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Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

TEACHING ARTIST

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Teaching Artists deliver engaging, standards-based arts instruction in a variety of educational and ... Criminal background check, as permitted by applicable law. * Tuberculosis (TB) clearance, if ...

Walsworth

Artist (61386)

Brookfield, MO

Artistic background demonstrated through education and portfolio, with proficiency in Photoshop, and InDesign. * Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple ...

Walsworth

Artist (61386)

Brookfield, MO · On-site

Artistic background demonstrated through education and portfolio, with proficiency in Photoshop, and InDesign. * Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple ...

Joyful Art Center

Teaching Artist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

Background in arts education, youth development, or community programming, including creating lesson plans and facilitating group learning. * Strong classroom management, communication, and ...

Creative Action

Teaching Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Artistic Background: Experience in visual arts, theater, music, dance, or film (Preferred). * Educational Experience: Prior work with youth in educational or recreational settings; knowledge of ...

Creative Action

Teaching Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Artistic Background: Experience in visual arts, theater, music, dance, or film (Preferred). * Educational Experience: Prior work with youth in educational or recreational settings; knowledge of ...

CLIPPER PETROLEUM INC

Sandwich Artist

Lula, GA · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

The Sandwich Artist greets and serves guests, prepares product, maintains food safety and ... Must pass background check and drug screen.

CLIPPER PETROLEUM INC

Sandwich Artist

Lula, GA · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

The Sandwich Artist greets and serves guests, prepares product, maintains food safety and ... Must pass background check and drug screen.

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC INC

Teaching Artist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$25 - $120/hr

Cover Letterthat succinctly communicates in one page how your educational and artistic background aligns with BAM's arts education mission and services. * Teaching Resumethat outlines all completed ...

SUNY Buffalo State University

Artist's Model

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$16/hr

With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies ... Background Investigation Statement All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background ...

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Background Artist information

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How much do background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for background artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a background artist?

Background artists, also known as background painters or environment artists, are professionals who create the scenery, landscapes, and environments seen behind the main subjects in animated films, television shows, video games, and illustrations. Their work helps set the mood, establish the setting, and support the storytelling by providing detailed and visually appealing backgrounds. Background artists collaborate closely with other members of the art and animation team to ensure consistency in style and vision throughout the project.

How do background artists typically collaborate with other members of the animation team during a production?

Background artists work closely with art directors, layout artists, and animators to ensure the visual environment supports the story and character actions. They often attend team meetings to review storyboards and receive feedback, making adjustments to maintain consistency in style and mood. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as background artists may need to revise their work to align with changes in direction or animation requirements. This collaborative process helps create immersive settings that enhance the overall animation project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Artist, you need strong artistic ability in drawing, painting, and composition, usually supported by a portfolio and relevant art or design education. Familiarity with digital illustration software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and industry-standard tools like Toon Boom or Blender is often necessary. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for producing visually cohesive environments. These skills ensure that backgrounds enhance storytelling and maintain visual consistency in animation, games, or film productions.

What is the difference between Background Artist vs Concept Artist?

AspectBackground ArtistConcept Artist
Required CredentialsArt degree or equivalent, portfolioArt degree or equivalent, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, animation studiosVideo game, film, animation studios
Industry UsageCreates backgrounds for scenesDesigns characters, environments, ideas
Common Search IntentBackground design, scene creationCharacter and environment concepts

Background Artists focus on creating detailed backgrounds and environments for scenes in animation, film, and TV. Concept Artists develop initial designs and visual ideas for characters, settings, and objects. While both roles require strong artistic skills and similar credentials, Background Artists specialize in scene backgrounds, whereas Concept Artists work on conceptualizing the overall look and feel of projects.

How much do background artists make?

Background artists in the entertainment industry typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on major productions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by freelance work or overtime. Skills in digital painting, animation software, and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

How to get hired as a background artist?

To get hired as a background artist, build a strong portfolio showcasing your environment and scene work, and gain proficiency in tools like Photoshop, SketchUp, or Blender. Relevant experience, a good understanding of perspective and color, and networking within the industry can improve your chances of employment.
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Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Freelance Background Artist for YouTube Studio

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

Newscape Studios
See more jobs at Newscape Studiosexternal

$800/wk

Contractor

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Newscape Studios, Inc has a dozen YouTube channels, with over 10 million total subscribers. We create content based on popular video games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and original animations. Newscape also produces a vast array of videos for a young audience and content through animation and machinima.
We are looking to add Freelance 2D Background artists to our team to work on our animation. Candidates must have substantial knowledge using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop. Toon Boom knowledge is a plus but not required.
Animation channels to match style of:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToxKVrkEuAONR4rFIJ_DyQ
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Keep an organized and efficient workflow
  • Fully finalize environments and background props for full use in production
  • Meet daily quotas during the production week
  • Responsible for approximately 25 environments per week.
  • Complete revisions by deadline given by management
  • Depending on skill and experience some duties and responsibilities may differ

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Procreate
  • Illustrator/Background artists must be able to adapt to a variety of styles
  • Strong understanding of composition, perspective, color theory, light and form is a must
  • Must be able to work as part of a team
  • Communicates effectively
  • Great listening skills
  • Great time management skills
  • Comfortable in meeting deadlines and daily quotas
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency

Competitive pay: $800.00 per production week
Portfolio is required to be considered.
This is a remote/ work from home, Independent Contractor Position.
Artists with LLCs are preferred but not required.
If you receive an email from Newscapeprocareers.com this is a scam. Newscape Studios will not email questionnaires, ask for any personal information such as SS #, address, or bank account information or present a job offer without a face to face interview with our supervisors and/or Human Resources. If you receive an email from newscapeprocareers.com, please report to the authorities. Be careful of scams.

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