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Contract Animation Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV

$114K - $141K/yr

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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV

$114K - $141K/yr

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

As of Jun 8, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Animation Background Artist, and why are they important?

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 some 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 are Contract Animation Background Artists?

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
After-School Digital Animation & Art Instructor (Part-Time)

After-School Digital Animation & Art Instructor (Part-Time)

Concorde Education

Dover, DE

$50/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Location: On-site at partner schools (varies by assignment)
Schedule: Typically 1 hour per week after school for ~10 weeks
Additional Opportunities: Some instructors run 2–4 hours per week or multiple assignments
Start Dates: Rolling openings throughout the school year
Compensation: $50+ per instructional hour (flexible based on experience)

About the Role

Concorde Education is seeking an engaging Digital Animation Instructor to lead a short-format after-school enrichment class. Students will explore the basics of animation and learn how movement, timing, and visual storytelling bring characters and scenes to life.

Classes focus on hands-on creative projects using school-approved tools (often Chromebooks and browser-based animation software).

This is a once-per-week enrichment class, typically running for about 10 weeks, with flexible pacing based on student needs.

Example Topics

Students may explore topics such as:

  • Animation basics (frames, timing, loops, fps)
  • Storyboarding and visual storytelling
  • Character and background design
  • Frame-by-frame animation or simple motion graphics
  • Stop-motion and GIF animation
  • Timing sound or music with motion
  • Exporting animations for sharing or presentation
  • Constructive peer feedback and creative revision
  • Tools may include Wick Editor or similar web-based animation platforms.

Responsibilities

  • Lead engaging project-based animation sessions
  • Demonstrate animation concepts in an accessible way for beginners
  • Support students as they design and create short animations
  • Adapt activities based on student age and available technology
  • Foster a creative and respectful classroom environment
  • Communicate with school staff and Concorde program coordinators
  • Guide students toward completing a final animation project

Qualifications

  • Minimum 60 college credits
  • Experience with animation, digital media, or motion graphics
  • Experience working with school-age students (school, camp, tutoring, etc.)
  • Strong communication and classroom facilitation skills
  • Reliable, punctual, and professional
  • Comfortable using Chromebooks and web-based creative tools

Who This Role Is Great For

  • Teachers or teaching assistants
  • College students studying animation, art, film, or design
  • Digital artists or animators
  • Creative professionals looking for flexible part-time work
  • Anyone who enjoys helping students bring ideas to life through animation