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Background Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Endless Edge LLC

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Graphic Designer (Local Applicants Only)

Franklin, TN · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Robust background in Adobe Illustrator. * Pre-press production experience preferred * Sign or large format production experience * CMS building and Wordpress * Social media creation & management

smartdept. inc.

Senior Graphic Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Produce illustrations and support visual storytelling across campaigns * Collaborate with internal ... Strong background in branding and working within structured brand guidelines * Experience ...

Goodmerch Supply

Creative Designer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Separate Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files by artwork location * Outlined text (with documentation of original text files) * PMS color accuracy and background color specifications * Correct use of ...

Goodmerch Supply

Creative Designer

Honolulu, HI

Separate Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files by artwork location * Outlined text (with documentation of original text files) * PMS color accuracy and background color specifications * Correct use of ...

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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 Jun 8, 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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Senior Instructional Designer- (JP9805)

Senior Instructional Designer- (JP9805)

3 Key Consulting

Arvada, CO

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Instructional Designer- (JP9805)
Location: Arvada, CO. 80001
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Final Product Technologies Usability Engineering
Duration: 1+ years (with likely extensions)
Notes: Remote pending lifting of COVID restrictions, then in Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Posting Date: 2/10/22
3 Key Consulting is hiring a Senior Instructional Designer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
  • Supports Human Factors Engineering/Usability Engineering, Labeling, and Device teams to create Instructions for Use (IFUs) used to instruct laypersons in the proper use of combination products/drug delivery devices. IFU creation includes copy, layout, and line-art illustrations.
  • Develops both low- (simple sketch) and high-fidelity digital samples of instructional materials intended for print. Supports usability studies with quick turn-around during iterative studies.
  • Balances design thinking with regulatory requirements while developing instructional materials.
  • Works with other members (FTE and EW) in the Instruction Design group (8-10 people, local and remote).
  • Develops instructions for new projects by understanding user needs with HF engineer partners, and applying company platform guidelines to create approachable, useful, and effective instructions for users who may be new to the therapy and drug administration.
  • Maintains traceability records to capture rationale for changes over the development of the instructions.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team.
Top Must-Have Skill Sets:
  • Minimum 5-10 years of instruction design experience including IFUs, including strong proficiency in rapid sketch illustration, digital line-art illustration, and image (photo) editing. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and strong knowledge of InDesign paragraph and character styles. Understands the application of structure and grids for the development of platforms to ensure consistency in output and efficiency in process during instruction creation.
  • Medical, healthcare, medical devices and/or pharmaceuticals background.
  • Must be punctual, reliable, flexible, and excellent at balancing multiple detail-oriented projects.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Create and update IFUs, reference guides, and carton artwork content and graphics (layout and illustrations) for new and existing medical device/combination products to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards, and company requirements.
  • Develop instruction design strategies for individual projects that align with department and corporate instruction platforms. Manage individual projects, representing the Instruction Design group, coordinating with cross-functional teams (including Human Factors, Device Engineering, Marketing Labeling, Clinical, Legal and Regulatory Affairs) to define instructional requirements and execute on plans.
  • Produce low (quick sketch) to high (refined digital files) fidelity prototypes of IFUs, reference guides, and carton artwork for usability studies. High fidelity prototypes may require plotting, trimming, folding, binding, laminating, and constructing structural cartons.
  • Provide expertise and guidance to Human Factors engineering partners and other cross-functional partners with content generation, illustrations, layout, and formatting of instruction materials.
  • As needed, manage junior staff or oversee external vendors to execute design work.
  • Troubleshoot relatively complex problems and issues.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5-10 years of instruction design experience including IFUs, including strong proficiency in rapid sketch illustration, digital line-art illustration, and image (photo) editing.
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and strong knowledge of InDesign paragraph and character styles.
  • Understands the application of structure and grids for the development of platforms to ensure consistency in output and efficiency in process during instruction creation

Employee Value Proposition:
To work with a dynamic team and gain cross functional experience
Red Flags:
  • Only academic experience
  • Past experience exclusively in marketing, branding, logos, websites without any experience writing instructions for regulated products
  • Only junior-level experience designing; we need senior-level experience and thinking for this role
  • Text-based instructions only (ex., SOP development without illustrations and layout, personnel training manuals, defense user manuals)

Interview process:
Phone screening followed by in-person interview.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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