Currently the background artist profile is one of the most demanded, especially in the sectors of 2D animation and video games. If you are thinking of turning your passion for illustration or drawing into a future profession, training as a background artist is a good option.
What does the background artist profile consist of?
The background artist profile is that of a creative who turns ideas into images. It is a person who uses traditional or digital artistic skills to design the backgrounds, sets and props for animations, films, video games or other forms of visual art. Based on the guidelines of the scriptwriter, art director or client, the background artist establishes the colour, style and mood of the scene. And, by drawing/painting the background for his final animation, he manages to provide a sense of atmosphere to the scene.
The TOP 5 background artist of Arly Jones
Arly Jones is an illustrator, environment designer, concept artist specializing in visual development. And he is a member of L’Idem Barcelona teaching team. Find out which are his reference background artists in this post.
Eyvind Earle
American artist, author and illustrator born in New York in 1916. Known for his contribution to the background illustration and styling of Disney animated films in the 1950s. His work “was a revolution in the classic Disney film style,” says Jones. “In the ‘Sleeping Beauty‘ years, the United Productions of America (UPA) style had already broken through to modernity and Disney was able to commission Eyvind to come up with a new vision that would regenerate its repertoire,” he adds.
Sid Mead
An American industrial designer born in 1933, he is considered the first visual futurist in the history of cinema. “His contribution to films such as ‘Blade Runner‘ forever changed the sets and general aesthetics of futuristic films, as well as animated films,” Jones explained.
Scott Watanabe
A freelance artist who has worked for more than a decade at Walt Disney Animation Studio. “His work on ‘Big Hero 6‘, the first Disney-Marvel film, particularly caught my attention,” Jones explains. “His concepts for backgrounds surprised me with his ability to create chaotic environments, especially Hiro’s room.
David Alcarria
Illustrator born in 1978, specialized in the visual development of feature films and animated TV series. “He is undoubtedly one of today’s best background artists” says Jones.
Miguel Ibáñez
One of the pioneers of animation backgrounds in the Spanish industry, he worked on historic animated films such as ‘Peraustrinia 2004’. “He was one of my teachers,” Jones explains.