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Animation Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD

... design and animation. This role will support marketing, brand, and product initiatives by creating high-quality animated content for digital channels, presentations, and events. The ideal candidate ...

AirSculpt

Senior Video Editor and Animator

Vienna, VA

$90/hr

The primary focus of this role is video editing and animation management, with motion design as a core driver of creative output. Strong animation experience is essential, with the ability to bring ...

CoStar Group

Senior Graphic Designer, Homes.com

Arlington, VA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

What We Are Looking For Homes.com is hiring a digital-focused Graphic Designer to support the SEM/SEO Performance Marketing team, animation design, and presentation decks. You will design high ...

CoStar

Senior Graphic Designer, Homes.com

Arlington, VA

$74K - $101K/yr

What We Are Looking For Homes.com is hiring a digital-focused Graphic Designer to support the SEM/SEO Performance Marketing team, animation design, and presentation decks. You will design high ...

CoStar Group

Senior Graphic Designer, Homes.com

Arlington, VA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

What We Are Looking For Homes.com is hiring a digital-focused Graphic Designer to support the SEM/SEO Performance Marketing team, animation design, and presentation decks. You will design high ...

Streetsense

Graphic Design Intern

Washington, DC

$20/hr

Experience in photography, videography, motion, or animation a plus * Availability to work ... Passionate about branding, design, and visual storytelling * Comfortable receiving and applying ...

Streetsense LLC

Graphic Design Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Experience in photography, videography, motion, or animation a plus * Availability to work ... Passionate about branding, design, and visual storytelling * Comfortable receiving and applying ...

Spear AI

Design Engineer (Senior)

Washington, DC · Remote

You sweat the small stuff: animation, loading states, typography rhythm, accessibility, responsiveness, and performance. * You've substantially shaped or maintained a design system at scale, not just ...

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All JobsAnimation Design JobsAnimation Design Jobs in Washington

Animation Design information

See Washington salary details

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$44

$79

How much do animation design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation design in Washington is $44.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $72.40 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.

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.

What careers can you do with animation?

Animation design skills can lead to careers such as 2D or 3D animator, character designer, motion graphics artist, visual effects artist, or storyboard artist. These roles are common in industries like film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, often requiring proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. A strong portfolio and understanding of storytelling, timing, and software are essential for these careers.

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 and specialized animation departments. 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 are popular job titles related to Animation Design jobs in Washington? For Animation Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Design jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Design jobs in Washington are:
Animation Design jobs near you

Contract Animator

US AI

Rockville, MD

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

WHO WE ARE

US AI stands as a forward-thinking digital transformation enterprise, dedicated to enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats through cutting-edge technology. As a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Self-Healing Infrastructure, we are actively seeking top-tier talent to spearhead the commercialization of groundbreaking products and propel our business to new heights.
If youre passionate about pushing the boundaries of whats possible in the digital realm, then this is the place for you. Come work with us, and lets redefine the future together.
Engagement Type: Contract / Freelance
Duration: [e.g., 13 months, with potential extension]
Hours: [e.g., 2040 hours per week]
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented Contract Animator to bring ideas, products, and stories to life through compelling motion design and animation. This role will support marketing, brand, and product initiatives by creating high-quality animated content for digital channels, presentations, and events.
The ideal candidate blends strong visual storytelling with technical execution, works efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and can translate abstract concepts into clear, engaging visuals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling
  • Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations
  • Collaborate with marketing, product, and creative teams to interpret briefs and storyboards
  • Translate complex ideas (e.g., AI technology, data, workflows) into clear visual narratives
  • Apply animation principles, timing, and pacing to deliver polished, professional results
  • Iterate on feedback quickly while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Manage multiple animation projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Prepare final assets in required formats for distribution across channels

Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience as an animator or motion designer (portfolio required)
  • Strong skills in animation fundamentals (timing, spacing, composition, storytelling)
  • Proficiency in tools such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar
  • Experience animating typography, icons, UI elements, and visual metaphors
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a contract environment
  • Strong communication skills and openness to feedback
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience creating animations for B2B, SaaS, or technology companies
  • Familiarity with product demos, explainer videos, or brand videos
  • Basic understanding of video editing, sound design, or compositing
  • Experience working from brand guidelines and design systems
  • Knowledge of Figma, Storyboard Pro, or similar collaboration tools
Deliverables May Include
  • Short-form animated videos (1590 seconds)
  • Explainer or product overview animations
  • Motion graphics for presentations and events
  • Social media animations and digital ads
  • Looping animations for web or booth displays
Why Work With Us
  • Opportunity to shape high-visibility brand and product content
  • Potential for ongoing work beyond the initial contract
Please submit:
  • A link to your portfolio or reel
  • A brief note on your availability and contract rate
  • Any relevant examples of marketing, product, or explainer animations