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Background Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado

Lecturer-Illustration

Denver, CO · On-site

$5.1K/mo

To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their ... Strong facility with graphic applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

Sports Illustrated Collect

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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 ...

Sports Illustrated Collect

Be Seen First

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 ...

Nintendo

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Create storyboards, background illustrations, and promotional artwork. * Provide and receive feedback professionally. *This outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify ...

topsproducts

Junior Product Designer

Laguna Hills, CA · Hybrid

$24 - $29/hr

This is a hands-on, collaborative role ideal for a designer with an illustration background who is eager to grow within a fast-paced product design team. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: * Create ...

topsproducts

Junior Product Designer

Laguna Hills, CA · Hybrid

$24 - $29/hr

This is a hands-on, collaborative role ideal for a designer with an illustration background who is eager to grow within a fast-paced product design team. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: * Create ...

TOPS Products

Junior Product Designer

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

This is a hands-on, collaborative role ideal for a designer with an illustration background who is eager to grow within a fast-paced product design team. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: * Create ...

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All JobsBackground Illustrator Jobs

Background Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do background illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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
Lecturer-Illustration

Lecturer-Illustration

University of Colorado

Denver, CO • On-site

$5.1K/mo

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Teach courses from foundation level drawing to advanced levels in Illustration using both traditional and digital media processes.

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University of Colorado - College of Arts & Media
Lecturer
The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
This posting will establish and maintain a pool of Lecturers for the College of Arts & Media Visual Arts Department to teach in the area of Illustration. Candidates hired from this pool will fill temporary, non-tenure track positions and will teach no more than two courses per semester. Appointments will be part-time (less than 50%) and will be made semester-by-semester, depending on the needs of the department. Therefore, this posting does not necessarily reflect a current open position.
Support Received
This position reports to Visual Arts Department and the area head of the Painting/Drawing program.
Examples of Work Performed
Teach courses from foundation level drawing to advanced levels in Illustration using both traditional and digital media processes.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,150 per 3-credit semester course.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits.
Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation
Diversity and Equity:
Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance
Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Exceptional broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art, illustration and design
  • Ability to work independently

Minimum Requirements
MFA degree in studio art, design or illustration, or advanced degree in related field and minimum of three years of professional experience in Design
  • Advanced communication and self-promotion skills in print and social media
  • Strong skills in teaching graphic applications and ability to also teach perspective, figure drawing and sequential drawing (storyboards and graphic novels)
  • 2 - 3 years of professional practice in illustration
  • Strong facility with graphic applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
  • Ability to teach and work with a diverse student body

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 2-3 years teaching experience on the college level
  • 3 - 5 years professional illustration experience
  • Strong facility to teach motion / animation applications such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D

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