How to Become a Background Artist

A background artist paints the scenes for the rear of a movie or television set or does the background art for video games and the Internet. Become a background artist by honing your artistic skills and putting your art out there to be noticed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Improve your skills in school or by painting or drawing on your own. Once you have a quality portfolio that you feel represents you well, you can begin the search for people who can help you become a background artist.
2. Call local casting agents who can get you connected with television and film shoots in your area. An agent is a wonderful resource for any filming that would require a background artist, but these positions are rarely hired by the casting directors themselves.
3. Begin with the theater. Before jumping to the agencies and film work, go to local theaters and inquire about getting paid for set design. Any artistic endeavor that involves painting and drawing for sets will help you branch out in your network and in your creative scope.
4. Use the Internet. If you have aspirations of becoming a background artist for television or film, but have connections to an Internet site or web developer, use the opportunity. Begin by working with who you know and build your network from there. Websites and other forms of background art are wonderful to have on your resume.
5. Check out forums online and join set design groups in your area. Networking with others who have made progress in the field is always helpful. People in the business can help connect you with the right people and can show you the ropes.

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