---
title: 'Visual Development Artist - Feature at Sony Pictures Animation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/visual-development-artist-feature-sony-pictures-animation-los-angeles-california-pv59pfvbnmgc'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-25'
---

# Visual Development Artist - Feature at Sony Pictures Animation

- **Company:** Sony Pictures Animation
- **Location:** Los Angeles California, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-09-23
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-25
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonypicturesanimation/jobs/8004004003

## 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.

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.

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.

## About Sony Pictures Animation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world, including theatrical films and streaming series.
- **Entity Type**: Division of a Public Company (Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, TYO: 6758)
- **Headquarters**: Culver City, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founders**: Not publicly available (division of Sony Pictures Entertainment)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Animated film and television production
- Target customers: B2C (global moviegoers and streaming audiences); B2B (theatrical distributors, streaming platforms)
- Mission/purpose: To tell visually groundbreaking, emotionally resonant stories through animation, fostering a creative and inclusive environment for talent.

## Products & Services
- **[Theatrical Feature Films]**: Original animated comedies, franchise sequels, and adaptations. Recent examples include “GOAT” (2025, produced with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media), “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” (2027), and “Buds” (2027). [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/about)
- **[Streaming / Series]**: Television series and direct-to-streaming content, such as the upcoming “Motel Transylvania” series, expanding the Hotel Transylvania franchise. [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/about)
- **[Production Services]**: Full CG animation, storyboarding, visual development, and post-production (compositing, lighting) handled in-house at the Culver City studio. [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/careers)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (division of Sony Pictures Entertainment; Sony Group Corp. market cap ~$110B as of mid-2025)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue not publicly reported; the studio has produced multiple Academy Award-winning/nominated films (e.g., “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” won Oscar; “Across the Spider-Verse” nominated).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Sony Pictures Entertainment (parent); Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media (co-producer of “GOAT”); Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (producers of Spider-Verse franchise).
- **Growth Signals**: Active production on two major 2027 theatrical releases; expansion into series with “Motel Transylvania”; continued hiring across art, CG, and production departments. [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/about)

## Competitive Advantages
- **IP Portfolio**: Owns and controls major franchises (Spider-Verse, Hotel Transylvania, The Mitchells vs. The Machines) with strong global brand recognition.
- **Technical Innovation**: Pioneered a unique hybrid CG/2D visual style in the Spider-Verse films, setting industry benchmarks for animation artistry.
- **Talent Pipeline**: Deep bench of in-house supervisors and directors; access to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s broader network of filmmakers, technology, and distribution.
- **Studio Culture**: Commitment to diversity through Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) and supplier diversity programs. [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/careers/our-studio)

## Strategic Focus
- **Franchise Continuation**: Delivering the conclusion of the Spider-Verse trilogy and expanding the Hotel Transylvania universe into series.
- **Original Content**: Developing original IP like “Buds” and “GOAT” to reduce reliance on existing franchises.
- **Talent Development**: Investing in story artists, character designers, and CG supervisors to maintain high creative standards.
- **Inclusion & Equity**: Strengthening diverse representation both on-screen and behind the camera through EBRGs and inclusive hiring practices.

## Why Work Here
- **Creative Environment**: Home to award-winning storytellers and artists working on high-profile animated features and series.
- **Culture & Inclusion**: Equal opportunity employer with active Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) that support professional growth and community. [sonypicturesanimation.com](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/careers/our-studio)
- **Career Growth**: Opportunities for advancement across art, CG, story, and production management; roles are primarily on-site in Los Angeles.
- **Notable Perks**: Reasonable accommodation for disabilities; standard Sony Pictures benefits (health, retirement, etc.); access to a global entertainment network.
- **Current Openings**: 11+ jobs listed on Greenhouse (as of mid-2025) including Art Director, Character Designer, Story Artist, CG Supervisor, and Production Manager. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonypicturesanimation)

## Sources
1. [sonypicturesanimation.com - About](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/about)
2. [sonypicturesanimation.com - Careers](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/careers)
3. [sonypicturesanimation.com - Our Studio](https://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/careers/our-studio)
4. [greenhouse.io - Jobs at Sony Pictures Animation](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonypicturesanimation)

## Other roles at Sony Pictures Animation

- [Compositor - Series](https://feeny.ai/job/compositor-series-sony-pictures-animation-los-angeles-california-tq21nn6vmxyk) — Los Angeles California, United States
- [Post Production Supervisor - Features](https://feeny.ai/job/post-production-supervisor-features-sony-pictures-animation-los-angeles-nmtyzwf2yhe6) — Los Angeles California, United States