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Background Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tiye Consulting

Illustrator II

Missoula, MT · On-site

An Illustrator II has a strong artistic background and an eye for appealing visual images. They're responsible for creating an image that matches what the client wants and their desired outcome.

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Background Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do background illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for background illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a background illustrator?

Background illustrators are artists who create the visual environments and settings for animation, video games, films, and other visual media. They design and paint the scenery that appears behind the main characters and action, helping to establish the mood, atmosphere, and context of each scene. Their work is essential for immersing viewers in the story and bringing fictional worlds to life. Background illustrators often collaborate closely with art directors, storyboard artists, and animators to ensure a cohesive visual style.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background illustrator?

To thrive as a Background Illustrator, you need strong drawing and painting skills, a solid grasp of color theory, perspective, and composition, often supported by a relevant art degree or portfolio. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling environments that enhance storytelling and align with the overall artistic vision of a project.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by background illustrators when working on animated projects?

Background illustrators often need to balance creative vision with the practical demands of animation, such as maintaining consistency in style and perspective across multiple scenes. They frequently collaborate with art directors, animators, and layout artists to ensure their backgrounds support the storytelling and character action. Tight deadlines and changing project requirements can also present challenges, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential. Additionally, background illustrators must remain attentive to color theory and lighting to enhance mood and cohesion throughout the project.

What is the difference between Background Illustrator vs Concept Artist?

AspectBackground IllustratorConcept Artist
Primary RoleCreates detailed backgrounds and environments for projectsDesigns characters, environments, and overall visual concepts
Skills & ToolsIllustration, painting, digital tools like PhotoshopSketching, digital painting, storytelling
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, filmGame studios, film, advertising
CredentialsArt degree or portfolio in illustrationArt or design background, portfolio of concept art

While both roles involve digital illustration skills, Background Illustrators focus on creating detailed backgrounds for visual projects, whereas Concept Artists develop overall visual ideas and character designs. The two roles often collaborate but serve different functions within creative teams.

More about Background Illustrator jobs

What cities are hiring for Background Illustrator jobs?

Cities with the most Background Illustrator job openings:

What states have the most Background Illustrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Background Illustrator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Background Illustrator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Illustrator jobs are:

Background Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Illustrator 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 $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Illustrator II

Missoula, MT • On-site

Tiye Consulting
See more jobs at Tiye Consultingexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Brief:
An Illustrator II has a strong artistic background and an eye for appealing visual images. They're responsible for creating an image that matches what the client wants and their desired outcome. Illustrators take a concept, idea or message and turn it into a two-dimensional image, which conveys the ideas and emotions without the need for additional explanation.
Responsibilities:
  • Knowledge and experience with using various software and website programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud for editing videos, graphic design, and processing photos
  • Working with and assist the publications team (writer/editors, visual information specialist, videographers, etc.) and project/program managers with work that consists of design and layout of NTDP publications projects in various forms of media
  • Website posting and troubleshooting of broken links/outdated publications on the NTDP websites
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual, and Plain Writing Act Language Guidelines, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
  • Archiving outdated publications for proper record retention in the mandated format (hardcopy and electronic)
  • Organizing/categorizing NTDPs videos for posting to the NFS-NTDP Vimeo site
  • Organizing/categorizing NTDPs photos for posting to the NFS Flickr site
  • Working through old hard drives of pubs and archive appropriately
  • Collaborating with the NFS Library contact to ensure the NTDP videos are attainable through media channels
  • Working with leadership team and publications team (writer/editors, visual information specialists, videographers) on "livestreaming" NTDP exposure opportunities

Skills Required:
  • Meeting with partners to discuss needs and visions for the project
  • Brainstorming ideas for projects
  • Creating two-dimensional images per client's requirements
  • Sketching images by hand or designing them using a digital tool
  • Creating rough drafts before finalizing images
  • Reworking the illustrations as requested
  • Estimating and managing deadlines for projects
  • Strong communication skills to understand what clients needs
  • Experience using various illustration software
  • Strong conceptual skills

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