Visual Development Artist

Title:  Visual Development Artist / Concept Designer (Freelance, Paid)

Description / Scope of Work

We are seeking a freelance Visual Development Artist / Concept Designer to support the early visual development of Instrumental, an independent animated short for kids and families.

The artist will work closely with the director to translate an existing creative vision into a cohesive visual language. This includes character exploration, environments, color, and mood development to support pitching, grant applications, and future animation production.

This is a limited-scope, early development role focused on exploration and clarity, not final animation.

Timeline

• Start: Flexible (target start within 1–2 weeks of hire)
• Duration: 4–6 week visual development sprint
• Time Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Revisions

• Up to 2 rounds of revisions per major deliverable are included
• Additional revisions may be discussed if scope changes

Deliverables

The freelancer will supply the following:

• Character design explorations for the two (2) main characters (multiple iterations)
• Environment/location concepts inspired by Chicago’s South Side / Bronzeville
• Color, lighting, and mood studies
• Contributions to a visual style guide / pitch deck (PDF format)

Delivery Format

• Digital files delivered via Google Drive or similar
• Accepted formats include: JPG, PNG, PSD, or Procreate files (layers preferred when applicable)
   

Usage / Rights

• All work is being created as work-for-hire
• Upon full payment, all rights will be owned by the project creator (Instrumental)
• Artwork may be used for:
  
  • Grant applications
  • Pitch decks
  • Festival submissions
  • Marketing and promotional materials
  • Animation production reference

The artist will receive screen credit and may include the work in their portfolio after public release or with written permission.

Number of Candidates Being Hired

• One (1) Visual Development Artist

Payment

• Paid, hourly: $20–30/hour (based on experience)
• Weekly hours will be capped and agreed upon in advance

Payment Structure

• A portion of the estimated total may be paid upfront
• Remaining balance paid upon delivery of agreed milestones
• Final rate and estimated total will be confirmed before work begins

Applicants are encouraged to share their hourly rate or a project estimate.

Contract

Yes — a written freelance/independent contractor agreement will be used.

Both parties will agree to scope, timeline, payment terms, and ownership before work begins.

Application Instructions

Please apply via Handshake.

Application Materials Required

• Brief introduction (email or cover note)
• Resume (optional but welcome)
• Portfolio link (required; student work welcome)
• Availability and location (Chicago-based or remote)