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Background Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Illustrated Collect

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On Air Salesperson (Card Breaking / Live e-Commerce)

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$40K - $300K/yr

Company Description Sports Illustrated Collect is a trusted leader & premier destination for live ... Broadcasting or content creation background preferred. * High school diploma or GED required. What ...

Sports Illustrated Collect

Be Seen First

On Air Salesperson (Card Breaking / Live e-Commerce)

Rochester, NY · On-site

$40K - $300K/yr

Company Description Sports Illustrated Collect is a trusted leader & premier destination for live ... Broadcasting or content creation background preferred. * High school diploma or GED required. What ...

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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 Jul 22, 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Illustrator, and why are they important?

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 background illustrators?

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.
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Background Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Illustrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, Illustration

Adjunct Faculty, Illustration

Maryland Institute College of Art

Baltimore, MD

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Welcome to the official site for employment opportunities at MICA. At MICA, we empower our employees to use their talent in a variety of ways. We are pleased that you are interested in career opportunities offered at MICA.

Position:

Part-time appointment in Illustration. The Illustration Department of Maryland Institute College of Art invites applications for this part-time faculty position with a multi-year renewable contract in a non-tenure institution beginning Fall, 2026.

Job Description:

The faculty position will teach minimum of 3 credits per semester at an art school nationally known for its dedication to teaching excellence, a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and the importance of the fine arts. The candidate will be capable of teaching various levels of the undergraduate program, be proficient in traditional techniques, and have a broad understanding of new approaches to Illustration Dept.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Department and College requires that faculty maintain an active professional practice and meaningfully contribute in a variety of areas. In addition to teaching, all part-time faculty are expected to pursue research and/or professional engagements that contribute to the educational mission of the department and college.

Requirements:

  • BFA degree

  • Experience teaching Illustration at the college-level beyond graduate assistantships is preferred.

  • Knowledge of various aspects of Illustration practice.

  • Candidate must successfully complete a full background check

Conditions of Employment:

  • Satisfactory Background Check Results

Additional Information:

Salary: Commensurate with experience and college policy.

Apply: The College will review applications as received. Although materials received before August 1, 2026, are best assured of receiving full consideration, the position will remain open until filled. All inquiries, nominations and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.

Apply