Background Artist

The Background Artist is responsible for designing and painting detailed environments, working with the Production Designer and Art Director, as well as other creative leads. The person will explore designing and painting backgrounds that align with the show's vision and aesthetic. 

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:

• Work closely with the Production Designer and Art Director to create 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, storyboards, 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 shipping materials are prepared and ready on time
• Able to work independently and within a team environment
• Work closely with the Art Director to resolve design issues

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 $51.61/hour to $65.00/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.