Visual Development Artist - Feature

Sony Pictures Animation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sony Pictures Animation in Los Angeles is seeking a Visual Development Artist to work with the Production Designer, Art Director and creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film. You will create artwork for sets, locations, props, characters, VFX, color schemes and overall style, from concept sketches to final paintings, in a fast-paced pre-production environment.

The role is union-covered and offers collaboration with a global talent pool, with emphasis on

Qualifications

• Proficiency in drawing, anatomy, perspective, color theory and lighting.
• Ability to work in varied styles from cartoony to realistic.
• Experience in set/location/props design, character/costume design, or color styling.
• Familiarity with 2D to 3D translations is helpful.
• Strong problem solving and time management in fast-paced production.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Generate artwork for sets, locations, props, characters, VFX, color schemes and style.
• Create sketches, explorations, refined designs and final paintings.
• Inform early story and visual development through artwork.
• Collaborate with leadership to translate the film vision into the finished look.
• Present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs.
• Ensure all artwork is backed up, organized and stored properly.
• Respond to feedback and iterate on designs throughout production.
• Meet production schedules while maintaining high artistic quality.

Skills

Drawing

Anatomy

Design

Perspective

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Photoshop

Cintiq

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 $53.37/hour to $83.75/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.