Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Sony Pictures Animation in Los Angeles is seeking a Visual Development Artist to collaboratively shape the look of our feature film. You will work closely with the Production Designer, Art Director and leadership to design sets, locations, props, characters, color schemes and the overall style, from concepts to final paintings.

You must excel at drawing and painting, handle a range of styles from cartoony to realistic, and translate ideas into production-ready artwork while meeting schedules.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in drawing including human and animal anatomy; strong understanding of design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory.

Responsibilities

• Work with Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork for sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes and overall style.
• Generate sketches, rough explorations, refined designs and final paintings across all production stages.
• Create artwork that informs early story development and the production process.
• Collaborate with leadership to translate the film vision from concept to finished look.
• Present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts when requested.
• Keep artwork organized and backed up properly.
• Communicate questions or production concerns to supervisors and staff.
• Meet production schedules while maintaining high artistic quality and consistency.

Skills

Drawing

Design

Perspective

Color theory

Lighting

Composition

Storyboarding

Tools

Photoshop

Cintiq

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.

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.