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Animation Design Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Experience with 2D animation or interior design is a plus but not required. * Excellent attention to detail combined with strong communication skills to collaborate effectively across teams. This ...

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Animation Design information

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$10

$37

$66

How much do animation design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation design in Ohio is $37.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $60.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of an animation designer?

An animation designer creates visual sequences and motion graphics for various media, including films, video games, and advertisements. They use tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and often collaborate with other creative professionals to develop engaging animated content. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of animation principles, and proficiency with animation software are essential for this role.

What jobs can you do with animation?

With a background in animation design, you can pursue roles such as 2D or 3D animator, motion graphics artist, character designer, storyboard artist, or visual effects artist. These jobs often require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may involve working in film, television, advertising, gaming, or online media industries.

How much does an animation designer make?

Animation designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with advanced skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Animation Design vs Motion Graphics Design?

AspectAnimation DesignMotion Graphics Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in animation, graphic design, or related fieldsOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on graphic design and digital media
Work EnvironmentWorks in animation studios, film, gaming, or advertisingWorks in advertising agencies, media companies, or digital marketing
Industry UsageUsed for character animation, storytelling, and 3D animationUsed for branding, promotional videos, and visual effects

Animation Design focuses on creating animated content, including characters and storytelling, often in 3D or traditional animation. Motion Graphics Design emphasizes animated graphic elements for branding, advertising, and digital media. While both roles involve animation skills and similar credentials, their applications and industries differ, making each specialized for distinct creative outputs.

How does an animation designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Animation designers often work closely with a variety of teams, including scriptwriters, storyboard artists, voice actors, and software developers. Effective communication and regular feedback loops are essential, as animation designers need to ensure their visuals align with the narrative and technical requirements. Collaboration may involve attending cross-functional meetings, sharing progress updates, and revising work based on input from directors or marketing teams. This teamwork approach helps ensure the final animation meets both creative and business objectives.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators for certain projects, especially in legacy animation and specialized productions. However, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and digital techniques, so opportunities for 2D animation roles are more limited than in the past.

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

To thrive as an Animation Designer, you need a solid foundation in visual storytelling, drawing, and animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony, along with a strong portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for delivering engaging animations and working with diverse teams. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, high-quality animations that meet client needs and industry standards.

What is animation design?

Animation design is the process of creating visual sequences that give the illusion of movement, often for use in films, television, video games, advertisements, or online content. Animation designers use various techniques, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and computer-generated imagery, to bring stories and ideas to life. The role involves storyboarding, drawing, modeling, texturing, and animating characters or objects. Animation designers often collaborate with writers, directors, and other artists to achieve a cohesive visual narrative. Creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail are essential traits for success in this field.
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Animation Design jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Animation Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Design job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,932 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Professor - Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

Visiting Assistant Professor - Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


University Of Cincinnati rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors 

Faculty rank and compensation will be based on experience and academic credentials.

 

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. 

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service.  We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.   

Job Overview

The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Ullman School of Design’s Communication Design Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with primary responsibility for undergraduate instruction in motion design and related areas of visual communication design. The successful candidate will bring professional experience and demonstrated expertise in motion design and visual communication. Primary teaching responsibilities include courses in motion graphics, digital animation (2D and 3D), and time-based media, with the possibility of teaching additional visual communication design courses beyond motion-specific content.

The Visiting Assistant Professor’s teaching, professional expertise, and experience will contribute to the school’s initiatives in support of the University of Cincinnati’s mission and commitment to excellence among our students, faculty, and staff, and across all institutional activities. Applicants should visit the DAAP website to learn more about CODE, DAAP, and UC. To be considered for this position, please complete the online application.

Essential Functions
  • Teach undergraduate courses in the Communication Design Program’s motion design and related areas within the design curriculum
  • Develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction
  • Prepare syllabi, assignments, and assessments aligned with program outcomes
  • Maintain accurate academic records and grading
  • Provide timely feedback and support students’ career readiness and professional growth
  • Develop and update curriculum aligned with industry standards
  • Participate in departmental meetings and appropriate service activities
  • Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
  • BFA or BS degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated professional experience in motion design and visual communication
  • Demonstrated proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite—especially After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator; Cinema 4D; Blender, etc.)
  • Strong portfolio of creative and professional work
  • Evidence of effective teaching, training, or mentoring
  • Two years of work experience in the motion design industry, or equivalent professional experience
Additional Qualifications Considered
  • Terminal degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
  • Prior college-level teaching experience in time-based media within the visual communication field
  • Experience with online or hybrid instruction
Application Process

Applicants should submit the following materials through the University of Cincinnati’s online application system:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter that includes a statement of teaching philosophy
  • Digital portfolio (link/web address) that includes both the candidate’s work and student work, if prior college-level teaching exists
  • Three references

Review of applications will begin April 1st and will continue until the position is filled.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Salary Information:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
  • Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
  • Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.

UC is an E-Verify employer.  If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.  

Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu. 

**FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE

Equal Opportunity Employer.  Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 101725


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