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Animation Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zipline

Senior Motion Designer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

This is a hands-on role for a designer who combines strong visual fundamentals with animation craft and can make complex technology clear, accurate, and compelling. What You'll Do Design and animate ...

New

Monks

Motion Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

This role leans more animator than designer: we want someone who can bring work to life with movement, rhythm, and timing. You'll work closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors to concept ...

Skydance Media

Character Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Santa Monica, Los Angeles Skydance Animation Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part ...

Mosaic.tech

Founding UIUX Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

UI/UX Designer with Graphic Design & Video Editing Skills Location: [On-Site, San Francisco] Job ... Design illustrations, infographics, and animations to enhance digital experiences. * Maintain brand ...

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 ...

Superpower Health, Inc

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 ...

TrueShort

Creative Executive, Animation

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

TrueShort - Creative Executive, Animation About TrueShort TrueShort is one of the fastest-growing ... Identify writers, creators, artists, filmmakers, designers, and other creative talent who could ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 13, 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.

What is an animation designer?

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 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.

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.

Are animation designers still in demand?

Animation designers are still in demand as visual content remains essential in entertainment, advertising, and digital media. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this evolving industry.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Designer III, Visualization

Irvine, CA • On-site

Mazda Motor Corporation
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Mazda Motor Corporationexternal

$95K - $145K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job DescriptionThe 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 packagehere

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