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Visual Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Netflix

Visual Development Artist - Ink

Los Gatos, 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 ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$67 - $75/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director's overall vision for story, character ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Previous experience as a visual development artist in animation is required. Responsibilities * Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs * Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs * Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director's overall vision for story, character ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Previous experience as a visual development artist in animation is required. Responsibilities * Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall ...

CRI Genetics

Product Designer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

You will lead the design thinking, research, interaction, and visual development behind the product. Experience: +5 years of experience in Product Designing/Development, experience in e-commerce or ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$236K - $395K/yr

Develop and communicate the style guide and theory; spanning visual development, color, backgrounds, characters, and props/fx * Work closely with other creative leadership throughout the production ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$236K - $395K/yr

Key Responsibilities Develop and communicate the style guide and theory; spanning visual development, color, backgrounds, characters, and props/fx Work closely with other creative leadership ...

Odys Aviation

Visual Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production ... You will own the visual and strategic narrative of our most critical investor and business ...

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All JobsVisual Development JobsVisual Development Jobs in California

Visual Development information

See California salary details

$73K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do visual development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual development in California is $100,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Visual Development vs Concept Artist?

AspectVisual DevelopmentConcept Artist
Primary FocusCreating the overall visual style, color schemes, and look of a projectDesigning specific characters, environments, or objects based on briefs
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with directors, art teams, and production designersWorks closely with art directors and clients to develop ideas
CredentialsTypically requires a background in fine arts, illustration, or animationOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on illustration skills

Visual Development focuses on establishing the overall visual style and look of a project, while Concept Artists create detailed designs for characters and environments based on that style. Both roles require strong artistic skills and often overlap, but Visual Development has a broader scope in defining the project's visual language.

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

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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.

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