Visual Development Artist - Feature

About the role

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

Pay and benefits

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.

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.