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Animation Industry Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

QA Graphics

Be Seen First

Vector/SVG Production Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

QA Graphics specializes in visual design for the building automation industry. Our team creates system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, equipment graphics, animations, and related visual ...

People Inc.

Digital Designer II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

... animations. * Concept and produce custom designs as directed for various digital brand channels ... Publishing industry experience a plus * Experience using After Effects a plus * Self-motivated and ...

Symmetry

$14.25 - $19/hr

Support the development of presentation materials for client pitches and industry events ... Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current ...

Symmetry

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support the development of presentation materials for client pitches and industry events ... Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current ...

Symmetry

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support the development of presentation materials for client pitches and industry events ... Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current ...

Symmetry

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Support the development of presentation materials for client pitches and industry events ... Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current ...

Symmetry

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Support the development of presentation materials for client pitches and industry events ... Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current ...

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All JobsAnimation Industry JobsAnimation Industry Jobs in Iowa

Animation Industry information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$37

$65

How much do animation industry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation industry in Iowa is $37.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there jobs in the animation industry?

Yes, the animation industry offers a variety of jobs including character animators, storyboard artists, and visual effects artists. These roles typically require skills in software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya and often benefit from a portfolio or relevant certifications. Employment can be found in film, television, gaming, and advertising sectors.

What is the animation industry?

The animation industry encompasses the creation of moving images using various techniques such as hand-drawn art, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and stop-motion. It includes the production of animated films, television shows, video games, advertisements, and online content. Professionals in this industry work in roles like animators, storyboard artists, directors, and visual effects specialists. The animation industry is known for its creativity, technical innovation, and its significant influence on entertainment and media worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the animation industry?

To thrive in the animation industry, you need strong artistic ability, an understanding of animation principles, and proficiency in visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom, and a solid demo reel or portfolio are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for standing out in this field. These competencies ensure high-quality, engaging animations and seamless teamwork in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What are some common challenges animators face when working on large team projects in the animation industry?

One common challenge animators encounter in large team projects is maintaining consistent visual style and quality across different sequences and scenes. Communication is key, as animators must frequently coordinate with directors, storyboard artists, and other team members to ensure their work aligns with the project’s creative vision. Tight production schedules can add pressure, requiring adaptability and efficient time management. Additionally, animators often need to be open to feedback and revisions, which are essential for producing polished final animations.

What is the difference between Animation Industry vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimation Industry3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, storytelling, software proficiency (e.g., Maya, Blender)Modeling techniques, texturing, software proficiency (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max)
Work EnvironmentStudios, post-production houses, freelance projectsDesign studios, gaming companies, film production
Industry UsageCreating animated content, character animation, visual effectsBuilding 3D assets, character modeling, environment creation

While both roles require proficiency in 3D software and creative skills, animation industry professionals focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, whereas 3D modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets used in animations, games, and films. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the production pipeline.

What jobs are in the animation industry?

The animation industry offers roles such as character animator, storyboard artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, and animation director. These jobs typically require skills in software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and may involve working in studios or remotely on projects like films, TV shows, or video games.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Industry jobs in Iowa? For Animation Industry jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Industry jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Industry jobs in Iowa are:
Animation Industry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Industry job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,995 per year, or $37 per hour.

Vector/SVG Production Designer

QA Graphics

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Opportunity

QA Graphics is looking for a Vector/SVG Production Designer to join our in house creative team in Ankeny, Iowa.

This is a production focused design role for someone with strong Adobe Illustrator skills, clean vector artwork ability, and excellent attention to detail. The right person does not need years of industry experience, but they do need the ability to follow standards, work from reference images, learn quickly, and produce consistent artwork.

This is not a general creative design position. The focus is technical vector production, clean SVG artwork, file quality, consistency, and repeatable output.

QA Graphics specializes in visual design for the building automation industry. Our team creates system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, equipment graphics, animations, and related visual solutions used by contractors, engineers, facility teams, and building owners.

This full time position is available immediately and will be located at QA Graphics’ office in Ankeny, Iowa.

Company

QA Graphics is a leader in the building automation industry. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, animation, and related visual solutions.

All core production work is completed in house by our team in Iowa. We do not outsource our graphic production work.

Visit www.qagraphics.com to learn more.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Vector/SVG Production Designer will work with our design team to create clean, accurate, and consistent vector assets.

  • Create vector artwork from reference images, screenshots, drawings, and other source material
  • Manually trace and recreate artwork using Adobe Illustrator
  • Build clean, scalable SVG artwork
  • Maintain a consistent visual style across large groups of assets
  • Organize files with clean layers, naming, and artboard structure
  • Optimize SVG files for quality and performance
  • Follow established QA Graphics file setup, naming, and production standards
  • Make revisions based on team feedback
  • Maintain organized project files and meet assigned deadlines
  • Work in a structured, team based production environment

Qualifications

  • Strong Adobe Illustrator skills required
  • Strong vector illustration ability
  • Experience with manual vector tracing
  • Experience creating or exporting SVG files
  • Strong Pen Tool and Bezier curve skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow standards and repeat a consistent process
  • Ability to work from reference images
  • Good organization and time management skills
  • Ability to take feedback and apply it consistently
  • Entry level candidates will be considered if they have a strong portfolio
  • Must be able to work in person at our Ankeny, Iowa office

Additional Desired Skills

  • SVG file optimization
  • Raster to vector conversion
  • Technical illustration
  • Icon design
  • Color management
  • Gradient and shading control
  • AI, SVG, EPS, PDF, and DXF file handling
  • Adobe Photoshop experience
  • HTML5 or SVG animation experience
  • Experience with detailed production artwork
  • Experience with 3D reference workflows is helpful but not required

Not the Main Focus

This position is not primarily focused on logo design, brand identity, marketing graphics, web design, motion graphics, or 3D modeling.

The priority is clean production artwork, technical accuracy, SVG cleanup, and consistent vector library development.

Compensation

Pay is determined based on experience and portfolio quality. Entry level candidates will be considered.

QA Graphics offers full benefits, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and both long term and short term insurance.

Company Description

QA Graphics is a full-service outsourcing company, providing custom HVAC system graphics, as well as design services for interactive platforms. We help clients visualize their needs and simply their lives. Our talented designers come form a wide range of backgrounds to provide the personal attention and expertise needed to being our clients’ ideas to life.