ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Visual Development Artist Jobs in Pasadena, CA (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

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 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 ...

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 ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - FX Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The FX Artist will help bring all forms of real-time FX to life and push the visual development of a high quality project. The Artist will develop an artistic vision of hand-crafted FX to be used in ...

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 · Remote

$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 ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

This role straddles visual development, art direction, technical illustration, and storytelling ... artist in games, film or entertainment * Expert knowledge in 2D illustration and conceptual ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

This role straddles visual development, art direction, technical illustration, and storytelling ... artist in games, film or entertainment * Expert knowledge in 2D illustration and conceptual ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVisual Development Artist JobsVisual Development Artist Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Visual Development Artist information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$39.8K

$117.6K

$166.3K

How much do visual development artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual development artist in Pasadena, CA is $117,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $165,800.00 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 Pasadena, CA?

The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Visual Development Artist jobs in Pasadena, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Visual Development Artist jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Visual Development Artist jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Visual Development Artist jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Visual Development Artist job openings:

Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Development Artist job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,619 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Visual Development Artist works closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film, including sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style. This is a union-covered position.

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:
  • Work under the guidance of the Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork related to sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style
  • Generate work across all stages of production, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final paintings
  • Create artwork that informs the early story and visual development process, as well as the production process
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished look
  • When requested, build and present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs
  • Ensure all artwork is accurately backed up, organized and stored appropriately
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
Qualifications:
  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory 
  • Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.  
  • Areas of expertise to include one or more of the following: set/location/props design; character/costume design; special effects design; and/or color styling
  • A solid understanding of 2D to 3D translations and hands-on use of 2D or 3D tools in your design process is helpful
  • Able to solve problems creatively
  • Manage time efficiently
  • The ability to work creatively in a fast-paced production environment under pressure
  • Self-motivated, good communication skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook
  • Working knowledge of software and hardware, including Photoshop and Cintiq

The anticipated base salary for this position is $59.16/hour to $85.00/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement.The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Apply