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Internship Animation Background Artist Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

Magnopus is looking for an AI Artist to create high-quality, photorealistic imagery and motion ... A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Internship Animation Background Artist information

What does an internship animation background artist do?

An Internship Animation Background Artist assists in creating the scenery and environments that appear behind the characters in animated films, TV shows, or video games. They work closely with art directors and other team members to design and paint backgrounds that enhance the story's mood and setting. Interns may use both traditional painting and digital illustration tools, and often help with tasks such as color matching, creating texture, and following style guides. This role is a great way to gain hands-on experience in animation production and develop a professional portfolio.

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

To excel as an Internship Animation Background Artist, you need strong drawing and painting skills, a good understanding of perspective and color theory, and a portfolio showcasing relevant work. Familiarity with digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar industry-standard tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take direction and collaborate with team members are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure visually compelling backgrounds that enhance storytelling and maintain consistency with the overall animation style.

What are some common challenges faced by internship animation background artists, and how can I prepare for them?

Internship animation background artists often encounter challenges such as adapting to different artistic styles, meeting tight production deadlines, and learning to incorporate feedback from art directors and senior team members. To prepare, it’s helpful to practice drawing a variety of environments, familiarize yourself with digital painting tools, and develop strong communication skills for collaborative projects. Being open to constructive criticism and staying organized will help you succeed and grow during your internship.

What is the difference between Internship Animation Background Artist vs Animation Background Artist?

AspectInternship Animation Background ArtistAnimation Background Artist
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently graduated from art or animation programsProfessional portfolio and experience in background art
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or temporaryFull-time or freelance professional roles in studios
Industry UsageEntry-level position for gaining experienceEstablished role responsible for creating backgrounds for animations

The Internship Animation Background Artist is an entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates to gain industry experience. In contrast, the Animation Background Artist is a professional role requiring a portfolio and experience to produce high-quality backgrounds for animated 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 Internship Animation Background Artist jobs?

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

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Anatomage Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 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.

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.

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!
Compensation

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.

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