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.

Responsibilities

Create art for project concepts, environments, set designs, and related visual development elements (textures and surface details are a plus)

Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final environment concepts

Develop environment designs, including turnarounds, floor plans, and layout studies to support spatial storytelling and production needs

Create set dressing and environmental detail callouts to help define world-building elements and visual continuity

Produce 2D and/or CG visual development models to explore scale, composition, and cinematic staging of environments

Conduct visual and narrative research to inform design decisions and ensure environments feel grounded, intentional, and story-driven

Develop presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent, mood, and storytelling purpose

Brainstorm and explore inventive environmental ideas that enhance storytelling, deepen world-building, and reinforce tone and emotion

Apply strong knowledge of architecture, landscape design, and spatial composition to create believable and engaging environments

Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production

Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency

Maintain organized files following show-specific versioning and naming conventions

Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff

Revise and resubmit work as needed based on feedback from the Production Designer or Art Department leadership

Collaborate closely with the Production Designer, art team, leadership, and production staff regarding status updates, progress, and any production challenges

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

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

#Animation