Concept Artist (2D Environment/Background Designer)

Childhood Cancer Society; Milwaukee (WI); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization seeks a Concept Artist (2D Background Designer) to create immersive environments for storytelling. This role involves designing whimsical and narrative-driven backgrounds that enhance animations and illustrations. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio, excellent collaboration skills, and experience in digital illustration tools. This remote position allows for flexibility while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in background or environment concept art.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating background design.
• Ability to visualize spatial depth and mood.

Responsibilities

• Design 2D environments and background illustrations.
• Collaborate with animators and character designers.
• Manage multiple design tasks while meeting deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Communication

Digital illustration

Worldbuilding

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Clip Studio Paint

After Effects

Toon Boom

Job description

As a Concept Artist (2D Background Designer) at Childhood Cancer Society, you’ll play a key role in shaping the imaginative and emotionally resonant worlds where our stories and characters come to life. From whimsical forests to cosmic adventures, your background designs will transport audiences into the heart of our mission—spreading hope, courage, and wonder to children and families facing pediatric cancer.

You’ll collaborate closely with the Project Manager and Art Department to create stylized, narrative-driven environments that enhance our animations, illustrations, and branded content.

Key Responsibilities

• Design 2D environments and background illustrations that reflect the mood, tone, and narrative needs of each project.

• Create concept art from rough thumbnails to fully rendered backgrounds.

• Build mood boards, environment references, and design briefs to explore unique visual themes and storytelling possibilities.

• Collaborate with animators, character designers, and writers to ensure the environment enhances the story and character interaction.

• Apply principles of perspective, lighting, color, and composition to support storytelling and atmosphere.

• Handle feedback professionally and revise designs as needed.

• Manage multiple design tasks while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, creative environment.

• Available to meet twice weekly via webcam with an engaged presence.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Ability to adhere to Brand Guidelines, Brand Strategy, and Creative Direction.

• Proficiency in digital illustration tools (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint).

• Ability to visualize spatial depth, mood, and worldbuilding through background art.

• Excellent attention to detail and design placement within a frame.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

• A portfolio that demonstrates strong background or environment design.
  
  

Remote: Yes

Skills required:

• 2+ years of experience in background or environment concept art (student work welcomed).

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Highly motivated self-starter with a flexible, can-do attitude and a passion for continuous learning.

• Understanding of how backgrounds work in animation pipelines (e.g., layering for parallax, animated scenes).

• Experience designing for 2D animation or visual development projects.

• Familiarity with rigging or motion graphics in 2D software (e.g., After Effects, Toon Boom, Procreate Dreams).

• Interest in nonprofit storytelling or cause-driven creative projects.