Visual Development Artist

MFI Technologies Incorporated; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydance Animation seeks an experienced Visual Development Artist to shape the film's worlds through compelling environments that support narrative, mood, themes, and character.

You will generate environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements while ensuring consistency with the established style and storytelling. The role requires on-site hybrid work in Los Angeles and strong collaboration with the Production Designer and art team.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in environment design/ visual development on animated feature films.
• Strong visual storytelling with environments that support narrative, mood, and character action.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work clearly and respond effectively to feedback.
• Strong understanding of architecture, perspective, composition, and spatial design.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs.
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus.
• Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839

Responsibilities

• Develop environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements.
• Ensure consistency with established style, story themes, and overall visual quality.
• Collaborate with Production Designer, art department, and leadership to define look and feel.
• Help shape the worlds that support narrative and create a rich cinematic experience.

Skills

Strong visual storytelling

Adobe Photoshop

Communication & collaboration

Architecture & perspective

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Blender

ZBrush

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by developing compelling, immersive environments that support narrative, mood, themes, and character.

You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film's established style, story themes, and overall visual quality. Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic experience.

The ideal candidate has a strong sense of design, composition, and storytelling through environments, with the ability to translate narrative needs into believable, visually engaging spaces.

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required.

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.

Visual Development Artist

Role Type

Full-time

Requirements

• 8 years of experience in environment design/ visual development on animated feature films
• Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design environments that support narrative, mood, and character action
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work clearly and respond effectively to feedback
• Strong understanding of architecture, perspective, composition, and spatial design
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
• Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839