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Background Artist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Mccneb

Art Adjunct Instructor

Elkhorn, WI · On-site

$580/wk

SUMMARY The Arts department is seeking a positive, supportive, and dynamic Art Instructor to teach ... Hiring process includes passing a background check. The specific statements shown in each section ...

Wisconsin

Undergraduate Program Assistant

Madison, WI

$43K - $60K/yr

The Department of Communication Arts is seeking an organized and detail oriented Undergraduate ... Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer ...

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Background Artist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$9

$24

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How much do background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for background artist in Wisconsin is $24.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $28.12 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin?

For Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Artist jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Background Artist jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Background Artist job openings:

Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Artist job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,742 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Pathways Internship: Communication and Design

Universities of Wisconsin

Stevens Point, WI • On-site, Remote

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

University Of Wisconsin System rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Current Students: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Workday Internal Jobs Site for Students
Position Title:
Pathways Internship: Communication and Design
Job Category:
Student Hourly
Job Profile:
Student Help
Job Summary:
Position Title: Arts & Design Office Manager (Internship)
Department: Native American Center
Supervisor: Rachel Davis, Native American Center Mentor and Coordinator
Location: Native American Center, UW-Stevens Point
Type: Internship - Academic Year or Semester-Based
Compensation: 15/hr Stipend from Pathways and or Work Study from NAC
Position Summary:
The Arts & Design Office Manager internship is a high-impact, culturally grounded opportunity for students interested in Indigenous representation, storytelling, and ethical visual communication. The intern will collaborate closely with the Native American Center Mentor to develop and implement outreach, marketing, and programming materials that reflect the values and voices of Indigenous students, alumni, and community partners.
This position includes training in cross-cultural communication, the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, and culturally responsible design principles, offering experiential preparation for careers in arts administration, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or education.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Create visually engaging, culturally respectful marketing materials for events and programs
  • Assist with storytelling efforts that uplift AIRO members, alumni, and partner communities
  • Manage and maintain creative and cultural resources (craft supplies, medicines, tools)
  • Support internal programming including crafting workshops, cultural outings, and skill-building activities
  • Collaborate with other team members to ensure coordinated outreach and programming
  • Contribute to the upkeep of a welcoming, inclusive, and relationally grounded space

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Interest or background in graphic design, communication, art, or marketing
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Indigenous cultural representation and protocols
  • Strong organizational and creative skills
  • Comfortable working in a collaborative, community-centered environment

Skills Gained Through Internship:
  • Design and outreach strategy development
  • Professional cross-cultural communication
  • Community-building through arts and media
  • Project management and program coordination
  • Applied understanding of cultural sovereignty and Indigenous advocacy

Learning Outcomes
LO1 - Knowledge & Understanding (Bloom: Remember & Understand)
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of federal laws related to Native arts (e.g., Indian Arts and Crafts Act) and the cultural protocols for representing Native Nations and their citizens.

LO2 - Application & Creative Thinking (Bloom: Apply & Create)
  • Students will design culturally appropriate marketing and outreach materials that promote Native American Center events, using best practices in ethical design and storytelling.

LO3 - Collaboration & Communication (Bloom: Apply & Analyze)
  • Students will collaborate with team members to plan and implement arts-based and cultural programming, demonstrating effective interpersonal and intercultural communication.

LO4 - Leadership & Project Management (Bloom: Analyze & Evaluate)
  • Students will organize and maintain program supplies and assist in developing outreach strategies, demonstrating leadership, accountability, and organization.

LO5 - Cultural Responsibility & Reflection (Bloom: Evaluate & Create)
Students will reflect on the role of arts and design in Indigenous self-determination and apply that understanding to promote visual sovereignty and accurate cultural representation
Key Job Responsibilities:
Special Notes:
Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.EverythingPointsHere.com.
Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.
The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
EEO Statement:
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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