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Background Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Summit Fire & Security

Designer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$70K/yr

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

Summit Companies

Designer

Hanover, MD · On-site

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

Summit Fire & Security

Designer

Hanover, MD

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

Armada Ltd

Graphic Designer III

Arlington, VA

Graphic Designer III develops communication plans and creates a wide range of written content ... Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.

Armada Ltd

Graphic Designer III

Arlington, VA · On-site

Graphic Designer III develops communication plans and creates a wide range of written content ... Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.

9th Way Insignia

Graphic Designer

Ashburn, VA

$48K - $66K/yr

Professional Level The Graphic Designer aligns as an L2 Consultant position at 9th Way Insignia ... Clearance/Background Investigation Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation ...

Pennoni

Utility Designer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Additionally, this role will require passing a Background Check and Drug Test without issue ... designed our benefits package to exceed industry norms while providing our team members with ...

Chainbridge Solutions

Space Designer

Germantown, MD

... Space Designer working onsite at the Department of Energy (DOE) in their Washington DC office as ... US Citizenship required, preferably with a prior Federal background investigation * Willing to be ...

Agile Defense

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

Graphic Designer Location: Washington, D.C. We are looking for a Graphic Designer to join a fast ... Education and Background * Degree in graphic design or related field. * The employee will also ...

Rumble

Brand Designer

Washington, DC

$100K - $120K/yr

Rumble is seeking a Brand Designer to create bold, high-impact visual work across our brand ... Agency background or experience supporting multiple brands, campaigns, or audiences in parallel.

Working America Associa

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$74K/yr

Graphic Designer At Working America, we believe in the power of collective action. Our mission is ... background in, or strong familiarity with, the labor movement, movements for progressive social ...

Working America Associa

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$74K/yr

Graphic Designer At Working America, we believe in the power of collective action. Our mission is ... background in, or strong familiarity with, the labor movement, movements for progressive social ...

BDR Solutions LLC

SharePoint Designer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$95K - $120K/yr

BDR is seeking a SharePoint Designer to join our growing team! This is a hybrid position that will ... Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to ...

Working America Associa

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$74K/yr

Graphic Designer At Working America, we believe in the power of collective action. Our mission is ... background in, or strong familiarity with, the labor movement, movements for progressive social ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBackground Designer JobsBackground Designer Jobs in Washington

Background Designer information

See Washington salary details

$40.2K

$94.2K

$124.6K

How much do background designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for background designer in Washington is $94,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a background designer do?

A background designer creates the visual environments and settings for animations, films, or video games, establishing the mood and atmosphere of scenes. They use tools like Photoshop or digital painting software and collaborate with art directors and animators to ensure consistency with the project's style. Attention to detail and understanding of perspective and color are essential skills in this role.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid design roles are often senior or executive positions such as Creative Director or Design Director, with salaries reaching six figures or more. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, industrial design, and architectural design can also command high salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in industry-standard tools. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

How much does a background designer make?

The average salary for a background designer ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level designers typically earn less, while experienced professionals with strong skills in digital tools like Photoshop or After Effects can earn higher salaries.

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 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 highest paid art career?

In the field of art, careers such as art directors, concept artists, and senior visual effects supervisors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These roles typically require extensive experience, strong technical skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software.

What are background designers?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Designer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Background Designer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Background Designer jobs in Washington? For Background Designer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Background Designer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Background Designer jobs in Washington are:
Background Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Designer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,173 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Sr. UX Designer

Sr. UX Designer

ConsultNet Technology Services and Solutions

Rockville, MD • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


Title: UX Designer
Location : DC Metro Area
Target Start Date : ASAP
Type: contract
Pay Rate: DOE

We are seeking a talented UX Designer to help create intuitive, accessible, and engaging digital experiences for complex products. This role is ideal for a designer who enjoys solving challenging user problems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging emerging technologies—including AI—to deliver meaningful business and customer outcomes.

As a key member of the UX team, you'll lead design efforts from discovery through delivery, partner closely with product managers, engineers, and researchers, and influence product direction through user-centered design, research insights, and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design of intuitive, scalable user experiences across web and digital products using Figma or similar design tools.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, from discovery and research through implementation and launch.
  • Plan, conduct, and synthesize user research to identify customer needs and translate insights into actionable design solutions.
  • Create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that align with established design systems.
  • Advocate for usability, accessibility, and inclusive design, ensuring compliance with WCAG and Section 508 standards.
  • Utilize AI-powered design and productivity tools to accelerate ideation, prototyping, and design workflows.
  • Balance innovation with consistency by contributing to and leveraging shared design systems and UX standards.
  • Present design concepts and communicate design rationale effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Navigate ambiguity, prioritize competing initiatives, and adapt to evolving business needs while maintaining a user-centered focus.
  • Mentor junior designers and contribute to a collaborative, continuous learning environment.
Qualifications
  • 3–6 years of professional UX design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design work.
  • Bachelor's degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Expertise with Figma or comparable UX/UI design tools.
  • Experience conducting user research, usability testing, and translating findings into product improvements.
  • Strong understanding of UX principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design best practices.
  • Deep knowledge of accessibility standards, including WCAG and Section 508 compliance.
  • Experience incorporating AI-powered design tools into design and prototyping workflows.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with the confidence to make informed design decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience collaborating within Agile product development teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience contributing to or maintaining enterprise design systems.
  • Background designing complex, data-rich, or enterprise software applications.
  • Experience facilitating design workshops or leading collaborative discovery sessions.
  • Familiarity with design metrics and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions.
What You'll Gain
  • The opportunity to solve meaningful, complex product challenges with a collaborative, cross-functional team.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge AI-enabled design practices and emerging technologies.
  • Opportunities to influence product strategy through user research and design leadership.
  • A collaborative environment that values creativity, continuous learning, accessibility, and innovation.
  • Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and increased ownership across product initiatives.


Welcome to ConsultNet, a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions. Our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct search, and managed services onshore, nearshore, and hybrid. For over 25 years, we have connected thousands of consultants with meaningful roles through a personal, communication-driven approach, partnering with a diverse client base to build high-performing teams and create lasting impact. Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology and engineering positions across key markets nationwide. Learn more at www.consultnet.com .

We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.

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