ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Visual Development Artist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Graphics Artist, Journeyman

Odenton, MD · On-site

$142K - $170K/yr

Develop visual concepts from start to finish with creativity and precision, while adhering to ... Contribute to the development of analytic standards and best practices, continuously improving ...

Leidos

Graphics Artist, Journeyman

Odenton, MD

$142K - $170K/yr

Develop visual concepts from start to finish with creativity and precision, while adhering to ... Contribute to the development of analytic standards and best practices, continuously improving ...

Leidos

Graphics Artist, Journeyman

Odenton, MD

$142K - $170K/yr

Develop visual concepts from start to finish with creativity and precision, while adhering to ... Contribute to the development of analytic standards and best practices, continuously improving ...

Leidos

Graphics Artist, Journeyman

Odenton, MD · On-site

$142K - $170K/yr

Develop visual concepts from start to finish with creativity and precision, while adhering to ... Contribute to the development of analytic standards and best practices, continuously improving ...

Pae

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Hanover, MD · On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Provide senior visual design leadership supporting development and sustainment of technical ... The Level 3 Graphic Artist provides production governance and quality review for visual assets;

Amentum

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Hanover, MD · On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Provide senior visual design leadership supporting development and sustainment of technical ... The Level 3 Graphic Artist provides production governance and quality review for visual assets;

HITT Contracting, Inc.

Brand Director

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Direct the visual development of large-scale productions including corporate videos, photography ... Bachelor's degree in marketing, graphic design, fine arts, or a related field * 12+ years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVisual Development Artist JobsVisual Development Artist Jobs in Washington

Visual Development Artist information

See Washington salary details

$41.3K

$122.1K

$172.7K

How much do visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual development artist in Washington is $122,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $172,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Visual Development Artist jobs in Washington?

For Visual Development Artist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Visual Development Artist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Visual Development Artist job openings:

Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Development Artist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,126 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company

Washington, DC • On-site

$96 - $128/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, commission, produce, and edit photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.

  • Manage all aspects of photographic assignments, including photographer selection, creative direction, production planning, timelines, and budgets.

  • Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.

Job description

Senior Photo Editor, Features to help shape the visual storytelling of the brand’s most ambitious editorial work. This role is responsible for developing, commissioning, producing, and editing photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms, working closely with editors, writers, designers, photographers, and producers from concept through publication.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional visual storyteller with strong editorial judgment, a deep knowledge of photography, and extensive experience managing complex assignments and productions. This individual will bring creative vision, organizational excellence, and a collaborative approach to producing compelling visual journalism that reflects National Geographic’s commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities
  • Commission, edit, and produce photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.
  • Identify and develop visual storytelling approaches that elevate editorial content.
  • Manage all aspects of assignments, including photographer selection, creative direction, production planning, timelines, and budgets.
  • Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.
  • Lead visual development for special projects, editorial packages, and franchises.
  • Ensure accuracy and quality of all photo deliverables, including captions, credits, rights, and metadata.
  • Provide production support for domestic and international assignments.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with photographers and visual storytellers around the world.
  • Represent National Geographic within the photography and visual journalism community.
Basic Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in photo editing, visual storytelling, and commissioning within editorial media.
  • Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
  • Experience managing complex photographic assignments and productions.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital asset management systems.
  • Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Photo editing software such as Adobe Bridge, Lightroom.
Required Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Preferred Education
  • Advanced degree or specialized training in Photography, Journalism, Visual Storytelling, Documentary Studies, Fine Arts, or a related field.
  • Professional coursework or demonstrated expertise in photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, visual editing, or documentary production.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $95,500 to $128,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply