Background Details
Background Details refer to the scenery, settings, and environments that appear behind characters in comic books and animations. These are crucial elements that help set the mood, establish location, and make scenes feel complete and professional. Think of them as the "sets" where the story takes place - whether it's a busy city street, an alien planet, or a character's bedroom. Artists who specialize in backgrounds need to understand perspective, architecture, and how to create depth in their artwork. This is different from character artists who focus on drawing people and creatures.
Examples in Resumes
Created detailed Background Details for 12 issues of a monthly superhero comic series
Developed Background Details and environmental concept art for an animated TV series
Specialized in urban Background Details and cityscapes for manga-style comics
Typical job title: "Background Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Background Artists
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a team of background artists while maintaining consistency across a project?
Expected Answer: A senior artist should discuss creating style guides, establishing review processes, mentoring junior artists, and ensuring all backgrounds match the project's artistic direction while meeting deadlines.
Q: How do you approach designing backgrounds that need to work from multiple angles for animation?
Expected Answer: They should explain their process for creating versatile environments that can be viewed from different perspectives while maintaining consistency, including the use of reference materials and planning documents.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure your backgrounds enhance the story without overshadowing the main action?
Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing detail levels, using color and composition to direct attention, and working with writers/directors to understand scene requirements.
Q: What's your process for researching and developing backgrounds for different time periods or locations?
Expected Answer: Should explain their research methods, use of reference materials, and how they adapt real-world elements into artistic style while maintaining historical or cultural accuracy.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic elements do you consider when creating a background?
Expected Answer: Should mention perspective, lighting, color theory, and how these elements work together to create depth and atmosphere in a scene.
Q: How do you handle feedback and revisions to your background work?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate openness to criticism, understanding of iteration process, and ability to implement changes while maintaining project deadlines.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic perspective drawing
- Understanding of composition
- Digital art software basics
- Color theory fundamentals
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced perspective techniques
- Efficient workflow processes
- Style matching ability
- Scene composition expertise
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership and art direction
- Complex environment design
- Project management
- Style guide creation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic perspective drawing skills
- No understanding of composition principles
- Lack of digital art software knowledge
- Poor time management with detailed work
- No portfolio of environment artwork
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