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Entry Level Animation Background Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ... If you have strong artistic experience, hands-on expertise with generative AI image and video ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Animation Background Artist information

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How much do entry level animation background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 does an entry level animation background artist do?

An entry level animation background artist is responsible for creating the visual environments and scenery behind animated characters and objects. They work closely with art directors and layout artists to design backgrounds that match the style and mood of the animation. Their tasks often include painting digital backgrounds, following color scripts, and ensuring consistency throughout scenes. Entry level artists typically handle simpler or less critical backgrounds while learning studio workflows and gaining experience. Over time, they may take on more complex assignments as they develop their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animation background artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animation Background Artist, you need strong drawing and painting abilities, a solid understanding of perspective and composition, and a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your skills. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and experience with digital painting tools are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure backgrounds effectively support the narrative and visual style of animated productions, contributing to immersive storytelling.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level animation background artists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level animation background artists often face challenges such as adapting to varied art styles, meeting tight production deadlines, and effectively interpreting directors' feedback. It's important to be flexible and willing to learn new techniques or software as required by each project. Building strong communication skills and seeking feedback from more experienced artists can help you grow quickly and deliver backgrounds that enhance the overall animation. Staying organized and managing your time efficiently will also help you handle multiple assignments at once.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animation Background Artist vs Entry Level Concept Artist?

AspectEntry Level Animation Background ArtistEntry Level Concept Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, basic art skills, possibly a degree in art or related fieldPortfolio, strong drawing skills, degree in art or design
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production houses, gaming companiesGame studios, animation studios, film production
Industry UsageCreating backgrounds for animated scenes and gamesDesigning characters, environments, and visual concepts

While both roles require strong artistic skills and portfolios, the Entry Level Animation Background Artist focuses on creating backgrounds for animation and games, whereas the Entry Level Concept Artist develops visual concepts and character designs. Both positions are common entry points in the entertainment industry, often overlapping in work environment and credentials.

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

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Entry Level Animation Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animation Background Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Freelance Background Artist for YouTube Studio

Newscape Studios

Austin, TX • Remote

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Newscape Studios, Inc has a dozen YouTube channels, with over 10 million total subscribers. We create content based on popular video games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and original animations. Newscape also produces a vast array of videos for a young audience and content through animation and machinima.

We are looking to add Freelance 2D Background artists to our team to work on our animation. Candidates must have substantial knowledge using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop. Toon Boom knowledge is a plus but not required.

Animation channels to match style of:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToxKVrkEuAONR4rFIJ_DyQ

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Keep an organized and efficient workflow
  • Fully finalize environments and background props for full use in production
  • Meet daily quotas during the production week 
  • Responsible for approximately 25 environments per week.
  • Complete revisions by deadline given by management
  • Depending on skill and experience some duties and responsibilities may differ

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Procreate
  • Illustrator/Background artists must be able to adapt to a variety of styles
  • Strong understanding of composition, perspective, color theory, light and form is a must
  • Must be able to work as part of a team
  • Communicates effectively
  • Great listening skills
  • Great time management skills
  • Comfortable in meeting deadlines and daily quotas
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency 

Competitive pay: $800.00 per production week

Portfolio is required to be considered. 

This is a remote/ work from home, Independent Contractor Position. 

Artists with LLCs are preferred but not required.
If you receive an email from Newscapeprocareers.com this is a scam. Newscape Studios will not email questionnaires, ask for any personal information such as SS #, address, or bank account information or present a  job offer without a face to face interview with our supervisors and/or Human Resources.  If you receive an email from newscapeprocareers.com, please report to the authorities.  Be careful of scams. 

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