Background Designer

Job Description

Titmouse is seeking a Background Designer for a 2D animated series. This role is short-term with the potential for a long-term extension. The Background Designer generates background designs, overlays, underlays, shadow and color guides, ensuring the style and quality of the show is met. 

Format: Hybrid/Onsite

Length of role: September 2026 - January 2027

Compensation: $1175 - 1500/wk CAD, commensurate with experience and skill level

Work Location: 31 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3T8

Hours per week: 24 - 40, full-time availability preferred

Reports to: Art Director, Chief Creative Officer

*If the work for this position is performed within the geographical jurisdiction of the collective bargaining agreement, it will be covered by that agreement.

Knowledge, Skills and Required Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of composition, value, perspective, shape language and overall design principles.
• Ability to articulate creative ideas and render designs in detail.
• Proficiency with FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workplace, Photoshop, and MS Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with different teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced production environment and manage time effectively to meet individual and team deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and professional acumen. 
• Ability to work with limited direction and take feedback as tasks progress according to the schedule.
• Actively improve skill set and abilities by keeping aware of current trends, techniques, and art methods. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review script for backgrounds needed at handout of show.
• Develop sketches, mockups, and prototypes to communicate and iterate on background design ideas.
• Apply color theory, composition techniques, and visual hierarchy to create balanced and visually impactful backgrounds that enhance the project.
• Complete all rough, revised, and final designs necessary within assigned deadlines.
• Resolve design problems with creative supervisors.
• Maintain quality and continuity of designs within the show.
• Ensure all artwork is properly backed up and saved appropriately.
• Communicate progress of work to appropriate production staff.
• Adhere to the production schedule and deliver completed assignments on time.
• Ask appropriate questions to understand and complete assignments and tasks on schedule.
• Engage in an open dialogue with production management on any potential roadblocks or concerns in delivering assignments on time.
• Support & maintain the artistic vision of all phases of the series from pre-production through final episode delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Work Habits

• Adhere to all Titmouse, Inc. policies and procedures. 
• Maintain courteous and cooperative manner with all staff and  outside contacts, and demonstrate respect and a positive attitude  toward them at all times during assigned workday. 
• Be a team player, but also take initiative and be flexible in assisting  others to the best of their ability to ensure accurate work product.
• Be organized in work area, files, etc., contributing to the efficiency  and accuracy of work within the assigned workday and avoiding  unnecessary extra time. 
• Be able to comprehend assignments or to clearly and concisely ask  for clarification until the assignment is understood. 
• Exhibit dependability by arriving and leaving work on time; by taking  the allotted time for lunch and breaks; by limiting personal telephone calls and socializing to break periods. 
• Engage in conduct that enables the company to achieve its goal of  providing a professional work environment and that is not disruptive  to that environment. 
• Be willing to put forth your best effort at all times during assigned workday. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all financial, legal and proprietary  matters.