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Contract Animation Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

$130K - $155K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is a highly versatile game artist with experience creating and implementing ... Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is a highly versatile game artist with experience creating and implementing ... Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Animation, or a related arts discipline with 5 years of experience providing creative, high-quality animation and modeling support on a DoD or commercial contract. * Substitution 1: Associate ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Animation, or a related arts discipline with 5 years of experience providing creative, high-quality animation and modeling support on a DoD or commercial contract. * Substitution 1: Associate ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Animation, or a related arts discipline with 5 years of experience providing creative, high-quality animation and modeling support on a DoD or commercial contract. * Substitution 1: Associate ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · 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 ...

Magnopus

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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll shape the look, feel, and energy of our games-owning animation from concept to final polish ... Collaborate with designers, engineers, and artists to define and execute creative vision * Bring ...

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All JobsContract Animation Background Artist Jobs

Contract Animation Background Artist information

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

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 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.

More about Contract Animation Background Artist jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Animation Background Artist jobs?

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:

What states have the most Contract Animation Background Artist jobs?

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

Contract Animation Background Artist jobs near you

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

Insomniac Games

OR • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

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 Gameplay Animator. The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and Animation Directors. They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator works independently requiring minimal supervision. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

  • Develop high-quality animations for gameplay characters, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and technical standards. 
  • Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in engine using expert skills in Maya and proprietary engine tools.
  • Independently troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise.
  • Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters.
  • Gameplay responsibilities can include hero traversal, combat, boss, gameplay camera cinematography, mission and open world animations at the highest level using advanced skills in game engine tools.
  • Work with the Animation team to guarantee cohesive execution of the established animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary.
  • Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art, Audio, Character and Rigging teams, to resolve issues and achieve project goals.
  • Other duties may be assigned

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 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), and a knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine required. 

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