Skip to content
Close
Apply Now
Apply Now
look-dev-artist-header-01

Look Dev Artist

Everything you need to know about the job of a look dev artist including required skills, responsibilities and salary.

Student work by John Olofinskiy

What does a look dev artist do?

Look dev artists (also known as surfacing artists or surfacers) play a crucial part in both pre-production and post-production processes. They oversee the overall look of the initial artwork and concentrate on developing the aesthetics of the game in pre-production. In post-production they create the final finishes on the game’s textures. 

The texture artist will provide the textures chosen for assets then the look dev artist will add shading, special effects, contours, etc. They will also develop the differing conditions of a texture, for example how it will react to elements such as water, light, wind, fire, etc. In terms of character design, they may work on skin textures such as goosebumps, heckles, burns, etc. 

Establishing visual style is an important responsibility of the look dev artist. They work within genre, geography, and mood to help establish the world of the game. They keep these style filters consistent throughout the work to maintain a seamless gamescape. 

Look dev artist job description

As the title suggests a look dev artist focuses on the development of the visual style of the game. Overseeing all elements such as layouts, environments, characters, objects, assets, etc are in line with a uniform look. This involves setting the style, color scheme, genre, and execution of the artwork.

Look dev artists put the finishing touches on textures to keep them in line with the aesthetics of the game. They curate the color scripts of the game, determining the mood of a scene or level. This is done by determining rendering processes and the stylized asset designs.  

Role & responsibilities of a look dev artist in the film and games:

  • Create mood boards, color schemes, and lighting plans as references for animators and designers
  • Produce a variety of variations of designs and concepts for approval
  • Maintain production documentation
  • Establish format procedures and guidelines
  • Ensure that textures are believable and work well on screen
  • Test ideas to achieve maximum quality results
  • Provide rough preliminary composites of renders for review
  • Apply texture maps, set up scene templates, and define standard render passes
lookdev-sandworm-header

How much does a look-dev artist make?

The role of a look dev artist is not an entry-level one, it requires at least 2-3 years of experience in game art design to take on the heavy responsibility of overseeing the entire look of a game. The average salary of a Look Dev Artist ranges from USD $63,000 to USD $117,000. Source: Glassdoor

63k Jnr. Look Dev Artist
$117k Snr. Look Dev Artist

Skills required to become a look dev artist

The Look Dev Artist has to have a keen eye for detail and the ability to look at the big picture of a game. They are adept at interpreting visual styles across all environments, backgrounds, characters, and assets. Working with a clear vision of the final integrated aesthetic is a vital skill for the look dev artist.

Video game studios may look for the following skills in a look dev artist:

  • Strong understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, lighting, spatial awareness, etc
  • Highly experienced in texturing and adding effects to textures
  • Able to produce multiple revisions of artwork as briefed
  • Experience with fur and hair grooming and cloth simulation design
  • Able to create photorealistic finishes and visual effects 
  • Familiarity with texture mapping and finishing

What software and tools do look devs use?

Look dev artists may initially sketch out designs and storyboards with pen and paper, however, all artwork is finished and presented digitally.

Look dev artists may need knowledge of a combination of the following software:

maya
TOUCH

Maya is a comprehensive 3D animation software used for creating detailed models, animations, and visual effects. It's popular in film, TV, and game development for its powerful tools.

3dsmax
TOUCH

3ds Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

cinema4d
TOUCH

Cinema 4D is a 3D software suite developed by the German company Maxon

substance painter
TOUCH

Substance Painter: The tools you need to texture your 3D assets, from advanced brushes to Smart Materials.

photoshop
TOUCH

Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and published by Adobe for Windows and macOS. It was created in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll

houdini logo
TOUCH

Houdini is built from the ground up to be a procedural system that empowers artists to work freely, create multiple iterations and rapidly share workflows with colleagues. 

A day in the life of a look dev artist

Working from concept art, real-world reference, and scans, 3D modelers and look dev artists help make a film or game more dynamic, adding to world building and uniformity, constructing the overall realism of the story (even if done so stylistically).

With entertainment and technology veering towards augmented and virtual reality, and an increase in streaming services, the need for experienced texture artists will only rise. 

How to become a look dev artist

Increase your chances of getting hired with these strategies for success: 

Download software

Try free 3D modeling programs like Blender, ZBrushCoreMini, or Houdini Apprentice. Otherwise, Autodesk Maya (industry standard) offers a free trial. 

Build skills

Build the skills companies are listing on job sites. For more support, enroll in a reputable course. CG Spectrum’s courses include mentorship from 3D modeling pros and an industry-led curriculum. 

Watch trends

Online tutorials, webinars, and events can help keep your skills fresh. 

Network

Networking is vital. Familiarize yourself with the industry and build your community. Interact online and in real life with industry pros who might offer advice, insights, or job opportunities. 

Intern

Internships at VFX or game studios can help you break into the industry. It’s one way to gain hands-on experience, network, and experience studio life. 

Sell assets

Create and sell assets and texture packs on Unreal Engine Marketplace or similar to gain exposure, get feedback, demonstrate skills to potential employers and collaborators, and make money! 

Collaborate

Know a rigger or modeler who needs texture work done? Collaborating with peers is fun and can produce polished work for your reel. 

Join contests

Practice your skills and create assets for your reel by participating in contests and challenges on sites like The Rookies, ArtStation, and 3Dtotal. 

Share work

Social media is great for showcasing work, building an audience, having your work shared by others, and seen by potential clients and collaborators. 

animation-header-00

Ready to Start Your Film & Games Journey?

Download our course guide to see how we can help you on your pathway to your dream career.

Tips to break into the industry as a look dev artist

Additional resources to help you get started as a look dev artist for film and games:

Demo reel tips: 

  • Tailor your reel to the studio and role you’re applying for 
  • Include scale reference to show your model is at the correct scale 
  • Where possible, show your model moving (e.g., via a turntable or rigged animation) 
  • If textured, render your model under different lighting conditions 
  • Use Vimeo for best video quality, plus you can update your video 
  • Embed your reel on a platform (like ArtStation) with high-res stills of your model’s best angles 
  • No studio experience: keep your reel < 1 min. 1–2 years experience: < 2 mins Work in progress is fine, but only include your best models 
  • Ensure music doesn’t distract from your work 
  • Double-check for errors; then check again 
  • Get feedback from at least 3 mentors or industry pros before finalizing 
  • Include reference footage, breakdowns, and credits where relevant 
  • Specify if your model is for animation, VFX, or games (each has different requirements) 
  • Share your reel on your website, ArtStation, LinkedIn, and other social channels 
  • Include any production experience 
bryan bentley headshot original

Industry Pathways

Bryan Bentley, 3D Modeling Curriculum Manager at CG Spectrum, shares how he broke into modeling almost by chance, from landing his first internship at the Jim Henson company to working at ILM on the Oscar-winning film Rango. Throughout, Bryan has nurtured his love for education and life-long learning.