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Remote Background Painter Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Houdini, X-Particles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter. * Unreal Engine, AI-assisted ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

$130K - $155K/yr

Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fully remote environment. Preferred Experience: * Gaming or casino-related knowledge or background. * Knowledge of animation ...

TrueShort

Reference Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Our team is experimenting at the frontier of AI-powered entertainment production across animation ... Strong background in character design, concept art, production design, or visual development

TX Labs

Frontend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Create dynamic animations and interactions using Framer Motion and/or GSAP to enhance user ... A flexible work environment with remote work options. * Opportunity to work with a passionate and ...

TX Labs

Create dynamic animations and interactions using Framer Motion and/or GSAP to enhance user ... A flexible work environment with remote work options. * Opportunity to work with a passionate and ...

PartsBase

Video and AI Content Creator

$129K/yr

PartsBase offers a FULLY remote environment where one can work at the forefront of where the ... Produce engaging video content, motion graphics, animations, and AI-assisted visual assets for ...

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote background painter in animation?

To thrive as a Remote Background Painter in Animation, you need strong artistic skills in color theory, composition, and digital painting, often supported by a relevant art degree or portfolio. Proficiency with digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Toon Boom is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating remotely with animation teams. These skills and qualities ensure visually compelling backgrounds that support storytelling and maintain production quality in a fast-paced, distributed work environment.

What is a remote background painter in animation?

A Remote Background Painter in Animation is an artist who creates the visual backgrounds for animated films, TV shows, or video games while working from a location outside the main studio, often from home. Their work involves painting detailed environments that help set the mood, establish the setting, and enhance the storytelling of the animation project. They collaborate with art directors and other team members remotely, following design briefs and ensuring their backgrounds match the animation’s style and color palette. These artists use digital painting software and often share their work through online platforms, making strong communication skills and self-motivation essential.

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

AspectRemote Background Painter AnimationRemote Character Animator
Required credentialsPortfolio, art or animation degree often preferredPortfolio, animation or character design degree often preferred
Work environmentHome studio, digital tools, collaborative platformsHome studio, digital tools, collaborative platforms
Industry usageFilm, TV, video games, advertisingFilm, TV, video games, advertising
Common search intentCompare skills, job roles, or freelance opportunitiesCompare skills, job roles, or freelance opportunities

Remote Background Painter Animation focuses on creating detailed backgrounds and environments for animations, while Remote Character Animator specializes in bringing characters to life through movement and expressions. Both roles require strong artistic skills, digital tools proficiency, and often similar industry experience, but they differ in their primary focus—backgrounds versus characters.

How do remote background painters in animation typically collaborate with other team members in a virtual environment?

Remote Background Painter Animation professionals often work closely with art directors, layout artists, and animation teams using digital collaboration tools. Communication is usually managed through project management platforms, video calls, and shared cloud-based workspaces to review sketches, receive feedback, and make revisions. Staying organized and being proactive in communication are essential, as feedback cycles can be frequent and deadlines are often tight. Building strong virtual relationships ensures that the visual style remains cohesive and aligns with the creative vision of the project.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Background Painter Animation jobs?

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Remote Background Painter Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Background Painter Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Hi! We’re The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Senior Motion Designer who leads through craft. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives inside the work while helping elevate the people around them.

You’ll partner closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors to transform ideas into exceptional motion. Whether you’re developing styleframes, designing key moments, building 3D scenes, or refining animation, you’ll help establish the creative standard for every project you touch.

Beyond execution, you’ll be a trusted teammate who mentors others, tackles creative and technical challenges, and helps guide projects through production with confidence and attention to detail.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.
  • Develop storyboards, styleframes, and motion explorations that support the creative vision.
  • Collaborate with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Producers, and fellow designers throughout production.
  • Take ownership of complex assignments, solving creative and technical challenges independently.
  • Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable.
  • Provide thoughtful feedback and mentorship to junior designers, helping raise the quality of the team.
  • Stay current with emerging tools, workflows, and technologies that improve both process and creative output.
  • Accurately estimate effort, communicate progress, and help projects stay on schedule.
What You'll Bring
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, or a related creative field.
  • A portfolio demonstrating exceptional design taste, animation principles, and versatility across styles.
  • Advanced proficiency in After Effects, Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, pacing, and visual storytelling.
  • Experience working within professional production pipelines from concept through final delivery.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
  • A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the confidence to own work while supporting the team.
Bonus Points!
  • Houdini, X-Particles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter.
  • Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies.
  • Experience with live action, editorial, or VFX pipelines.
Additional Info
  • Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
  • Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
  • Consistent culture and team-building events
  • Employee recognition and incentive programs
  • Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year 
  • Office lunches 
  • Branded company swag
  • Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
  • Flex work and travel options
  • Comprehensive extended health benefits
  • 401k matching
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. If your compensation expectations fall outside of this range, we still welcome your application.

Equal Opportunity

At The Heist, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity is our creative strength – it's the range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that fuels our best ideas and most innovative solutions. We welcome and encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Your voice matters here.

To Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please submit your resume along with links to your online portfolio as part of your application (if applicable). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to respond to every submission. However, all applications are kept in our talent database and will be considered for future opportunities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.