Our Burbank studio is seeking a highly creative and skilled Lighting Key / Color Script Artist to help establish the visual tone and atmosphere of our upcoming CG animated series. Working closely ...
Quick apply
Our Burbank studio is seeking a highly creative and skilled Lighting Key / Color Script Artist to help establish the visual tone and atmosphere of our upcoming CG animated series. Working closely ...
Lighting Key / Color Script Artist
Burbank, CA · On-site
$2.8K - $3.3K/wk
Our Burbank studio is seeking a highly creative and skilled Lighting Key / Color Script Artist to help establish the visual tone and atmosphere of our upcoming CG animated series. Working closely ...
Lighting Key / Color Script Artist
Burbank, CA · On-site
$2.8K - $3.3K/wk
Our Burbank studio is seeking a highly creative and skilled Lighting Key / Color Script Artist to help establish the visual tone and atmosphere of our upcoming CG animated series. Working closely ...
As a key artist helping create shows that encourage audiences to think beyond their lived ... Color mixing * Distressing and aging * Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc.) * Stenciling
As a key artist helping create shows that encourage audiences to think beyond their lived ... Color mixing * Distressing and aging * Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc.) * Stenciling
Scenic Charge Artist
Fayetteville, AR · On-site
$20 - $26/hr
As a key artist helping create shows that encourage audiences to think beyond their lived ... Color mixing * Distressing and aging * Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc.) * Stenciling
Scenic Charge Artist
Fayetteville, AR · On-site
$20 - $26/hr
As a key artist helping create shows that encourage audiences to think beyond their lived ... Color mixing * Distressing and aging * Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc.) * Stenciling
Color Assist
New York, NY · On-site
$22 - $30/hr
The Color Assistant is a key support role within the Short Form team, working closely with ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...
Color Assist
New York, NY · On-site
$22 - $30/hr
The Color Assistant is a key support role within the Short Form team, working closely with ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...
Color Assist
New York, NY · On-site
The Color Assistant is a key support role within the Short Form team, working closely with ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...
Quick apply
Color Assist
New York, NY · On-site
The Color Assistant is a key support role within the Short Form team, working closely with ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Quick apply
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Compositing Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Color & Technical Consistency * Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ...
Unreal Technical Artist
$122K - $146K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support the creation, integration ... Experience with color-managed pipelines, including ACES/OCIO and HDR rendering workflows.
Unreal Technical Artist
$122K - $146K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support the creation, integration ... Experience with color-managed pipelines, including ACES/OCIO and HDR rendering workflows.
Senior Artist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Quick apply
Senior Artist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Senior Artist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Senior Artist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Senior Artist
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Senior Artist
$80 - $120K/hr
You'll play a key role in the overall development of our games' look and style, ensure creative ... Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition , with an eye for detail ...
Your focus will be to prepare digital art for screen printing and dye sublimation full color ... Key Responsibilities: * Setup files on product templates for production * Pre-flight provided print ...
Your focus will be to prepare digital art for screen printing and dye sublimation full color ... Key Responsibilities: * Setup files on product templates for production * Pre-flight provided print ...
Senior Lighting Artist
Whitehouse, TX · On-site
$106K - $127K/yr
As our Senior Lighting Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic and ambience of ... Strong understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and composition * Proficiency with ...
Senior Lighting Artist
Whitehouse, TX · On-site
$106K - $127K/yr
As our Senior Lighting Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic and ambience of ... Strong understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and composition * Proficiency with ...
Teaching Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
El Museo's commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that ... regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability ...
Quick apply
Teaching Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
El Museo's commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that ... regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability ...
Teaching Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
El Museo's commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that ... regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability ...
Teaching Artist
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
El Museo's commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that ... regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability ...
Unreal Technical Artist
New Orleans, LA · On-site
$122K - $146K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support the creation, integration ... Experience with color-managed pipelines, including ACES/OCIO and HDR rendering workflows.
Unreal Technical Artist
New Orleans, LA · On-site
$122K - $146K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support the creation, integration ... Experience with color-managed pipelines, including ACES/OCIO and HDR rendering workflows.
