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Visual Development Artist Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

UNREAL Engine Developer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... visual arts. Candidate must be able to update existing experiences, trouble shoot, and create an ... development Experience with Blueprint Scripting Hands on experience primarily with C++ or other ...

Retail Sales Lead

Novi, MI · On-site

$15/hr

POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular ... Execute Visual Merchandising and Marketing directives from business partners while attending weekly ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect ... visual communication. Project Design and Documentation * Lead efforts to develop, modify, and ...

New

Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure amp ... visual communication. Project Design and Documentation * Lead efforts to develop, modify, and ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Visual Development Artist information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$36.1K

$106.5K

$150.7K

How much do visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual development artist in Detroit, MI is $106,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,400.00 and $150,200.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Visual Development Artist jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Visual Development Artist jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Visual Development Artist jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Visual Development Artist jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Infographic showing various Visual Development Artist job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,546 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

UNREAL Engine Developer

Virtual Producer

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an Unreal Engine developer to create training experiences for Virtual Reality across multiple industries. Having some experience with immersive VR is a plus. You will be involved in various aspects of content creation from concept to finished product including coding, programming, audio, design, production and visual arts. Candidate must be able to update existing experiences, trouble shoot, and create an experience from start to finish. The majority of our experiences are created for HTC Vive Pro, Valve Index or other tethered VR.

Responsibilities

Translate requirements into complicated but clean and efficient code

Construct the base or the engine on which the game will run

Produce prototypes of gameplay ideas and features

Develop schedules and determine milestones

Generate game scripts and storyboards

Animate characters and objects is a plus

Produce Virtual Reality experiences.

Contribute to the design and audio features of the game

Create unit tests and validation procedures to assure quality

Detect identification and resolution and document technical specifications

“Polish” the game, maintain code, fix bugs and iron out occurring problems

Skills

Proven working experience in full lifecycle game development

Experience with Blueprint Scripting

Hands on experience primarily with C++ or other programming languages (Java, C, etc) is a plus

High level knowledge of APIs and libraries

Expert in one or more programming specialties (artificial intelligence, 3D Rendering, 3D animation, physics, multiplayer/networking, or audio)

Up-to-date with the latest gaming trends, techniques, best practices and technologies

Ability to solve problems creatively and effectively

A background in multi-player / networking is a plus.

Additional Attributes

Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, within a team

Ability to quickly learn new technologies as needed

Ability to work within budgets and with strict deadline requirements

Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects working with supervisor to prioritize

Can effectively cope with change and shift gears comfortably

Can decide and act without having the total picture, handling risk and uncertainty

Comfortable participating in virtual meetings with internal and external stakeholders (camera on), and face-to-face communications

Conduct yourself with 100% integrity

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