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Animation Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fox

Producer, AI Animation - FoxNXT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $152K/yr

FoxNXT is FOX Entertainment's next generation tech innovation studio designed to accelerate how we ... The AI Animation Producer is a builder role responsible for developing and executing next ...

Smart Meetings

Production Designer

Sausalito, CA

FULL TIME IN SAUSALITO CALIFORNIA PLEASE NO REMOTE APPLICANTS Interested in designing for a leading ... Demonstrate working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva (Animation and ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

Chase Design Group

Motion Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$2K/wk

They must be well versed in both 2D and 3D animation, with a variety of styles and a modern ... designs to life in impactful ways * Experience with Logo Animation, End Cards, Brand Sizzles ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

Superpower

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Design UI animations and micro-interactions that elevate the product experience * Collaborate with brand designers, product designers, and engineers to integrate motion into every surface * Work with ...

Haus

Motion Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Haus is looking for a Motion Designer to join our Los Angeles team. In this role, you will be ... Stay sharp on emerging tools and techniques, from procedural animation to interactive motion What ...

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All JobsAnimation Designer JobsAnimation Designer Jobs in California

Animation Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do animation designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work freelance or for a company.

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 background in art and design principles, animation techniques, and a degree or certification in animation or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender is typically required. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Animation Designers collaborate and innovate within production teams. These skills are crucial for producing engaging, high-quality animations that meet creative briefs and client expectations.

What are some common challenges Animation Designers face when working on collaborative projects?

Animation Designers often work closely with illustrators, writers, sound designers, and developers, which can present challenges in aligning creative visions and managing revisions. Balancing artistic expression with project requirements or client feedback is a frequent hurdle. Additionally, meeting tight deadlines while ensuring consistency and high-quality animation across various platforms requires excellent communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills. Embracing feedback and adapting quickly are key to thriving in this collaborative environment.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation Studios continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that preserve traditional animation techniques. While 3D animation has become dominant, there is still demand for skilled 2D artists for specific films, television, and educational content, often requiring proficiency in software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.

Is AI replacing 3D animators?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist 3D animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflow efficiency. However, the role of an animation designer remains essential for creative direction, storytelling, and complex character work that require human judgment and artistic skills. AI tools serve as complements rather than replacements in the animation industry.

What are Animation Designers?

Animation Designers are creative professionals who develop visual effects and animated sequences for various media, such as films, television, video games, and online content. They use specialized software to create 2D or 3D animations, working closely with directors, illustrators, and other team members to bring ideas to life. Their job often involves storyboarding, character design, and ensuring the animation aligns with the project's vision. Animation Designers play a key role in shaping the look, feel, and movement of characters and environments. Their work requires a blend of artistic talent, technical skills, and attention to detail.

What do animation designers do?

Animation designers create visual content by designing and producing animated images, sequences, and characters for various media such as 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 visual stories. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of animation principles, and proficiency with animation software are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Animation Designer vs Motion Graphics Artist?

AspectAnimation DesignerMotion Graphics Artist
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in animation, graphic design, or related fieldOften a degree in graphic design, multimedia, or animation
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, advertising, gaming, digital mediaAdvertising, broadcast, digital media, social media content
Employer & Industry UsageMedia companies, animation studios, game developersAdvertising agencies, TV networks, digital content creators

Animation Designers focus on creating animated sequences and characters, often for films, games, or digital media. Motion Graphics Artists specialize in designing animated graphic elements for videos, commercials, and digital platforms. While both roles involve animation skills, Animation Designers typically work on character and scene animation, whereas Motion Graphics Artists focus on animated visuals and text. The roles often overlap, but their primary applications and outputs differ based on industry needs.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Designer jobs in California? For Animation Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Designer job openings:
Animation Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Designer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Designer III, Visualization

Designer III, Visualization

Mazda Motor Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description
The Visualization Designer III creates high-quality visualizations and animations for innovative automotive and brand concepts in support of defined project objectives. This role requires a high level of attention to detail to produce compelling imagery and animations that align with Mazda's brand standards. This position contributes to key design decisions by collaborating closely with designers to develop accurate and expressive 3D renderings, visuals, and animations.
Major Responsibilities
  • (70%) Design Visualization & Animation
    • Collaborates closely with automotive and brand designers to develop and execute high fidelity images and animations that support storytelling and presentations for senior design management.
    • Works directly with design teams to establish project-specific art direction, ranging from quick turn imagery to feature-level animations.
    • Translate defined art direction into visuals that accurately convey design intent and adhere to agreed-upon "Tone and Manner" standards.
    • Utilizes a variety of rendering tools and software to deliver professional-grade imagery for both automotive and brand design solutions.
    • Imports, compiles, and manages multiple 3D file formats (including STL, IGES, STEP, 3DS, DXF and Wire) to create workable rendering files.

  • (15%) Digital Surface Development
    • Utilizes a variety of software tools (including, but not limited to, Alias, Blender, and Sub-D) to work directly with designers to translate 2D concepts into accurate 3D digital surfaces.
    • Partners with fabrication team, as needed, to translate 3D digital files into physical outputs, including hand-offs for milling, 3D printing, and coordination with external vendors.

  • (15%) Concept Design Development
    • Develops innovative design solutions using sketches, models, and mockups to support Mazda's automotive and brand concepts.
    • Works closely with designers to explore, refine, and communicate design ideas throughout the concept development process.
    • Supports effective communication of design intent through clear visual assets, including renderings, animations, sketches, and presentation-ready materials.
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Comply with all policies and standards
  • The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job

Work Experience
  • 7+ years Digital experience to include a combination of:
    • Experience in automotive or relevant industry
    • Experience with Alias Autodesk and V-red Rendering software
    required

Education
  • Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Industrial Design Required
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) Automotive Engineering Required
  • An equivalent mix of education, training, and/or work experience may be considered in place of a degree Required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Detailed knowledge of Alias Studio Tools and Alias related software, in addition to Photoshop, Illustrator and Microsoft office programs required (Advanced-Authority)
  • Knowledge of automotive mechanisms, the automotive Industry, and feasibility requirements related to design development required (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Knowledge of surfacing and automotive terminology, vehicle design processes, basic engineering, packaging and component functions required (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Ability to comprehend verbal direction from designers to create 3D surfaces and create complete vehicle exteriors, interiors, wheels and other automotive components required (Advanced-Authority)
  • Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) to work in a team-oriented environment required (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Ability to verbally and graphically articulate design concepts required (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Prepare Autodesk VRED files for VR reviews required (Advanced-Authority)
  • Ability to meet tight schedule with creative thinking preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
  • Strong visual and problem-solving skills required (Intermediate-Advanced)

Physical Demands
  • Stationary Position/Seated: Frequently
  • Communicate/Talking: Constantly
  • Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
  • Repetitive Motions: Frequently
  • Coordination: Frequently
  • Seeing/Observing: Constantly

Pay Range
$95,500.00 - $145,675.00
Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Learn more about MNAO's comprehensive benefits package here

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