3D Artist
New York, NY · Remote
$55/hr
Key Responsibilities * Create detailed 3D models, assets, environments, and visual elements ... Good understanding of composition, proportions, color, and visual design. * Strong attention to ...
Quick apply
3D Artist
New York, NY · Remote
$55/hr
Key Responsibilities * Create detailed 3D models, assets, environments, and visual elements ... Good understanding of composition, proportions, color, and visual design. * Strong attention to ...
Color Key Artist information
See salary details
$14.62 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.82 - $14.86
27% of jobs
The median wage is $18.90 / hr.
$14.86 - $18.90
23% of jobs
$18.90 - $22.95
6% of jobs
$22.95 - $26.99
1% of jobs
$26.99 - $31.03
0% of jobs
$31.03 - $35.07
11% of jobs
$35.07 - $39.12
5% of jobs
$39.88 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$39.12 - $43.16
9% of jobs
$43.16 - $47.20
11% of jobs
$47.20 - $51.25
2% of jobs
$51.25 - $55.29
5% of jobs
$10
$28
$55
How much do color key artist jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for color key artist in the United States is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a color key artist?
Color Key Artists are professionals in the animation, film, and gaming industries who develop the overall color palette and lighting mood for scenes or sequences. They create 'color keys,' which are reference images that define the atmosphere, time of day, and emotional tone through the use of color and lighting. These visual guides help ensure consistency and guide other artists, such as background painters and lighting artists, during production. Their work is crucial for establishing the visual storytelling and enhancing the narrative of a project.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a color key artist, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Color Key Artist, you need a strong understanding of color theory, lighting, and visual storytelling, often supported by a background in fine arts, animation, or illustration. Proficiency with digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop, and familiarity with animation production pipelines, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with directors and other artists are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling color scripts that set the mood and visual tone for animated projects.
How does a color key artist typically collaborate with other departments during an animation production?
A Color Key Artist works closely with directors, art directors, and background painters to establish the color palette and overall mood for each scene. They provide essential color references that guide other artists in maintaining visual consistency throughout the project. Frequent communication and feedback sessions with lighting, layout, and compositing teams are common, ensuring the final visuals align with the creative vision. Effective collaboration helps streamline the workflow and ensures that color decisions enhance storytelling and support the project’s aesthetic goals.
What cities are hiring for Color Key Artist jobs?
Cities with the most Color Key Artist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Color Key Artist jobs?
The top employers for Color Key Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Color Key Artist jobs?
States with the most job openings for Color Key Artist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Color Key Artist jobs?
For Color Key Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lighting Key / Color Script Artist
Burbank, CA • On-site
Flying Bark Productions, LA Studio
Full-time
Posted 9 days ago
Job description
Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.
Our Burbank studio is seeking a highly creative and skilled Lighting Key / Color Script Artist to help establish the visual tone and atmosphere of our upcoming CG animated series. Working closely with the creative team, you'll develop color, lighting, and mood that support the storytelling and help bring each sequence to life.
This role is located onsite in our Burbank, CA office.
About the role:
- Translate narrative scripts and emotional beats into cohesive color choices.
- Work closely with the art director and production designer to map out sequence arcs.
- Create a miniature sequence of painted frames or thumbnails showing how light and mood shift from the beginning to the end of a show.
- Provide detailed visual blueprints for 3D lighting and background painting teams to follow.
- Ensure color palettes and atmospheric changes remain consistent across different sequences.
About you:
- A bachelor's degree in illustration, fine art, animation, or a related field preferred.
- 3 to 5 years of professional industry experience in animation or visual development.
- Strong digital painting skills and a deep working knowledge of color theory, cinematic lighting, and shot composition.
- Familiarity with the CG animation pipeline and understanding of 3D production constraints.
- Ability to work under deadlines, adapt to feedback, and communicate visually and verbally.
Why Work with Us?
- We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark
- We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
- We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days
- Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities
- Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture—everyone is celebrated here!
Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Range: $2,800-$3,300 weekly
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