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Animation Background Artist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Animation Background Artist information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$28

$36

How much do animation background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation background artist in Minnesota is $28.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $32.26 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Background Artist jobs in Minnesota? For Animation Background Artist jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Background Artist jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Background Artist jobs in Minnesota are:
Animation Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Background Artist job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,300 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Continuing Education Instructor

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$57.82/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Contract
Description
JOB TYPE
Contract
SUMMARY:
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design seeks applicants for part-time, temporary teaching positions in the Continuing Education program. Continuing Education instructors must be sensitive to college needs, employee and student goodwill, and overall brand equity of MCAD as an employer and educational institution.
DETAILS:
This is an ongoing job posting for temporary, part-time contract teaching positions within Continuing Education Adult, Youth and Teen programs.
The teaching position is for new and existing courses focused on animation, comic art, drawing, graphic and web design, illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, photography, arts entrepreneurship, and other art and design related professional development topics.
MCAD Continuing Education courses are offered in-person and online, with a range of schedules and formats, from 1 day to 10 weeks in length.
  • Fall and Spring Semester: Weekday Afternoons, Evenings and Weekends
  • Summer Semester: Weekday Mornings, Afternoons, Evenings and Weekends

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Continuing Education classes are planned approximately 5-9 months in advance. You will be contacted for an interview if your background aligns with current hiring needs. Most Continuing Education instructors teach 1-2 classes per year, depending on need.
RATE OF PAY:
The starting rate is $57.82 per teaching hour.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/3927068/Minneapolis-College-of-Art-and-Design/Continuing-Education-Instructor
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create course description by established deadline. Course descriptions include course content, prerequisites, supplies, projects, and teaching methodologies.
  • Develop the course syllabus with learning outcomes and methodologies, required materials, and a detailed course calendar.
  • Proactively communicate with students regarding course schedule and content, answering questions in a timely manner, and addressing any concerns as they arise.
  • Provide supervision and guidance to Teaching Assistants, if assigned to the class.
  • Integrate student feedback methods into course structure.
  • Work collaboratively with MCAD staff as needed.
  • Complete end of semester tasks, such as submitting grades or course completion reports, completing evaluations, submitting any required paperwork, and other tasks, by established deadlines.
  • Represent MCAD's vision, mission, and values
  • Create and embrace a community of equal opportunities and inclusivity.
  • Read, understand, and agree to follow MCAD's policies: sexual violence and sexual harassment; minors on campus.

Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Post-secondary degree in selected area of teaching, required. Applicants without a degree may be considered if other qualifications are demonstrated.
  • Three (3) years experience teaching and/or developing engaging curriculum, required. Relevant professional experience in the selected area will also be considered.
  • Experience working with students from a range of backgrounds, required.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, required.
  • Experience with Google Suite or other cloud-based office suites, required
  • If teaching for the youth and teens programs: A license in K-12 education (or equivalent), preferred.
  • Experience with Learning Management Systems, Canvas in particular, preferred.
  • Advanced degree, preferred.

ENVIRONMENT:
This position operates in a classroom environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Must be able to move around the classroom to support students at tables, desks and floor. There may be extended periods of standing.
  • Must be able to move quickly to monitor students and ensure their safety while supervising.
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, as well as being receptive to others' perspectives.
  • The ability to observe details.
  • The ability to move boxes and supplies around campus, weighing up to 25 pounds.

BENEFITS: MCAD's community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. MCAD employees will accrue Earned Sick and Safe time as mandated by State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis.
BACKGROUND: Founded in 1886, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in the rich creative community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. The college offers bachelor's degrees in fourteen disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts; one MFA; three online master's degrees; and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills while developing their creative leadership capabilities.
MCAD is especially interested in candidates from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community. MCAD welcomes diversity of identity, experience, and thought. Members of marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
Salary Description
$57.82 per teaching hour

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