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Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Teaching Artist Report to: Director of Education and Public Programs Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt ... Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts. * Spanish/English ...

Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Teaching Artist Report to: Director of Education and Public Programs Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt ... Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts. * Spanish/English ...

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 ...

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 ...

Teaching Artist

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$50 - $60/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 ...

Teaching Artist

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

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

A strong artistic background combined with the ability to translate that into effective and engaging lessons for different age groups. * Proficient with a variety of art media and techniques that are ...

A strong artistic background combined with the ability to translate that into effective and engaging lessons for different age groups. * Proficient with a variety of art media and techniques that are ...

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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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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.

Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY • On-site

El Museo del Barrio
Museums and Historical Sites • 11 - 50 employees

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Title:               Teaching Artist
Report to:      Director of Education and Public Programs
Status:           Part-time, Non-Exempt
El Museo del Barrio, New York's leading Latino cultural institution, welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic and cultural landscape of the Caribbean and Latin America. The richness of Latino cultures is represented in El Museo's wide-ranging collections and exhibitions, complemented by performing arts events, cultural celebrations, and educational programs. A dynamic artistic, cultural, and community gathering space, El Museo is a center of cultural pride on New York's Museum Mile.
SCOPE AND PURPOSE:
El Museo del Barrio seeks Teaching Artists to co-develop and facilitate learning experiences that connect audiences to the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and mission. Teaching Artists lead discussions in the galleries, facilitate hands-on artmaking experiences, and contribute to the development and day-to-day implementation of the museum's education and public programs. In addition to teaching, they help prepare materials and learning spaces, support program operations, contribute creative ideas, and assist with a variety of administrative and behind-the-scenes projects that make museum learning possible.
This role is designed for experienced teaching artists who also maintain an artistic practice and are comfortable working across a range of materials and approaches and with audiences of all ages.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching and Facilitation

  • Facilitate gallery-based discussions and hands-on artmaking experiences in teaching workshops for K–12 students, educators, families, and adult audiences.
  • Lead programs across formats, including group visits to the museum, off-site school partnerships, public programs and cultural celebrations, and outreach initiatives.
  • Guide participants in exploring artistic ideas through both conversation and creative practice, using a range of materials and techniques.
  • Adapt content and teaching approaches to meet the needs of diverse audiences, learning styles, and age groups.
  • Create inclusive and engaging learning environments that encourage participation, creativity, and conversation.
Program Development
  • Co-develop and adapt curriculum, workshops, and program content in collaboration with museum staff.
  • Integrate exhibition content, artistic practice, and cultural context into learning experiences.
  • Bring knowledge of materials, artistic processes, and creative approaches into program design.
  • Contribute ideas for new educational activities, participatory experiences, and public programs.
  • Assist with the creation and fabrication of educational resources, art-making activities, interpretive materials, and program installations.
Department and Program Operations
  • Prepare materials, supplies, and learning spaces before and after programs.
  • Maintain classrooms, studios, and education storage areas in a clean, organized, and welcoming condition.
  • Support group visit administration, including reservations, attendance tracking, scheduling, and other logistical tasks.
  • Assist with departmental recordkeeping, inventory management, and program documentation.
  • Support the setup, operation, and breakdown of public programs, festivals, workshops, and special events.
  • Perform other administrative and operational duties that support the work of the Education & Public Programs department.

Qualifications
  • Experience teaching in museums, classrooms, or community-based settings required.
  • Experience working with a variety of art mediums and facilitating hands-on artmaking.
  • Strong facilitation skills and ability to engage diverse audiences across age groups including children and adults.
  • Ability to adapt content and teaching approach in real time for different audiences.
  • Interest in culturally responsive and teaching practices.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Comfortable balancing teaching responsibilities with administrative, logistical, and collaborative project work.
  • Experience with art fabrication, exhibition preparation, or creative project implementation is a plus.
  • Experience developing or implementing curriculum preferred.
  • Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts.
  • Spanish/English bilingual skills highly desirable.
Hourly Range:  $30hr -$35hr
 

_________

El Museo values diversity in backgrounds and in experiences. El Museo’s commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that commitment, El Museo provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic information, gender identity and/or expression, military, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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