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Background Layout Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Artist

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $68K/yr

Minimum of 2 years of experience in a designer role, preferably with a background in marketing ... layout, color theory, grid systems, and typography. * Ability to work effectively within brand ...

Packaging-- including design, layout, production, preflighting and mockups of boxed and carded ... Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent experience in graphics with experience in packaging design ...

Packaging-- including design, layout, production, preflighting and mockups of boxed and carded ... Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent experience in graphics with experience in packaging design ...

... arts and culture. Featuring ultra luxe fashion profiles, restaurants, and the season's must-have ... layout, rewriting, and production; farm background or experience a plus. * Experience in digital ...

... arts and culture. Featuring ultra luxe fashion profiles, restaurants, and the season's must-have ... layout, rewriting, and production; farm background or experience a plus. * Experience in digital ...

... arts and culture. Featuring ultra luxe fashion profiles, restaurants, and the season's must-have ... layout, rewriting, and production; farm background or experience a plus. * Experience in digital ...

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Background Layout Artist information

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How much do background layout artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for background layout artist in the United States is $24.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Layout Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Layout Artist, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of perspective, composition, and spatial design, often supported by a degree or coursework in art or animation. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Toon Boom Harmony, or similar industry-standard software is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and production teams are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure visually compelling and cohesive backgrounds that enhance storytelling and meet production deadlines.

Are storyboard artists still in demand?

Storyboard artists are still in demand in the entertainment and media industries, especially with the growth of animated films, TV shows, and video game development. Strong skills in drawing, visual storytelling, and familiarity with digital tools like Photoshop or Storyboard Pro are essential for success in this field.

What are background layout artists?

Background layout artists are visual storytellers in animation and film production who design and create the environments where the action takes place. They interpret storyboards to establish the perspective, composition, and mood of each scene, ensuring that characters and objects are integrated seamlessly. Their work provides the foundation for animators and background painters, helping set the tone and support the narrative visually. This role requires strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of spatial relationships.

What is the difference between Background Layout Artist vs Background Painter?

AspectBackground Layout ArtistBackground Painter
Primary RoleDesigns and arranges backgrounds, creating layouts for scenesPaints detailed backgrounds based on layouts or concepts
Skills & ToolsSketching, layout composition, understanding of perspective, digital design toolsPainting, coloring, digital painting tools, artistic skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, film, TV, video game industryAnimation studios, film, TV, video game industry
CredentialsArt degree or relevant experience, portfolio showcasing layout workArt degree or relevant experience, portfolio of painted backgrounds

Both roles are essential in the background art department, with the Background Layout Artist focusing on scene composition and scene setup, while the Background Painter brings those scenes to life with detailed painting. They often collaborate closely but have distinct responsibilities within the production process.

How much does a background artist make?

A background layout artist's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level artists may earn less, while experienced professionals with strong skills in digital tools like Photoshop or Toon Boom can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or with specialized expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by Background Layout Artists and how can they be addressed?

Background Layout Artists often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with production constraints such as time, budget, and consistency with the overall style of the animation. They must ensure that backgrounds effectively support the storytelling without overpowering the main action. Collaboration with directors and other artists is key; clear communication helps align expectations and resolve any discrepancies early in the process. Staying organized and receptive to feedback also helps Background Layout Artists navigate revisions and meet tight deadlines successfully.

How much do storyboard artists make?

Storyboard artists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major projects or for large studios can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in drawing, storytelling, and software tools like Photoshop or Storyboard Pro can influence earning potential.

How to get hired as a background artist?

To get hired as a background layout artist, build a strong portfolio showcasing your environment and scene designs, and gain proficiency in industry-standard software like Photoshop, SketchUp, or Blender. Relevant experience, a good understanding of perspective and composition, and networking within the animation or gaming industry can also improve your chances of employment.
More about Background Layout Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Background Layout Artist jobs? Cities with the most Background Layout Artist job openings:
What states have the most Background Layout Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Background Layout Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Background Layout Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,785 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
COTA Lead Performing Arts Tech II - Hourly/Intermittent POOL (COTA)

COTA Lead Performing Arts Tech II - Hourly/Intermittent POOL (COTA)

California State University

Long Beach, CA

$23.83 - $34.71/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

COTA Lead Performing Arts Tech II - Hourly/Intermittent POOL (COTA)

Apply now Job no: 554199
Work type: Staff
Location: Long Beach
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Part Time, Theatre Arts

Job Summary

This position provides technical support for performances, rehearsals, and other events in the College of the Arts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serves as liaison between Senior Technical Lead and Production Lead, during rehearsals and performances
  • Operates and maintains lighting, sound, and recording systems for events in COTA.
  • Provides stage set-up, including movement of equipment, chairs, stands, risers, platforms, and shells.  Also setting up of sounds and recording equipment.
  • Management of audience and house; supervision of usher crew
  • Interacts with client group and respond to event needs.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Independent performance of more complex projects in production specialty, including planning, organizing and construction/implementation for one or more productions. Work typically involves handling multiple priorities.
  • Work is performed independently with limited creative or technical direction. Approaches to projects and priorities usually are determined independently.
  • Ongoing coordination with faculty involved in the productions is central to work. Provides direct lab support to students involved in productions.
  • Thorough and specialized knowledge and experience in applicable production specialty. More sophisticated knowledge of design theory and principles to be able to translate design specifications, blueprints or drawings into costume, scene, lighting or sound production and effects.
  • Ability to independently manage production support projects and productions by breaking segments into working units that coincide with production needs.
  • Ability to work on more complex projects/designs and to work with more difficult materials and equipment, including the ability to select and use the most appropriate materials to meet production needs.
  • Ability to use more complex features of applicable software packages for production specialty. Ability to plan the layout and use of work areas.
  • Thorough knowledge of safety requirements and standards related production support specialty and stage operations and ability to train others in safety measures and ensure compliance with codes and regulations.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.  Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.  Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience

Equivalent to 24 semester units of related college coursework and two years of related professional or technical experience required. Experience in operating stage equipment. Knowledge of stage construction and set design, types, and uses of lighting, sound counterweight, and other stage equipment. Knowledge of sound reinforcement, recording, and editing.

Division

College of the Arts

Compensation

The salary range for this classification is $23.83 to $34.71 per hour.

Time Base

Hourly/intermittent on-call temporary position. Temporary appointments may be cancelled at any time. Successful candidates may be appointed for a few days and up to one (1) year depending on the assignment. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification

Performing Arts Technician II

Application Procedures

Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Advertised: Jan 01 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Dec 31 2026 Pacific Standard Time

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US