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Background Painter Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

... for animation, compositing, and video editing. * Experience with Substance Painter or similar ... Engineering background or technical education is a plus, with the ability to understand and ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

... for animation, compositing, and video editing. * Experience with Substance Painter or similar ... Engineering background or technical education is a plus, with the ability to understand and ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

... for animation, compositing, and video editing. * Experience with Substance Painter or similar ... Engineering background or technical education is a plus, with the ability to understand and ...

Virtual Producer

Senior Producer

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

We are looking for a rare talent with a background in 3D for film, television, training and/or ... Experience with Sequencer, animation, and cameras in UE * Experience with Virtual Production and VR

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 ...

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Background Painter Animation information

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How much do background painter animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

What is a background painter animation?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the background painter animation position?

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 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
Infographic showing various Background Painter Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Background Paint Lead - Disney Television Animation

1414 Walt Disney Pictures

Sonora, CA • On-site

$103 - $113/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Background Paint Lead - Disney Television Animation

About this Role and our Studio Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integral to The Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe. DTVA creates both long-form and short-form content spanning traditional 2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion. We create shows in a broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

By submitting an application for this Background Paint Lead role, you may be considered for any Character Designer positions that arise until the expiration date provided. Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Responsibilities

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Art Director, Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of the series. The Character Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series.

  • Work closely with the Art Director to review scripts and storyboards and for characters that need to be designed for each episode.
  • Flag complexity issues as they arise.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Producer and Art Director, set the visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork.
  • Ensure that the high quality and style of show established by the Executive Producer and Art Director is achieved and maintained.
  • Further the storytelling process by developing the look, personality and feel of characters.
  • Capture the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.
  • Create turnarounds, special poses, mouth charts and expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.
  • May oversee the Character Design team, delegating work and monitoring their schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project.
  • Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studio.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.
  • Experience leading a team preferred.
  • Ability to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheets and special poses.
  • Experience working with oversees vendor studios.
  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.
  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony and 3D technology, where applicable.
  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
  • Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.
  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen.
Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience.

Location

This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

Compensation

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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