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Contract Animation Background Artist Jobs in California

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ...

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ...

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic ... Candidates should have a very strong background in visual art and have at least 8 years' experience ...

New

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site +1

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic ... Candidates should have a very strong background in visual art and have at least 8 years' experience ...

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic ... Candidates should have a very strong background in visual art and have at least 8 years' experience ...

New

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$68.19 - $97.12/hr

... storyboard artists to help visualize your story during the animation pre-production process ... Contract role for two (2) months with potential to extend based on business needs. * Medical ...

... storyboard artists to help visualize your story during the animation pre-production process ... Contract role for two (2) months with potential to extend based on business needs. Benefits:

Senior Lighting Artist

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$95 - $118/hr

As a Cinematic Lighting Artist, you will collaborate with concept artists, animators, VFX artists ... may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal ...

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Contract Animation Background Artist information

What is a contract animation background artist?

Contract Animation Background Artists are professionals who create the visual environments and backgrounds for animated films, TV shows, and other media on a project-by-project basis. They are usually hired temporarily to work on specific productions, providing detailed and stylistically appropriate backgrounds that enhance the storytelling and overall aesthetic of the animation. These artists collaborate closely with art directors, animators, and other team members to ensure consistency with the project's visual style. Their work is crucial in setting the mood, tone, and context for animated scenes. Contract positions allow studios flexibility in scaling their teams according to project needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract animation background artist?

To thrive as a Contract Animation Background Artist, you need strong artistic ability, a keen eye for detail, proficiency in color theory, and a solid portfolio demonstrating experience in animation or illustration. Familiarity with digital painting tools like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar software is essential, and experience with animation pipelines or asset management systems is highly valued. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and other artists help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure the delivery of visually compelling backgrounds that support storytelling and maintain consistency within animated productions.

What are common workflow challenges for contract animation background artists, and how can they be addressed?

Contract animation background artists often face tight deadlines and the need to quickly adapt to different art styles across multiple projects or studios. Communication can be challenging, especially when working remotely with directors or animation teams spread across various locations. To overcome these challenges, it's important to establish clear channels for feedback, maintain organized file management, and proactively seek clarification on project expectations. Regular check-ins and sharing work-in-progress updates can help ensure alignment and smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Contract Animation Background Artist vs Contract Character Animator?

AspectContract Animation Background ArtistContract Character Animator
Required SkillsDrawing, painting, digital art, environment designCharacter movement, acting, rigging, facial expressions
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, freelance projects, post-productionAnimation studios, freelance, post-production
Industry UsageFilm, TV, video games, commercialsFilm, TV, video games, commercials

Both roles require strong artistic skills and familiarity with animation software. The main difference lies in their focus: background artists create environments and settings, while character animators bring characters to life through movement. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and artists identify the right fit for specific projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Background Artist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Animation Background Artist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Animation Background Artist job openings:

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Anatomage, Inc.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


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.