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Background Painter Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$236K - $395K/yr

Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio and/or credits showcasing excellence in roles such as visual development, background paint, color design, or character design * Knowledge of 2D ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Vancouver, WA

$236K - $395K/yr

Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio and/or credits showcasing excellence in roles such as visual development, background paint, color design, or character design * Knowledge of 2D ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$236K - $395K/yr

... background paint, color design, or character design Knowledge of 2D and CG animation and a thorough understanding of a CG production pipeline from pre-production to post-production. Expert working ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$236K - $395K/yr

Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio and/or credits showcasing excellence in roles such as visual development, background paint, color design, or character design * Knowledge of 2D ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$236K - $395K/yr

... background paint, color design, or character design Knowledge of 2D and CG animation and a thorough understanding of a CG production pipeline from pre-production to post-production. Expert working ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... The ideal candidate has a background in 3D video production and can import 3D CAD files into Maya ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... The ideal candidate has a background in 3D video production and can import 3D CAD files into Maya ...

DigiPen

Adjunct Faculty - Fine Arts (Evergreen)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$4.7K - $7.9K/wk

... animation, film, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and design. After completing the application ... a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

This is a hands-on role where you will design and paint, create, and support the aesthetic vision ... Apply a strong understanding of design principles, particularly in stylized animation imagery.

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Background Painter Animation information

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How much do background painter animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for background painter animation in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to be a background artist for animation?

To become a background artist for animation, develop strong drawing and painting skills, proficiency in digital tools like Photoshop or TVPaint, and a good understanding of perspective and color theory. Building a portfolio showcasing your environment artwork and gaining experience through internships or freelance projects can help you enter the industry.

What is a Background Painter Animation job?

A Background Painter in animation is responsible for creating the final painted environments in an animated production. They work from layout designs and color scripts to develop detailed and visually appealing backgrounds that match the style and mood of the project. Their work helps establish atmosphere, depth, and perspective, enhancing the storytelling experience. Background Painters use digital or traditional painting techniques and collaborate closely with art directors and designers to ensure consistency.

How much do storyboard artists make?

Storyboard artists in animation typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries. Strong drawing skills and knowledge of story structure are essential for higher pay in this role.

How much are background artists paid?

Background painters in animation typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for overtime or freelance work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Background Painter Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Painter in Animation, you need a strong understanding of color theory, composition, perspective, and digital or traditional painting techniques, often demonstrated through a portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and sometimes proprietary studio tools is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to collaborate effectively with animation directors and other artists are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure the creation of visually compelling environments that support storytelling and fit seamlessly within the overall animation production pipeline.

What is the salary of a cartoon animator?

A background painter in animation typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and studio size. Cartoon animators generally have similar salary ranges, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning more, especially in major entertainment hubs.

What kinds of collaboration can a Background Painter expect with other departments in an animation studio?

As a Background Painter in Animation, you'll frequently collaborate with layout artists, art directors, and the animation team to ensure your backgrounds support the story and maintain visual consistency. You'll often attend team meetings to discuss scene requirements, review style guides, and incorporate feedback from creative leads. Effective communication and openness to revisions are crucial, as backgrounds must harmonize with characters and animated effects. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and ensures that the final product is cohesive and meets the project's artistic vision.

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Background Painter Animation jobs near you
Visual Effects Animation Artist

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Anatomage, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create digital environments using 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting skills.

  • Develop real-time simulations and character animations within Unreal Engine, utilizing the Niagara system and Houdini for scientifically accurate special effects.

  • Handle character rigging and animation for MetaHumans and ensure all assets are technically optimized for interactive platforms.

Job description

Who is Anatomage?

Founded in 2004, Anatomage is a world-leading health care technology company. Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual dissection platform.

About the Role:

As a VFX and Animation Artist at Anatomage, you will be the driving creative force

behind our real-time simulations and visual effects. While this role requires a

well-rounded 3D generalist skillset including modeling, texturing, and lighting, your

primary focus will be crafting stunning visual effects and lifelike animations.

What You’ll Do:

You will utilize your 3D generalist skills - spanning modeling, texturing, and lighting - to

create a variety of digital environments. Your main emphasis will be bringing these

environments to life by executing workflows across both real-time simulation and

character animation within Unreal Engine. You will utilize the Niagara system and

Houdini to create scientifically accurate special effects. You will also handle character

rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger background or

personal specialization in one of these areas, you will be expected to actively deliver

results across both disciplines, ensuring all assets are technically optimized for our

interactive platforms.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities Required:

Candidates should have a strong 3D generalist foundation in industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, or Substance Painter for modeling, texturing, and lighting environments. Alongside these generalist skills, candidates must possess deep, hands-on experience in either real-time VFX such as Niagara, Blueprints, Houdini simulation pipelines or advanced character rigging and animation fundamentals including experience with MetaHumans or a strong combination of both. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, artistic talent, and exceptional attention to detail.

* Resume and Portfolio required in order to be considered*

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

Formal education in Art, Digital Arts, 3D Modeling, Animation, Medical Illustration, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills will also be considered. Minimum 3 years of professional realtime VFX or Animation experience.

Benefits

What We Offer

  • Health, Dental, and Vision care for you and your family
  • 401K savings plan with employer matching
  • Generous PTO leave and paid holidays
  • Casual work culture
  • Commuter benefits
  • On site gym facility
  • Team bonding activities, catered lunches, and free snacks in the office!

About Anatomage

Anatomage has been financially robust and growing for 20 consecutive years.

Anatomage offers the world’s first and only life-sized virtual dissection table. Students can learn anatomy and physiology using highly interactive and accurate real human-based digital data. Institutions can offer high quality education without worrying about chemicals, facility costs, and regulatory issues. Hundreds of schools have adopted the Anatomage Table as the main teaching tool for students.

At Anatomage, there is an opportunity to work alongside the best in the field. With a diverse group of people from various technical, clinical, and artistic backgrounds, Anatomage provides a culture where distinguished individuals can work and collaborate in an organic manner. Our team members all bring unique strengths and talents to their group and embrace each other's diverse perspectives. Anatomage offers a distinct work experience with an exceptional opportunity to develop careers. Our philosophy is to foster a dynamic work environment, and we are proud to let our employees' knowledge and responsibilities grow with the company.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $80,000.00- $120,000.00 Annually. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S.. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

Anatomage is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not offer H1B Sponsorship at this time. Local candidates preferred.