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3D Motion Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

How You'll CREATE The 3D Motion Specialist is responsible for designing and creating high-quality motion graphics, 3D visualizations, animations, and digital content experiences across artist ...

ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril's Design Team is seeking a Motion Designer to join our team. The Design Team ... 3D elements. The ideal candidate is not only an impeccable artist, but also has outstanding ...

Motion Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$85 - $91/hr

Summary We are seeking an experienced Animator/Motion Designer with a strong background in UI and ... Experience with 3D Animation/Design * Motion graphics work beyond UI design * Basic coding or ...

I/D.W is searching for a talented Motion Designer to build stunning and sophisticated motion ... 3D. Advanced knowledge of After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop and other design tools to aid in ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

Motion Designer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As a Motion Designer, you will help shape and develop the kinetic visual language of ... Technical fluency in 2D + 3D software of choice * A team player who brings a unique sense of ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative ... Bachelor's degree in design, animation, or related field preferred Nice-to-Haves * 3D experience ...

Motion Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Motion Designer Hybrid (4 days onsite, 1 day remote) - Brisbane, CA To help us provide the best ... Knowledge of a 3D software package such as Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, or Maxon. * Up-to-date ...

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3D Motion Designer information

See California salary details

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How much do 3d motion designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d motion designer in California is $36.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $41.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D motion designer?

A 3D Motion Designer creates animated graphics and visual effects using 3D software for various media, including advertisements, films, video games, and social media. They combine design, animation, and storytelling to bring concepts to life with movement and depth. Their work often involves modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering, along with compositing elements into final visuals. Strong skills in software like Cinema 4D, Blender, or After Effects are essential. They collaborate with designers, directors, and clients to ensure the final animations align with the intended vision.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a 3D motion designer?

A 3D Motion Designer typically spends their day conceptualizing visual ideas, creating 3D models and animations, and refining motion graphics for projects like commercials, explainer videos, or digital ads. They often collaborate closely with art directors, graphic designers, and clients to ensure the final output aligns with project goals and branding guidelines. Daily tasks might also include rendering animations, troubleshooting technical issues, and participating in feedback or brainstorming sessions. This role offers variety and requires both creative vision and technical proficiency to bring concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D motion designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Motion Designer, you need strong skills in 3D animation, modeling, texturing, and a solid grasp of design principles, often supported by a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Fluency with industry-standard software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Autodesk Maya, and Adobe After Effects is essential, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Excellent communication, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing visually compelling motion graphics that meet client objectives and thrive in fast-paced creative environments.

How much do 3D motion designers make?

The average salary for a 3D motion designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually. Senior designers with advanced skills in software like Cinema 4D or After Effects can earn over $100,000. Freelance 3D motion designers may have variable income based on project scope and client base.

Is 3D motion design a good career?

3D motion design is a growing field that offers opportunities in advertising, entertainment, and digital media. It requires skills in software like Cinema 4D or After Effects and often involves project-based work with flexible schedules. The profession can be financially rewarding and provides creative expression, but competition and the need for continuous skill development are factors to consider.

Is it hard to get a job in 3D motion design?

Getting a job as a 3D motion designer can be competitive, requiring a strong portfolio, proficiency in software like After Effects and Cinema 4D, and relevant experience or education. Building a diverse skill set and networking can improve employment prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Motion Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of 3D Motion Designer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Motion Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Motion Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Motion Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Motion Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Motion Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,631 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

3D Motion Specialist

Santa Monica, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Fame House, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry's best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Fame House powers eCommerce for UMG's labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration, both withinFH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of eCommerce for artists, providing a full service solution to grow an artist's owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.

How we LEAD:

Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another pathway to connecting with an artist and the culture they represent.

At Digital Creative & Experience, we create experiences that connect artists and fans through storytelling, design, content, commerce, and culture. Across artist storefronts, ecommerce experiences, campaigns, content initiatives, and fan engagement platforms, the Design & Direction team is responsible for bringing artist brands to life through compelling and innovative creative experiences.

