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.

• 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.

• 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.

At Childhood Cancer Society (CCS), a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, we provide essential support to families facing the trials of pediatric cancer. Our origin traces back to a teenager's resolve to amplify family support after his own childhood health challenges. Today, CCS commits to delivering hope, emotional reinforcement, and financial aid to ensure no child endures the journey of cancer treatment alone.

Embodying our ethos of perseverance and optimism is Adventure Ted, our superhero teddy bear and official spokes-bear. He embodies the courage found in adventures, guiding children and families to maintain a positive outlook by embracing his motto: "See the adventure in all that you do." CCS not only strives to alleviate the burden of childhood cancer but also to infuse this challenging journey with a sense of adventure and possibility.