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Animation Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Vancouver, WA

$236K - $395K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Art Director to join our pioneering team creating animated ... Collaborate with the animation studio partner to communicate direction, provide reference/resources ...

Creative Cove Inc.

Creative Project Manager

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

Direct client communication to assure team can focus on the deliverables and ensure communication ... Animations, UX/UI, Etc.) * Manage legal reviews as necessary * Support creative budget ...

Willamette University

Life Model

Portland, OR

$20.81/hr

Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Sculpture, 3D Design, and Animation. Life Models are an integral ... as directed by the instructor * Poses in person * Maintains personal space and life modeling ...

Willamette University

Life Model

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.81/hr

Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Sculpture, 3D Design, and Animation. Life Models are an integral ... as directed by the instructor * Poses in person * Maintains personal space and life modeling ...

All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Director JobsAnimation Director Jobs in Portland, OR

Animation Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.7K

$183.5K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in Portland, OR is $181,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $181,900.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Animation Director, you need a strong background in animation principles, storytelling, visual design, and often a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Toon Boom, or Blender, along with experience in project management tools, is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with clients or stakeholders. These skills ensure cohesive, high-quality animations delivered on time, aligned with the project's creative goals.

What are some common challenges Animation Directors face when leading a team on a large project?

Animation Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning the creative vision across a diverse team, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring consistent animation quality throughout the project. Balancing creative input from animators, storyboard artists, and producers while adhering to budget and time constraints can be demanding. Effective communication, regular feedback sessions, and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a cohesive final product.

What Do Animation Directors Do?

An animation director is responsible for performing and overseeing a number of creative duties during the design, production, and post-processing of an animation. You may work at a film studio or video game company, collaborating with writers, illustrators, and visual designers to develop stories and graphics, and to define guiding aesthetic principles. You work closely with voice actors, animators, and sound design artists to create the final product, such as an animated movie, web short, TV show, or animation for a website.

What does an animation director do?

An animation director oversees the creative and technical aspects of an animation project, guiding the animation team to ensure the visual style and storytelling meet the project's goals. They review and approve animation work, coordinate with other departments, and often use tools like Maya or Adobe After Effects. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a solid understanding of animation principles are essential for this role.

How much does an animation director get paid?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong skills in animation software and leadership are important for higher pay levels.

What is the difference between Animation Director vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation DirectorAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees the overall animation style, guides creative vision, and manages animation teams to ensure consistency and quality.Manages day-to-day animation production, assigns tasks, and ensures deadlines are met within the animation team.
Required SkillsStrong artistic vision, leadership, and experience in animation production.Technical expertise, team management, and workflow coordination.
Work EnvironmentCreative leadership in studios, overseeing multiple animation projects.Supervisory role within animation teams, often reporting to the Animation Director.

The Animation Director focuses on the creative and artistic vision of the animation, guiding the overall style and quality. The Animation Supervisor handles the operational aspects, managing the team to meet production goals. Both roles are essential in animation production, with the Director setting the creative tone and the Supervisor ensuring smooth execution.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation still employs 2D animators, particularly for projects that preserve traditional animation styles. While the industry has shifted toward 3D animation, some departments and productions continue to seek skilled 2D artists familiar with software like Toon Boom and Adobe Animate.

What are Animation Directors?

Animation Directors are creative professionals who oversee the visual development and production of animated projects such as films, TV shows, or video games. They manage teams of animators, guide the artistic direction, and ensure that the animation aligns with the project's vision and story. Animation Directors collaborate closely with producers, writers, and other departments to maintain consistency and quality throughout the animation process. Their role is crucial in bringing characters and worlds to life in a cohesive and engaging manner.

How can I become an animation director?

To become an animation director, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, film, or a related field, along with several years of experience in animation or visual effects. Developing strong leadership skills, a solid portfolio showcasing your work, and proficiency with animation software like Maya or Adobe After Effects are essential for advancing to this role.
More about Animation Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Director jobs in Portland, OR? For Animation Director jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Director jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Director jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Animation Director jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Animation Director job openings:
Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $181,932 per year, or $87.5 per hour.

3D Creative Art Director

Floss Creatives Limited

Portland, OR

$128K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Floss Creatives (RECH) is a global creative partner for agencies and brands, working across all media channels and platforms.

We are a specialised team of engineers, machine learning programmers, designers, art directors and creative directors, connected by experienced production executives to provide seamless access to some of the best innovative talents.

We craft projects that people love, and we have won Clios, Cannes Lions, D&AD, and One Show.

Clients Apple, Audi, Amazon Studios, Boston Dynamics, Google, Coinbase, Mclaren, F1, Toyota to Digitas.

Salary Full Time

Job Description

The 3D Creative Art Director role at Floss Creatives is one of creative leadership, an unwavering eye for detail, and using the design process to solve creative challenges.

As an AD, your primary responsibility will be to develop concepts for the project or pitch using a combination of 3D Softwares + photoshop. The concept deck will include clear design concepts, style frames and potentially 5 seconds 3D animation to express the vision to brands and agencies.

You will lead external teams of designers, animators, artists, and technologists to deliver world-class content that exceeds the expectations of the initial client brief.

You are hands-on. Your experience was moulded by broadcast, print and digital works. You are comfortable with the process from the initial call through the final grade and delivery. You are organised, an excellent communicator, and unafraid to ask challenging questions at any point in the process.

MUST BE ABLE TO DO:

  • Highend Creative Treatment Deck
  • Style frames
  • Concept Art

Responsibilities:

Project leadership includes conceptualising design briefs, planning the approach, and leading teams through project delivery. Calm and respectful under pressure. Working closely with our business team and clients in North America and Europe.

  • Comfortable writing your own treatments and adapting to solve the client's creative brief
  • Experience bidding on various projects, from motion graphics to high-end CGI and interactive projects.
  • Organising, identifying strengths within our team and our external partners, briefing other creative team members and leading successful client sessions for project kick-offs.
  • Supervise and Inspire the team to produce outstanding work.
  • Create, design and animate when necessary; you should be comfortable working with 3D Software.
  • Be involved throughout the project, ensuring reliable contact with clients and the team to deliver results within tight deadlines.

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of Art Direction experience
  • Solid presentation skills and comfortable with being the client-facing representative of Floss Creatives
  • Strong 3D and Art direction skills.
  • Animation experience
  • Ability to translate concepts into creative design and mentor junior staff members.
  • Strong knowledge of 3D Max, Maya, Houdini and C4D
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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