As digital experiences continue to evolve, motion, animation, and immersive visual storytelling play an increasingly important role in how audiences discover, engage with, and connect to artists and brands. The 3D Motion Specialist helps shape these experiences by transforming creative concepts into dynamic visual content that elevates storytelling, enhances engagement, and pushes creative boundaries.

How You'll CREATE

The 3D Motion Specialist is responsible for designing and creating high-quality motion graphics, 3D visualizations, animations, and digital content experiences across artist campaigns, e-commerce initiatives, content productions, and branded experiences. Working closely with Creative Directors, Designers, Content Production teams, and Developers, this role translates creative vision into visually compelling motion-based experiences that support artist storytelling, product presentation, fan engagement, and brand expression.

Combining technical expertise with strong creative instincts, the 3D Motion Specialist contributes throughout the creative process, from concept development and visual exploration through final execution and delivery. This role plays a key part in evolving the visual capabilities of the Design & Direction team and exploring new ways to engage audiences through motion and interactive storytelling.

Motion Design & Animation

  • Create high-quality motion graphics and animation assets across digital campaigns, e-commerce experiences, social content, and artist initiatives

  • Develop engaging visual narratives through motion, timing, composition, and storytelling principles

  • Translate creative concepts into compelling animated content and motion systems

  • Create animated assets that support artist storytelling, product launches, and audience engagement initiatives

  • Develop title sequences, transitions, promotional assets, and branded motion content

3D Design & Visualization

  • Create 3D environments, product visualizations, digital assets, and immersive content experiences

  • Develop realistic and stylized renderings that support campaign and brand objectives

  • Produce 3D assets for digital experiences, content production, ecommerce initiatives, and promotional campaigns

  • Explore innovative approaches to dimensional storytelling and digital expression

  • Contribute to the development of future-facing content formats and emerging creative technologies

Creative Development

  • Partner with Creative Directors to explore visual concepts and creative approaches

  • Participate in concept development, brainstorming sessions, and creative workshops

  • Contribute visual ideas, mood boards, references, and prototypes during project development

  • Support the evolution of creative frameworks and visual storytelling standards

  • Collaborate with Design teams to ensure consistency across visual systems and brand experiences

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Designers, Developers, Content Producers, Editors, and Creative Directors throughout project lifecycles

  • Support content production teams through animation, visual effects, and motion-based storytelling solutions

  • Prepare assets for delivery across multiple channels and platforms

  • Ensure motion and 3D deliverables meet technical specifications and performance requirements

  • Collaborate on interactive and emerging digital experiences where motion enhances user engagement

Innovation & Craft Development

  • Stay informed on emerging technologies, motion design trends, visual techniques, and creative tools

  • Explore opportunities to introduce new creative capabilities, workflows, and technologies

  • Contribute to the growth of motion design and 3D capabilities within the Design & Direction team

  • Continuously develop technical skills across motion graphics, animation, rendering, simulation, and interactive content

Bring Your VIBE

  • 3-6 years experience in motion design, animation, 3D design, visual effects, digital design, or related creative disciplines

  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in motion graphics, animation, and 3D content creation

  • Advanced proficiency in Cinema 4D, Blender, After Effects, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools

  • Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, typography, design systems, and animation principles

  • Experience working across digital campaigns, branded content, ecommerce, entertainment, music, or agency environments

  • Strong creative problem-solving and conceptual thinking abilities

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

  • Passion for music, culture, digital experiences, and emerging technologies

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

Success Looks Like

  • Motion and 3D content consistently elevates the quality of creative output across the organization

  • Creative concepts are enhanced through innovative visual storytelling and animation

  • Artists, products, and brands are represented through engaging and memorable digital experiences

  • Motion assets perform effectively across channels and platforms

  • New creative approaches and technologies continue to expand team capabilities

  • Creative teams trust your expertise and seek your input throughout concept development

  • Work helps establish Digital Creative Services as a leader in innovative digital experiences

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.


Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster:English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster:English|Spanish


Job Category:Creative, Design & Production

Salary Range:

63,010 - 90,000

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.