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Remote Animation Background Artist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Hardsuit Labs

Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

Studio Art & Animation Director * Department: Art * Work Location: Fully Remote * Employment status: Full Time * FLSA: Salaried, Exempt * Benefits: Generous PTO, Health, Dental, & Vision coverage ...

Hardsuit Labs

Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$144K - $173K/yr

Studio Art & Animation Director * Department: Art * Work Location: Fully Remote * Employment status: Full Time * FLSA: Salaried, Exempt * Benefits: Generous PTO, Health, Dental, & Vision coverage ...

TPAPT

Senior Tutor, SAT Full Test (Remote)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$50 - $60/hr

Submit a resume and a brief description of your background, qualifications, etc. No formal cover ... Bachelor of Arts/Science degree from a highly reputable university. * A track record of having ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Seattle, WA · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

Currently we can hire remote candidates with legal residence in Arizona, California, Florida ... Collaborate with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key game systems.

Paula's Choice Skincare

Digital Art Director

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

Hybrid Seattle, WA, remote eligible (West Coast only) * Hours: Typical PST business hours, some ... animation * Working knowledge of UX/UI design and responsive web development * Background in beauty ...

All JobsAnimation Background Artist JobsRemote Animation Background Artist JobsRemote Animation Background Artist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Remote Animation Background Artist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$33

$42

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote animation background artist in Seattle, WA is $33.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.17 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a remote animation background artist do?

A Remote Animation Background Artist creates detailed and visually appealing backgrounds for animated productions while working from a remote location. They collaborate with art directors and other team members to ensure the backgrounds fit the style and mood of the project. Their work helps set the scene, atmosphere, and context for the animation, enhancing the storytelling. This role requires strong artistic skills, proficiency with digital painting software, and the ability to meet deadlines independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote animation background artist?

To thrive as a Remote Animation Background Artist, you need strong artistic abilities in illustration, composition, and color theory, typically supported by a portfolio showcasing relevant work. Proficiency in digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint is essential, and familiarity with project management tools like Trello or Slack is often required for remote collaboration. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and clear communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills are important to produce visually appealing backgrounds, meet production deadlines, and collaborate effectively with animation teams from a distance.

What are the most common challenges faced by remote animation background artists, and how can they be addressed?

Remote animation background artists often face challenges such as effective communication with the art and animation teams, managing feedback across different time zones, and maintaining consistency with the project's visual style. To address these, it's important to establish clear communication channels, participate in regular video or chat meetings, and use project management tools to track revisions and deadlines. Additionally, sharing work-in-progress files and style guides ensures alignment with the creative vision and helps streamline collaboration.

What is the difference between Remote Animation Background Artist vs Remote Character Animator?

AspectRemote Animation Background ArtistRemote Character Animator
Required SkillsDrawing, painting, environment design, knowledge of animation softwareCharacter movement, acting, rigging, animation software proficiency
Work EnvironmentHome studio, freelance or studio-basedHome studio, freelance or studio-based
Industry UsageFilm, TV, video games, advertisingFilm, TV, video games, advertising
Common Search IntentFocus on backgrounds and environmentsFocus on character animation and performance

Both roles often require similar credentials like proficiency in animation software and a portfolio. The main difference lies in their focus: Background Artists create environments, while Character Animators bring characters to life. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target their skills and applications effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Remote Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Animation Background Artist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Remote Animation Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Animation Background Artist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,903 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options