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Animation Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a senior-level Lead Designer to own creative output across a digital agency ... Motion, animation, or video capability, and comfort with email design and build.

We're looking for a senior-level Lead Designer to own creative output across a digital agency ... Motion, animation, or video capability, and comfort with email design and build.

Lead Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

We're looking for a senior-level Lead Designer to own creative output across a digital agency ... Motion, animation, or video capability, and comfort with email design and build.

Contract Spatial Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$55 - $85/hr

Create high-quality renderings and floor plans (fly-through animations a plus) * Create spec and ... Fulfills lead or support designer role on select live projects and new business Requests for ...

JOB SUMMARY Cresco Labs is seeking a Mid-Level Graphic Designer to join our growing in-house ... After Effects experience; ability to support light motion or animation needs. * Familiarity with ...

Senior UI-UX Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Sr. UI Designer will be the design-focused voice at the intersection of design and ... Working knowledge of HTML, CSS (including animations, transitions, and custom properties), and ...

Overview The Sr. UI Designer will be the design-focused voice at the intersection of design and ... Working knowledge of HTML, CSS (including animations, transitions, and custom properties), and ...

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$96K - $121K/yr

Content includes digital assets such as graphic elements, animations, 3-D modeling, video, narrated ... Experience designing for multiple devices (mobile, tablet and desktop). * Ability to communicate ...

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$96K - $121K/yr

Content includes digital assets such as graphic elements, animations, 3-D modeling, video, narrated ... Experience designing for multiple devices (mobile, tablet and desktop). * Ability to communicate ...

The Mid-Level Graphic Designer independently owns the execution of a variety of print and digital ... After Effects experience; ability to support light motion or animation needs. * Familiarity with ...

... animation. * Examines dressed set to ensure props and scenery do not interfere with movements of ... Designs and builds scale models of set design or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or ...

The Mid-Level Graphic Designer independently owns the execution of a variety of print and digital ... After Effects experience; ability to support light motion or animation needs. * Familiarity with ...

... animation. * Examines dressed set to ensure props and scenery do not interfere with movements of ... Designs and builds scale models of set design or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or ...

Showing results 21-40

Animation Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.6K

$83.5K

$110.5K

How much do animation designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation designer in Chicago, IL is $83,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $109,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Animation Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Animation Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,495 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Social Content Designer and Editor (Part-time)

Strategic Staffing Solutions

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

$55 - $65/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description STRATEGIC STAFFING SOLUTIONS (S3) HAS AN OPENING. Social Content Designer and Editor (Part-time) Chicago, IL (Can be remote) W2 contract role; 6 Months with possibility of extension Pay Rate: $55-65/HR on W2 Schedule: Part-time, flexible hours (approx. 25-40 hrs/week) Position Overview: We're looking for a Social Content Designer + Editor to join our team part-time.

This role will bring our brand to life across platforms through elevated, engaging and trend-forward content. The ideal candidate is fluent in internet culture and skilled at translating creative ideas into social content. What You'll Do: Design social-first templates and assets for Instagram (Stories, Reels, in-feed, etc.) Capture and edit photo and video content optimized for social media

Deliver high-quality, narrative-driven video edits that reflect our tone and aesthetic Collaborate with the social and creative teams to concept, storyboard, and refine content ideas Experiment with emerging trends, motion design, and animation to keep content fresh and relevant Who You Are: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects preferred) 3-5 years of social media editing experience Comfortable both shooting and editing short-form content Detail-oriented with a strong sense of visual composition, typography, and color A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment Bonus: experience with animation or motion graphics Bonus: Agency experience *Beware of scams. S3 never asks for money during its onboarding process