, environmental design
  • Comfort working collaboratively and adapting to real-world constraints
  • Openness to giving and receiving feedback
  • Experience working with children and adults in an arts environment
  • Exhibition history
  • Experience in the planning and delivery of high-quality, discipline-specific instruction for youth in community arts programs
  • Ability to collaborate and interact in a professional, diplomatic and clear manner with others, including young people, lead instructors, staff, and community partners
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development both as an artist and as an arts educator
  • Cultural competency and experience working effectively in communities of color
  • Knowledge of youth development best practices and theory
  • Passion for the arts with an understanding of how the arts and creativity can transform lives and contribute to community building and placemaking

Desired Qualifications
  • Spanish speaking, or multilingual a plus
  • Museum education experience
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and solution-oriented approach
  • Prior experience with a studio-based arts education environment
  • Familiarity with sketching, illustration, digital software, basic fabrication tools

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling materials.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by email.
  • Ability to read printed materials and computer screens for extended periods.

Who Should Apply
This program is for artist educators who are expressly interested in working with young people and exploring how that informs their practice.

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