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Animation Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Sr. UI Animator / Motion Designer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$81 - $91/hr

Nice to Have * 3D Animation/Design experience. * Basic coding or scripting knowledge to assist in building high-fidelity prototypes. * Experience designing motion systems for complex interactive ...

Flying Bark Productions

Executive Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$26.50/hr

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the ... We are looking for a motivated and experienced Executive Assistant to join our Burbank, CA studio ...

Netflix

Assistant Editor- Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$55.27/hr

The Assistant Editor should have a strong grasp of animation workflows and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial project in support of the editorial team. In this role, you ...

Netflix

Assistant Editor- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55.27/hr

The Assistant Editor should have a strong grasp of animation workflows and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial project in support of the editorial team. In this role, you ...

Netflix

Assistant Editor- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55.27/hr

The Assistant Editor should have a strong grasp of animation workflows and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial project in support of the editorial team. In this role, you ...

Chapman University

Student Technical Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... animation technology. * Provide technical support for software, hardware, and Crestron remote ... * Assist faculty and/or students in connecting laptops and audiovisual peripherals to classroom ...

Chapman University

Student Technical Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... animation technology. * Provide technical support for software, hardware, and Crestron remote ... * Assist faculty and/or students in connecting laptops and audiovisual peripherals to classroom ...

Netflix

Assistant Editor- Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$55.27/hr

The Assistant Editor should have a strong grasp of animation workflows and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial project in support of the editorial team. In this role, you ...

Netflix

Assistant Editor- Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$55.27/hr

The Assistant Editor should have a strong grasp of animation workflows and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial project in support of the editorial team. In this role, you ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. Responsibilities * Assist in ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$67 - $75/hr

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. Responsibilities * Assist in ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Assistant JobsAnimation Assistant Jobs in California

Animation Assistant information

What is an animation assistant?

Animation Assistants are professionals who support animators and animation teams in creating animated films, television shows, video games, and other multimedia projects. Their responsibilities often include cleaning up rough animations, preparing backgrounds, managing files, and assisting with in-between frames. Animation Assistants help ensure the animation process runs smoothly by handling various technical and organizational tasks. They are essential in maintaining the production schedule and supporting the creative vision of the lead animators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animation principles, drawing skills, and a relevant degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Autodesk Maya is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with the animation team are critical soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure the smooth execution of animation projects, support the creative process, and help deliver high-quality visual content on schedule.

What is the difference between Animation Assistant vs Graphic Designer?

AspectAnimation AssistantGraphic Designer
Required SkillsBasic animation software, understanding of animation principlesDesign software, visual communication skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companiesAdvertising agencies, print and digital media
Typical TasksAssist in creating animations, support senior animatorsDesign logos, layouts, visual branding
CredentialsDiploma or certificate in animation or related fieldDegree in graphic design or visual arts

While both roles involve visual creativity, an Animation Assistant primarily supports animation projects with technical skills in animation software, whereas a Graphic Designer focuses on visual branding and static designs. The roles often overlap in creative environments, but their core responsibilities and skill sets differ.

What are the most common challenges animation assistants face when working on fast-paced productions?

Animation Assistants often work under tight deadlines, which can make time management and maintaining high-quality work challenging. They may need to quickly adapt to changing project requirements or feedback from senior animators and directors. Staying organized while juggling multiple tasks, such as cleaning up animation frames and preparing assets for the animation pipeline, is crucial. Collaborating closely with other team members also requires strong communication skills to ensure consistency and meet production goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in California? The most popular types of Animation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Assistant jobs in California? For Animation Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Assistant job openings:
Animation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Sr. UI Animator / Motion Designer

Aquent

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$81 - $91/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$81-91 Hourly
Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in technology and innovation, a company renowned for shaping the future of digital experiences. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the evolution of consumer software applications, impacting millions of users worldwide with your creativity and technical prowess. As a vital member of their dynamic team, you will be instrumental in defining the interactive landscape of groundbreaking products, transforming static designs into captivating and intuitive user journeys.
Are you a visionary ready to push the boundaries of user experience? We are seeking a senior talent to bring a new level of fluidity and delight to consumer software applications across major platforms. In this role, you will be at the forefront of design, translating complex interactions into seamless, engaging animations that elevate the user experience. Your work will directly influence the 'feel' of innovative products, making a tangible impact on how users interact with technology every day. This is an exciting chance to lead project workflows, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and set new standards for interactive design, shaping the interactive landscape for millions.
What You'll Do
  • Design and animate UI motion for new features, screens, and complex interactions, ranging from subtle button behaviors to sophisticated real-time particle effects across various applications.
  • Lead specific application projects, guiding a collaborative team of designers and engineers to craft cohesive and compelling motion stories.
  • Partner closely with product designers to transform static concepts into interactive, animated prototypes, ensuring the 'feel' of the experience is validated on-device before full engineering investment.
  • Work directly with software engineers, providing precise motion specifications to guarantee animations ship exactly as intended, adhering to timing, easing, physics, and performance requirements.
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive motion design system and library, ensuring consistency and excellence across the entire product ecosystem.
  • Balance creative polish and high-end visual storytelling with technical constraints, including performance, platform guidelines, and device capabilities.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional teams regarding project scope, timelines, and technical trade-offs.

What You'll Bring
  • Experience: 4-10 years of dedicated experience in UI/interactive motion design (7-10 years preferred, but exceptionally talented candidates with a minimum of 4 years will be considered).
  • Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio showcasing comprehensive, shipped UI/interactive motion work is strictly required for submission. Traditional motion graphics portfolios without clear user-interaction examples (e.g., app transitions, button states, expanding menus, or interactive game HUDs) will not be considered.
  • Software Expertise: Expert proficiency in After Effects; fluent in prototyping tools (Principle, Figma, etc.).
  • Workflow Comfort: Comfortable with modern "vibe coding" workflows and utilizing AI/scripting tools to lean into quick prototyping.
  • Collaboration & Shipping: Proven track record collaborating directly with engineers to ship production motion, not just concept work.
  • Platform Guidelines: Strong grasp of leading mobile platform motion guidelines and core animation principles.
  • Project Management & Leadership: Excellent project management instincts, able to set and meet deadlines across multiple concurrent projects while delegating smaller tasks to focus on the bigger picture.

Nice to Have
  • 3D Animation/Design experience.
  • Basic coding or scripting knowledge to assist in building high-fidelity prototypes.
  • Experience designing motion systems for complex interactive environments, such as video games.

About Aquent Talent
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
Client Description
Our client is a global leader in consumer technology, renowned for redefining the intersection of hardware, software, and services. Known for their uncompromising commitment to world-class design and user experience, they create products that have become essential to daily life. You will be joining a team that values craftsmanship and simplicity, working on high-impact projects that reach hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

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