1

Animation Background Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

... background is a must - open to Lumberyard / CryEngine, Crytek experience * Experience shipping titles for AAA PC/ Console is mandatory Preferred Qualifications:- * Solid skills in ancillary animation ...

Storyboard Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$74.52/hr

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... Traditional art, photography, or film background. This job may be covered by a collective ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... Traditional art, photography, or film background. This job may be covered by a collective ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... Traditional art, photography, or film background. This job may be covered by a collective ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... Traditional art, photography, or film background. This job may be covered by a collective ...

Storyboard Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$74.52/hr

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... Traditional art, photography, or film background. This job may be covered by a collective ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animation Background Artist information

See California salary details

$5

$28

$37

How much do animation background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation background artist in California is $28.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an animation background artist?

An Animation Background Artist typically spends their day creating detailed and stylistically appropriate environments that serve as the settings for animated sequences. This involves collaborating closely with art directors, layout artists, and character designers to ensure visual continuity and meet the production's artistic vision. Tasks often include sketching environment concepts, refining digital paintings, adjusting layouts based on feedback, and delivering finished backgrounds on schedule. Artists also attend regular team meetings to discuss progress and integrate changes requested by the animation or production teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation background artist?

To thrive as an Animation Background Artist, you need strong skills in drawing, painting, color theory, and spatial design, typically supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and often 3D programs such as Blender is highly valued, alongside a robust digital portfolio. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and attention to detail help artists excel in the fast-paced animation pipeline. These skills ensure that backgrounds effectively support the story, maintain visual consistency, and enhance the overall quality of the animated production.

What does an animation background artist do?

An Animation Background Artist creates the environments and settings for animated scenes, establishing the mood, atmosphere, and style of a project. They design and paint backgrounds that complement character animation while maintaining visual consistency. These artists work closely with directors and designers to match the aesthetic vision of the production. Their work can be done traditionally or digitally, often using software like Photoshop, Blender, or Procreate.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Background Artist jobs in California? The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Background Artist jobs in California? For Animation Background Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Background Artist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Background Artist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Background Artist jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Background Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Background Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,753 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Anatomage, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Who is Anatomage?

Founded in 2004, Anatomage is a world-leading health care technology company. Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual dissection platform.

About the Role:

As a VFX and Animation Artist at Anatomage, you will be the driving creative force

behind our real-time simulations and visual effects. While this role requires a

well-rounded 3D generalist skillset including modeling, texturing, and lighting, your

primary focus will be crafting stunning visual effects and lifelike animations.

What You’ll Do:

You will utilize your 3D generalist skills - spanning modeling, texturing, and lighting - to

create a variety of digital environments. Your main emphasis will be bringing these

environments to life by executing workflows across both real-time simulation and

character animation within Unreal Engine. You will utilize the Niagara system and

Houdini to create scientifically accurate special effects. You will also handle character

rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger background or

personal specialization in one of these areas, you will be expected to actively deliver

results across both disciplines, ensuring all assets are technically optimized for our

interactive platforms.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities Required:

Candidates should have a strong 3D generalist foundation in industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, or Substance Painter for modeling, texturing, and lighting environments. Alongside these generalist skills, candidates must possess deep, hands-on experience in either real-time VFX such as Niagara, Blueprints, Houdini simulation pipelines or advanced character rigging and animation fundamentals including experience with MetaHumans or a strong combination of both. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, artistic talent, and exceptional attention to detail.

* Resume and Portfolio required in order to be considered*

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

Formal education in Art, Digital Arts, 3D Modeling, Animation, Medical Illustration, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills will also be considered. Minimum 3 years of professional realtime VFX or Animation experience.

Benefits

What We Offer

  • Health, Dental, and Vision care for you and your family
  • 401K savings plan with employer matching
  • Generous PTO leave and paid holidays
  • Casual work culture
  • Commuter benefits
  • On site gym facility
  • Team bonding activities, catered lunches, and free snacks in the office!

About Anatomage

Anatomage has been financially robust and growing for 20 consecutive years.

Anatomage offers the world’s first and only life-sized virtual dissection table. Students can learn anatomy and physiology using highly interactive and accurate real human-based digital data. Institutions can offer high quality education without worrying about chemicals, facility costs, and regulatory issues. Hundreds of schools have adopted the Anatomage Table as the main teaching tool for students.

At Anatomage, there is an opportunity to work alongside the best in the field. With a diverse group of people from various technical, clinical, and artistic backgrounds, Anatomage provides a culture where distinguished individuals can work and collaborate in an organic manner. Our team members all bring unique strengths and talents to their group and embrace each other's diverse perspectives. Anatomage offers a distinct work experience with an exceptional opportunity to develop careers. Our philosophy is to foster a dynamic work environment, and we are proud to let our employees' knowledge and responsibilities grow with the company.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $80,000.00- $120,000.00 Annually. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S.. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

Anatomage is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not offer H1B Sponsorship at this time. Local candidates preferred.