2D Illustrator Background Artist

Job Description

We are seeking a talented 2D Background Illustrator to help bring vibrant environments to life. Please enter your information below to be considered. If your online portfolio requires a password, please include that in the space provided. Otherwise, we will reject your application.

Job Title: 2D Illustrator Background Artist – Kids Animated Series

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Freelance / Subcontractor

Start Date: February 2026 through early June 2026

Reports to: Director / Art Director

Series Genre: Children’s animation (ages 3-7)

Role Summary

As the 2D Background Illustrator, you will work closely with the Art Director and Lead Layout Artist. You will take the approved black and white layouts and produce finished background artwork that is consistent in style, color, lighting within the episode and the series. The ideal candidate has strong illustration skills and can confidently translate design direction into polished, vector, and production-ready background art that supports character action and narrative clarity.

Key Responsibilities

• Create full-scale background illustrations suitable as a 4K production-ready background using approved black and white layouts.
• Develop environment designs (interiors, exteriors, props, set pieces) that align with the series’ visual style, color script and mood.
• Maintain consistency of style across scenes: color palette, perspective, texture, lighting and line-weight.
• Collaborate with the art director to ensure backgrounds integrate seamlessly with character designs and camera movement.
• Respond to feedback and revision requests, iterate on designs as needed.
• Organize files and layers for production delivery: prepare backgrounds in correct file formats, naming conventions, resolution and color space for compositing.
• Possibly assist in creating reuse-able background assets or “kit” environments.
• Ensure deadlines are met and deliverables conform to production schedule and quality standards.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Strong portfolio of background/environment illustration work; preferably in 2D animation (television, children’s content or similar).
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and comfortable with layering, mask-work, file organization.
• Excellent drawing and painting skills: strong fundamentals in composition, perspective, color theory, light/shadow, texture and mood.
• Proven ability to illustrate in the defined art style of the show or close to..
• Ability to read and interpret layouts and translate them into final background art that supports camera moves and character staging.
• Good communication skills; ability to incorporate feedback and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time-management skills with ability to prioritize and deliver work under deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on children’s television animation or with studios producing kids/family content.
• Experience creating reusable background kits and assets to streamline production.
• Familiarity with additional software (e.g., Photoshop, Toon Boom Harmony, After Effects, Harmony) is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Epipheo is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all talented individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, veteran status or other legally-protected characteristics.