How to Be Background Artist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 27, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Background artists are an essential part of the production process, providing the visual foundation for a story. Their work can range from creating backdrops and scenery to designing intricate sets and props. Without the work of these talented artists, the film or television show would lack the depth and realism necessary to realistically portray a story.

The result of their hard work is a vibrant and immersive experience that captures the attention of viewers. The importance of background artists to a production team cannot be overstated, as their contributions are integral to the success of the production. By creating captivating and believable environments, they help to bring the story to life, enabling viewers to connect with the characters and the narrative in a more meaningful way.

Steps How to Become

Develop an Interest and Understanding of Art. To become a background artist, you first need to have an interest in and understanding of art. This includes having a good knowledge of different types of art, such as painting, drawing, and photography.
Take Art Classes. Taking art classes is a great way to learn the basics of background art. These classes can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a background artist.
Build a Portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best artwork that you can show to potential employers. A portfolio should include a variety of pieces in different mediums, styles, and techniques.
Stay Updated on the Latest Trends. To stay competitive as a background artist, its important to stay current with the latest trends in art. This could include following popular artists, attending art exhibitions, and reading art magazines.
Network with Other Artists. Networking with other artists can be a great way to find new opportunities as a background artist. You can attend local art events, join online art communities, or even join professional art organizations.
Look for Job Opportunities. Once youve built your portfolio and networked with other artists, you can start looking for job opportunities as a background artist. You can look for job postings online or contact companies directly to inquire about available positions.

The use of reliable and efficient background artists is essential for producing high-quality results. Without experienced and resourceful professionals, projects can be delayed and costly errors can be made. An effective background artist possesses a combination of technical knowledge and creativity to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

They must understand the fundamentals of composition, color theory, and lighting to accurately capture the desired atmosphere and mood. Furthermore, they must be able to work within the given timeline, budget, and technical constraints. By leveraging their knowledge and experience, a background artist can bring projects to life with stunning visuals and create a more immersive experience.

You may want to check Visual Effects Supervisor/Director, Flash Programmer/Developer, and Flash Artist for alternative.

Job Description

Background Painter: Responsible for painting or digitally creating background environments for animation, film, television, and other media productions.
Background Designer: Responsible for designing background elements for animation, film, television, and other media productions.
Background Artist: Responsible for creating artwork for background elements in animation, film, television, and other media productions.
Background Layout Artist: Responsible for creating a composition of the background elements in animation, film, television, and other media productions.
Background Modeler: Responsible for creating 3D models of background elements for animation, film, television, and other media productions.
Background Compositor: Responsible for compositing the various elements of the background into a finished image or scene in animation, film, television, and other media productions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Drawing/illustration skills
Color theory knowledge
Perspective and design fundamentals
Ability to work quickly and accurately
Attention to detail
Knowledge of animation techniques
Computer graphic design skills
Ability to work with a stylus or tablet
Comfortable working with digital media
Familiarity with the principles of composition, including composition, lighting, and staging

Having a good background in art is essential for any aspiring artist. It not only allows them to create works of art that are aesthetically pleasing and technically sound, but it also enables them to think critically and analytically while producing their work. A strong background in art provides an artist with a broad range of skills and tools to work with, such as a good understanding of color theory, composition, and the fundamentals of design.

With a good background in art, an artist can become more creative and express themselves more freely when creating their works of art. this knowledge gives them the ability to observe the nuances of their surroundings and draw inspiration from them. An artist with a good background in art will also have the ability to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to better develop their skillset and hone their craft.

having a strong background in art gives artists the foundation they need to be successful and produce stunning pieces that capture the essence of their subjects.

Effects Artist, Layout Artist, and Web Cartoonist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in background art?
What techniques do you use to create believable environments?
Describe a background art project you have worked on that you are particularly proud of.
What challenges have you encountered in creating backgrounds with a unified style?
How do you stay up to date with trends in background art?
What experience do you have working in a team setting to create background art?
What tools do you typically use when creating background art?
How do you go about developing concepts for backgrounds?
What measures do you take to ensure the accuracy of your background art?
How do you handle feedback and criticism on your work?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Photoshop . Image editing and graphic design software. (eg: adding special effects, creating logos and illustrations).
Adobe Illustrator . Vector graphics and illustration software. (eg: creating logos, icons and illustrations).
Adobe After Effects . Motion graphics, visual effects and animation software. (eg: adding digital effects, creating animated logos and titles).
Autodesk Maya . 3D animation, simulation, and rendering software. (eg: creating 3D models, environments and animation).
Cinema 4D . 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. (eg: creating 3D assets, texturing and rigging).
Blender . 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics and rendering software. (eg: creating 3D assets, materials and lighting).
Procreate . Digital painting and illustration software. (eg: creating digital paintings and illustrations).
Corel Painter . Digital painting and photo-painting software. (eg: creating digital artworks and photo-realistic images).

Professional Organizations to Know

Animation Guild
Visual Effects Society
Art Directors Guild
Graphic Artists Guild
Association of Animation Professionals
International Animated Film Association
Women in Animation
International Digital Artists Association
National Cartoonists Society
Society of Illustrators

We also have Computer Graphics Supervisor, Character Designer, and Art Department Coordinator/Manager/Producer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Background Painting. A way of creating a painted backdrop for a film or television production.
Matte Painting. A technique used in filmmaking and television production to create backgrounds and set pieces that would otherwise be impossible or costly to build in a physical form.
Layout Artist. An artist who creates the rough sketches of scenes, characters, and other elements necessary for a production.
Storyboard Artist. An artist who creates a storyboard for a production, either by hand or digitally, which is then used as a visual guide for the production.
Concept Artist. An artist who creates artwork to visualize the ideas behind a production, from the overall look of the production to the details of characters, environments, and props.
Set Designer. An artist who is responsible for designing and creating sets for a production, from the overall look of the set to the details of props, furniture, and other objects.
Colorist. An artist who is responsible for creating color palettes and color schemes for productions, from the overall look of the production to the details of each scene.
Scenic Artist. An artist who is responsible for painting backdrops and set pieces for a production.
Property Master. An artist who is responsible for procuring and managing all physical props necessary for a production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Background Artist?

A Background Artist is a type of artist who creates visual elements for a variety of media, including television, movies, video games, and other forms of entertainment. They are responsible for creating scenery, props, and other artwork for the production.

What skills does a Background Artist need?

Background Artists must have a wide range of skills, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and illustration. They should also be familiar with digital software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, good communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

What is the average salary for a Background Artist?

The average salary for a Background Artist is approximately $42,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on geographic location, industry experience, and the size of the production.

What qualifications do you need to become a Background Artist?

To become a Background Artist, you typically need a bachelors degree in fine art, animation, or a related field. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire artists who have some form of professional experience or training in the industry.

What type of projects do Background Artists typically work on?

Background Artists typically work on projects such as TV shows, movies, video games, commercials, and other forms of entertainment. They are responsible for creating the sets, props, and other artwork for the production.