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Internship Background Painter Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

... internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development ... Skilled in storyboarding, digital painting, rigging, modeling and 2D animation * Strong computer ...

Intern

Santa Monica, CA

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Company Description Patrick Painter Inc seeks to fill gallery internship positions. Located in ... background in contemporary art. Interns will receive training in all aspects of gallery ...

Intern

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Company Description Patrick Painter Inc seeks to fill gallery internship positions. Located in ... background in contemporary art. Interns will receive training in all aspects of gallery ...

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Internship Background Painter Animation information

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How much do internship background painter animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship background painter animation in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship background painter in animation do?

An Internship Background Painter in Animation assists the art department by creating or enhancing the backgrounds for animated films, television shows, or web series. Their work involves translating the art director's vision into painted environments that complement the animation and storytelling. Interns may use both traditional and digital painting techniques, often collaborating with other artists and departments. This role provides hands-on experience in a studio setting, helping interns build their portfolios and learn industry-standard tools.

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

To thrive as an Internship Background Painter in Animation, you need a solid foundation in traditional and digital painting, color theory, and composition, often supported by coursework or a portfolio showcasing relevant work. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Toon Boom is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to collaborate within a team are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure visually compelling backgrounds that enhance storytelling and align with the animation project's artistic direction.

What can I expect from the mentorship and feedback process as an internship background painter in animation studios?

As an Internship Background Painter in animation, you will typically work under the guidance of experienced artists and art directors. Regular feedback sessions are common, where your work-in-progress backgrounds will be reviewed and critiqued to help you refine your technique and adapt to the studio’s style. You can expect a collaborative environment where you’ll learn industry-standard practices, gain exposure to production pipelines, and have opportunities to ask questions and receive constructive input. This mentorship process is designed to help you develop both technical skills and a professional portfolio, essential for growth in the animation field.

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

AspectInternship Background Painter AnimationBackground Painter
CredentialsTypically students or entry-level with basic art skillsProfessional portfolio, relevant experience, possibly certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised, learning-focusedStudio or production environment, full-time employment
Industry UsageUsed as a training position in animation studiosFull-time role in film, TV, or game production

Internship Background Painter Animation is an entry-level position or training role designed for individuals gaining experience in background painting within animation studios. In contrast, a Background Painter is a professional responsible for creating detailed backgrounds for animations or films. The internship provides foundational skills and industry exposure, while the full-time background painter role requires a developed portfolio and experience.

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What cities are hiring for Internship Background Painter Animation jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Background Painter Animation job openings:

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

The most popular types of Background Painter Animation jobs are:

What states have the most Internship Background Painter Animation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Background Painter Animation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Internship Background Painter Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Background Paint Lead - Disney Television Animation

1414 Walt Disney Pictures

Sonora, CA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Background Paint Lead - Disney Television Animation

About this Role and our Studio Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integral to The Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe. DTVA creates both long-form and short-form content spanning traditional 2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion. We create shows in a broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

By submitting an application for this Background Paint Lead role, you may be considered for any Character Designer positions that arise until the expiration date provided. Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Responsibilities

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Art Director, Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of the series. The Character Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series.

  • Work closely with the Art Director to review scripts and storyboards and for characters that need to be designed for each episode.
  • Flag complexity issues as they arise.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Producer and Art Director, set the visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork.
  • Ensure that the high quality and style of show established by the Executive Producer and Art Director is achieved and maintained.
  • Further the storytelling process by developing the look, personality and feel of characters.
  • Capture the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.
  • Create turnarounds, special poses, mouth charts and expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.
  • May oversee the Character Design team, delegating work and monitoring their schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project.
  • Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studio.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.
  • Experience leading a team preferred.
  • Ability to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheets and special poses.
  • Experience working with oversees vendor studios.
  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.
  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony and 3D technology, where applicable.
  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
  • Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.
  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen.
Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience.

Location

This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

Compensation

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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