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Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arena Stage

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from ... Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check ...

Arena Stage

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from ... background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District ...

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 ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$143K - $179K/yr

... background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks. Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Noticefor more information about what personal ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Position subject to a background screening. * This is a non-union position. * This position is ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Position subject to a background screening. * This is a non-union position. * This position is ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Position subject to a background screening. * This is a non-union position. * This position is ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Position subject to a background screening. * This is a non-union position. * This position is ...

Caldera

Camp Caldera Teaching Artist

Sisters, OR · On-site

$154/day

Two years of experience teaching art to youth from underserved communities and a background in the arts, through education or profession * Familiarity with culturally responsive and anti-oppression ...

Kids' Orchestra

Teaching Artist

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$25/hr

DESCRIPTION Teaching Artist Kids' Orchestra - Baton Rouge, LA POSITION SUMMARY Kids' Orchestra is a ... Background Check and Child Abuse Prevention Training are required as a condition of employment Kids ...

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How much do background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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.

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 background artists?

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.

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 get paid?

Background artists in the entertainment industry typically earn between $20,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Entry-level artists may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries or hourly rates, often working with digital tools like Photoshop and SketchUp.
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Background Artist jobs near you
Sandwich Artist

Sandwich Artist

CLIPPER PETROLEUM INC

Cumming, GA • On-site

$10 - $12.50/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Sandwich Artist greets and serves guests, prepares product, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and handles or processes light paperwork. Exceptional customer service is a major component of this position. The Sandwich Artist greets and serves guests, prepares product, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and handles or processes light paperwork. Exceptional customer service is a major component of this position.
Education: Some high school or equivalent.
Experience & Skills: No previous experience required.Ability to understand and implement written and verbal instruction.
Must pass background check and drug screen.

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