Background Artist

Job Description

A Background Artist is responsible for creating concepts, story art, layouts, paintings, and color scripts for assigned locations in a timely manner. They work primarily with their Supervisor and other team members within their Department to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. The Background Artist contributes to the production by creating visually engaging environments that align with the series’ aesthetic.

This position reports directly to the Background Artist Supervisor.

Requirements

• Create unique 2D concepts for environments in a timely manner. Concepts need to be organized. Concepts primary focus is on previewing a particular Location before moving forward to Storyboarding. This is one of the most important phases of Production.
• Finalize design of locations.
• Produce high-quality paintings that serve as the foundation for outsourcing partners to build upon.
• Create color scripts that enhance the storytelling process through color, lighting, and mood, providing a visual guide for the Director, Client, and Compositing Department.
• Check the Production Tracker daily for assignments and keep it updated with progress on assigned assets.
• Stay up-to-date with design and production notes and ensure deadlines are met for all designs.
• Communicate daily with the Background Supervisor, providing progress updates and discussing any issues.
• Develop story art and assist in the creation of style frames so that internal teams, outsource partners, and clients are all aligned on the productions visuals.

Qualifications

• Drawing: have a very high level of technical skill and mechanical design, be able to create work in a variety of styles (particularly anime for this project), showing strong attention to detail, have strong understanding of form, color, texture, and light, know how these elements work together.
• Knowledge of environments: understand architecture, have good awareness of city spaces and countryside landscapes. Knowledge of 3D environments is a plus.
• Creativity: use your imagination to come up with original and innovative ideas and create work which sparks the director’s imagination
• Communication: understand what the Director, Client wants and be able to take and act on feedback from the Supervisor to alter your designs.
• Study animation/live-action film: have a passion for the medium and a love of the industry. Emphasis on color, lighting, mood.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Clip Studio, or other comparable digital painting software.
• Knowledge of Blender is a plus.
• This position is open to Texas residents, with the option to work at the studio or remotely.

This position is covered by a Union contract.

Contract Length: Now - March 20, 2026

Classification: Non Exempt, Full Time Employee with Benefits

Powerhouse Animation Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Powerhouse Animation Studios also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.