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Contract Animation Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlayStation Global

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques ... This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however this role mentors more junior artists.

New

Insomniac Games

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques ... This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however this role mentors more junior artists.

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters ... background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background ...

Rouge Studios

Cinematic Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

... animation. Working closely with artists and leads, you will bring compelling characters ... Initial 3-4 week contract, with a strong likelihood of extension for up to one year based on ...

New

CrossFire Group

Principal Digital Artist

Oshkosh, WI · Hybrid

$30/hr

Hybrid | 3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote Employment Type: Long-Term Contract | Potential Contract-to ... Bachelor's degree in Digital Art, Graphic Design, Game Design, Animation, or a related field.

CrossFire Group

Principal Digital Artist

Oshkosh, WI · Hybrid

$30.09/hr

Hybrid | 3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote Employment Type: Long-Term Contract | Potential Contract-to ... Bachelor's degree in Digital Art, Graphic Design, Game Design, Animation, or a related field.

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 ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality animations for gameplay characters, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and technical standards. * Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in ...

LA 411

Storyboard/Design Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

The Comedy Central animated TV series, "South Park," is looking for a passionate, artistic, and ... also Background Design, Character Design, Cinematic Design, and various other mixed animation art ...

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How much do contract animation background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract animation background artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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Cities with the most Contract Animation Background Artist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Contract Animation Background Artist jobs include:

Contract Animation Background Artist jobs near you

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)

Cheyenne, WY • On-site, Remote

$76.92 - $86/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?

Sony Interactive Entertainment isn't just the Best Place to Play - it's also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we're part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

This is an 8-month contract. This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Cinematic Animator. In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role involves driving the cinematic process from script interpretation and scene layout through final implementation in the game engine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilitiesinclude the following:

  • Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques, ensuring alignment with schedule and performance benchmarks.
  • Collaborate closely with Animation Directors and Lead Animators to design cinematics that reflect the game's vision and adhere to its unique cinematography style.
  • Contribute to setting and maintaining performance standards and work in tandem with other departments to ensure seamless integration of cinematics into the game engine.
  • Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes.
  • Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting work and incorporating constructive critique.
  • Demonstrate a strong grasp of animation and camera principles essential for crafting a realistic and immersive cinematic experience.
  • Utilize project management tools such as Jira and Flow to effectively track progress and manage workload.
  • Communicate efficiently with the Animation Director and Project Management to report on progress, addressing potential roadblocks to ensure timely delivery of tasks.
  • Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned to support the animation team's goals and objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however this role mentors more junior artists.

Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mathematical Skills:Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Computer Skills:Advanced knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools(preferred),anda knowledge ofMicrosoftOffice Suite. MotionBuilderand Adobe Premierea plus.Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game enginea plus.

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click hereto learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.
$76.92-$86 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to ourCandidate Privacy Noticefor more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

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