Background Artist - Series

The Background Artist is responsible for designing and painting detailed backgrounds and environments. Under the direction of the Production Designer and/or Art Director, the background artist ensures that backgrounds/environments align with the show's vision and aesthetic. This is a union covered position.

Sony Pictures Animation is an animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Creates scene set designs, floor plans, and orthographic designs with multiple angles as needed
• Paints backgrounds, layouts and any other background-related art that the production may require, ensuring style and quality of show is met
• Complete all rough, revised and final designs necessary within assigned deadlines
• Be available to fulfill all color projects – including but not limited to – color scripts, color lead sheets, lighting keys, keyframe paintings, special backgrounds / effects as it pertains to each episode
• Propose design approaches that consider downstream departments (modeling and texturing)
• Ensure all artwork is properly backed up, stored appropriately, and all packeting materials are prepared and ready on time
• Communicate with and apply feedback from the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership
• Communicate and work closely with the Design and Paint team

Qualifications:

• Previous experience on an animated feature film, tv series, or game preferred
• Ability to articulate creative ideas
• Must demonstrate high-level drawing and painting skills 
• Must have a solid understanding of composition, value, perspective, color, shape language, and overall design
• Must demonstrate proficiency in style of show
• We value inventiveness! Each Sony Pictures Animation project has its own distinctive and outstanding visual language so it is helpful to have stylistic versatility
• Photoshop knowledge required

The anticipated base salary for this position is $59.16/hour to $70.00/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.