ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Background Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Design Manager, Content - Health

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... commissioning illustration and photography. You will be a strategic thinker and skilled ... Background in media, editorial, publishing, or content-forward digital environments - a deep ...

Zealot

Creative Director, Print

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Advanced Photoshop skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, etc ... sets, educational background, and years of experience. * Role is hybrid 3 x per week to the ...

ZEALOT

Creative Director, Print

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Advanced Photoshop skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, etc ... sets, educational background, and years of experience. * Role is hybrid 3 x per week to the ...

ZEALOT

Creative Director, Print

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165 - $185/hr

Advanced Photoshop skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, etc ... sets, educational background, and years of experience. * Role is hybrid 3 x per week to the ...

Hachette Book Group

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza MAPublisher to acquire data, design, and ... Demonstrated background in cartography in print production. * This is not an entry-level role

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBackground Illustrator JobsBackground Illustrator Jobs in California

Background Illustrator information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$58.6K

$94.7K

How much do background illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for background illustrator in California is $58,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $67,100.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Background Illustrator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Background Illustrator job openings:

Background Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Illustrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,568 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Part-Time In-House Illustrator/Digital Artist $25 Per Hour

OT FLY CLOTHING CO. LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Part-Time In-House Illustrator/Digital Artist Needed

We are an independent streetwear brand located in the Melrose/Fairfax area looking for talented part-time digital illustrator to join our studio team. Working directly with our creative director, you will bring original character concepts to life, clean up digital assets, and prepare sharp vector files for apparel production. If you have strong background in digital design or character illustration, excellent Adobe software skills, and sharp eye for line work and file resolution, we'd love to see your portfolio. We offer a flexible part-time hours in a creative, collaborative studio environment- please send a link to your work and resume to apply!