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Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography ... Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

Joffrey Ballet

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50/hr

Clear background and reference checks are required. * Experience teaching and choreographing dances ... Must regularly explore skill development to grow as an artist and must be open to feedback.

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

Havas Health & You

Presentation Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

Presentation Artist The Presentation Artist creates, modifies, and prepares digital presentation ... College degree with a design background preferred * 2-4 years of experience in Powerpoint and ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography ... Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

The ideal candidate is a highly versatile game artist with experience creating and implementing ... Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of ...

Seattle Rep

Teaching Artist

Seattle, WA

$50/hr

Ability to pass a background check * Reliable transportation to get to Seattle Center * Proficiency ... Teaching Artists are required to get to and from Seattle Rep independently. Parking passes for ...

Seattle Rep

Teaching Artist

Seattle, WA

$50/hr

Ability to pass a background check * Reliable transportation to get to Seattle Center * Proficiency ... Teaching Artists are required to get to and from Seattle Rep independently. Parking passes for ...

Seattle Rep

Teaching Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$50/hr

Ability to pass a background check * Reliable transportation to get to Seattle Center * Proficiency ... Teaching Artists are required to get to and from Seattle Rep independently. Parking passes for ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The ideal candidate has a background in 3D video production and can import 3D CAD files into Maya ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

Havas Health & You

Presentation Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$138K - $166K/yr

Description Position at Havas Health & You Presentation Artist The Presentation Artist creates ... College degree with a design background preferred * 2-4 years of experience in Powerpoint and ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The ideal candidate has a background in 3D video production and can import 3D CAD files into Maya ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

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Background Artist information

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How much do background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Senior Artist

Arrow International, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join the Fun at Arrow International!
Arrow International is the world's #1 maker of charitable gaming products, from pull tabs and bingo paper to cutting-edge electronic gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're growing fast!
We're building a winning culture that's all about teamwork, passion, and innovation. At Arrow, you're not just another employee, you're part of a high-performing team that's redefining fun and giving back to communities. We believe in rewarding your hard work with profit-sharing, 401(k) matching, great benefits, and paid time off, including a bonus week every July!
If you're looking for a career that's exciting, meaningful, and full of opportunity, Arrow is the place to be.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative alignment, and maintain a high standard of work. The ideal candidate will have experience providing feedback, solving creative challenges, and driving visual consistency across projects.
Salary range commensurate with experience. This role provides competitive benefits including an annual performance bonus, profit sharing program, and a 401K with company match.
The Targeted Pay Range for this role is $80 - $120,000.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Support:
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback to artists at various experience levels to promote growth and skill development.
  • Support team members by troubleshooting artistic challenges and offering creative solutions.
  • Ensure the team's output aligns with project goals and meets Arrow's quality standards.
  • Foster collaboration across the art team, programmers, and other stakeholders.

Artistic Contribution:
  • Conceptualize and design visuals for layouts, UI, logos, characters, and other game elements across multiple styles and themes.
  • Create and animate high-quality 2D game assets and VFX.
  • Ensure timely delivery of assets to meet production deadlines while maintaining visual consistency.

Requirements
Experience and Education
  • Degree in Design, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or related field (Associates or Bachelors).
  • 5+ years of work experience as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer, or similar role, with demonstrated leadership experience.
  • Portfolio showcasing high-quality industry-standard artwork, including 2D game assets and animations.
  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and experience with After Effects for VFX animation.
  • Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition, with an eye for detail and precision.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and provide leadership.
  • Open to constructive critique and committed to ongoing learning and development.
  • Must work well in a team environment

Preferred Experience:
  • Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background.
  • Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of Spine is considered a plus
  • Experience with 3D Software (Maya, Blender, etc.).

We offer a dynamic and creative environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on exciting projects in the gaming industry. If you are passionate about animation and gaming, we would love to hear from you!
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is low.
  • May be required to sit for long and/or extended periods of time.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At Arrow International, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to serve our communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Arrow International is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, results of genetic testing,
veteran status, or physical or mental disability-except where such disability prevents performance of essential job functions and cannot be reasonably accommodated in accordance with applicable laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Arrow International is committed to complying with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, undergo any pre-employment testing, or otherwise take part in the employee selection process, please contact us at hr@arrowinternational.com.
Arrow International does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an approved vendor agreement will become the property of Arrow International, and no fees will be paid if the candidate is hired.
To ensure a safe and productive work environment, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must successfully pass a confidential pre-employment drug screening, which generally consists of a hair drug test, and receive an acceptable result as a condition of employment.

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