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Background Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA ... Background in creating dynamic presentations * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with ...

New

Chipton Ross

Designer 3

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$29.13/hr

Job #218095 Chipton-Ross is seeking multiple Designer 3's for a contract opportunity in Pascagoula ... Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior ...

Wrns Studio, Llp.

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Interior Designer | San Francisco WRNS Studio is seeking an Interior Designer for our San Francisco ... Preferred candidate will have a strong background in workplace interiors and planning * Expertise ...

New

Chipton Ross

Designer 4

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Job #218239 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Designer 4 for a contract opportunity in Pascagoula, MS ... Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackground Designer JobsBackground Designer Jobs in California

Background Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do background designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for background designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a background designer?

Background designers are artists responsible for creating the visual environments and settings in animation, film, video games, and other media productions. They design and illustrate the scenery, such as landscapes, interiors, and exteriors, that characters interact with. Their work helps establish the mood, style, and atmosphere of a scene, supporting the storytelling by providing context and depth. Background designers often collaborate closely with art directors, layout artists, and other team members to ensure their backgrounds fit seamlessly into the overall visual style of the project.

How does a background designer typically collaborate with animators and other artists during a production?

Background Designers work closely with animators, layout artists, and art directors to ensure that environments support the story and visual style of a project. Communication is key, as designers must adapt their work based on feedback and evolving animation needs. It’s common to participate in regular team meetings, share progress, and make revisions, ensuring backgrounds integrate seamlessly with character animation and overall scene composition. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and enhances the visual storytelling of the production.

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

To thrive as a Background Designer, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of perspective and composition, and often a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Familiarity with digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes 3D modeling tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and directors are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure that visual environments enhance storytelling and meet the artistic vision of animation or gaming projects.

What is the difference between Background Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectBackground DesignerEnvironment Artist
Required SkillsConcept art, 2D/3D design, illustration3D modeling, texturing, scene creation
Work EnvironmentFilm, animation, video gamesVideo game development, film, VR
Common CertificationsArt or design degrees, portfolio3D modeling certifications, portfolio

Background Designers focus on creating visual backgrounds and environments primarily for animation, film, and 2D projects, emphasizing illustration and concept art. Environment Artists typically work in 3D space, building detailed, immersive environments for video games and films. While both roles require strong artistic skills, Background Designers lean more toward 2D art and concept design, whereas Environment Artists specialize in 3D modeling and scene construction.

How do you become a background designer?

To become a background designer, individuals typically need a strong foundation in art and design, often gained through a bachelor's degree in fine arts, illustration, or related fields. Building a portfolio that showcases environment and background work, gaining experience with digital tools like Photoshop or Blender, and understanding perspective and color theory are essential steps in entering the profession.

What are the most commonly searched types of Background Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Background Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Background Designer jobs in California?

For Background Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Designer jobs in California are:

Background Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Designer

Impact Trial Consulting, LLC

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Impact is hiring! We are looking to add a full-time designer to our visual communications team in San Francisco, CA.


Our visual communications team conceptualizes and produces graphics through various mediums that are used in high-profile legal disputes in the United States and abroad. These ever-changing projects are exciting and intellectually stimulating. Our energetic and supportive team of experienced designers value diversity, character, effort, and talent.


You are an excellent candidate if you have these key skills:

  • Graphic Design
  • Technical Illustration
  • Typography and Layout
  • Animation
  • Data Visualization
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Superior Verbal, Written, and Presentation Communication


You have some of these desirable skills:

  • Experience in the legal industry/law degree
  • Background in creating dynamic presentations
  • Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, with strengths in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to animate and work with motion graphics through programs such as Flash/Animate, After Effects, and/or Premiere Pro
  • Interest and experience developing projects involving components of photography, VR, 3D animation, 3D printing, and/or video editing


You meet these requirements:

  • B.F.A., or other bachelor’s degree in a design or related field (MFA a plus)
  • Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, with strengths in Illustrator, After Effects, and Photoshop
  • Flexibility to accommodate long hours, nights and weekends, and travel (i.e. traveling and staying onsite for case work)
  • Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work in a flexible, fast paced, cooperative, team-based environment
  • Ability to handle deadline pressures and work quickly
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any challenges presented
  • Effective correspondence with external clients and internal teams
  • Ability to consult with other departments to discern objectives, distill information, create compelling visuals, and promote brand identity
  • Live locally to the San Francisco Metropolitan area and be able to regularly work in person at our downtown office (HYBRID model, at least 2 days a week in the office) when not traveling for onsite work


Please note: Candidates outside of the San Francisco Metropolitan area without a portfolio showcasing their 2D design and illustration work (such as a website link provided on your resume) will NOT be considered.


If you would like to upload your portfolio instead of a website link, please include your resume and portfolio as one attachment in the "Upload resume" step of your application.


What Impact offers:

  • Designated a Great Place to Work® due to our collaborative, supportive, and nurturing environment
  • A share of the company’s profits through our Employee Incentive Plan
  • 30 days of PTO (paid time off)
  • Health insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision), flex spending accounts, commuter benefits, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits through ADP
  • Educational reimbursement
  • 401k plan with an employer 4% match
  • Experiential rewards program that awards peer-to-peer recognition and work anniversaries
  • Charitable contribution to your choice of non-profit on your work anniversary
  • Company provided iPhone and laptop, and monthly internet reimbursement
  • Substantial discretionary yearly bonus and accelerated salary increases based on employee performance
  • Room for growth within the company
  • Annual salary plus overtime paid according to state law. Please note: overtime is not included in the listed salary range but is a necessity in our industry. Please contact us if you’d like additional info on projected overtime hours and salary range with overtime.
  • The annual salary range for this position is $65k - $75k.

Apply