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Animation Job Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animation Director

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar:

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

TheAISupervisor, Animation is responsible for building and executingAIpowered workflows for animation content. This role partners with production teams to reimagine how animation content is developed ...

About the Role We're looking for a passionate Animation Artist to bring characters and stories to life. You'll work on medium-level shots, collaborate with a talented team, and help mentor junior ...

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA ยท On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

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Animation Job information

What is an animation job?

Animation jobs involve creating moving images using drawings, computer graphics, models, or other visual media. Professionals in this field may work on films, television shows, video games, advertising, or web content. Common roles include animators, character designers, storyboard artists, and visual effects artists. These jobs require creativity, technical skills, and often proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Animation professionals collaborate with directors, writers, and other team members to bring stories and concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator?

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of motion and timing, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is essential, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators bring characters and stories to life and collaborate with teams. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by animators when working on collaborative projects?

A common challenge animators face in collaborative projects is ensuring consistency in style and movement across different scenes, especially when multiple team members are involved. Communication with directors, storyboard artists, and other animators is essential to maintain a unified vision and meet tight production deadlines. Adapting to feedback and making revisions quickly is also a frequent part of the process. Animators often use shared asset libraries and project management tools to streamline collaboration and keep everyone aligned.

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

AspectAnimation Job3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, storytelling, timingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertisingGame development, film, product visualization
Tools UsedAdobe After Effects, Maya, BlenderMaya, ZBrush, 3ds Max
Common Industry UsageBrings characters and scenes to lifeCreates detailed 3D assets and models

Animation Jobs focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, while 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets. Both roles often collaborate in the entertainment and gaming industries but require different skill sets and tools.

Is animation a well paid job?

Animation jobs can be well paid, especially for experienced professionals working in high-demand industries like film, gaming, or advertising. Salaries vary based on skill level, location, and the complexity of projects, with many animators earning competitive wages and benefits. Developing strong skills in software such as Maya or Adobe After Effects can improve earning potential.

What kind of jobs can animation jobs get?

Animation jobs can lead to roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character designer, storyboard artist, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer. These positions often require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may involve working in film, television, video game development, advertising, or online media.

What job categories do people searching Animation Job jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Job jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Job jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Job job openings:

Infographic showing various Animation Job job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Animation Director

Flying Bark Productions

Burbank, CA โ€ข On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.
Flying Bark Productions is seeking an Animation Director to join our Burbank studio's growing team! Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement, timing, and staging align with the project's creative vision and established animation direction.
This role works closely with the internal animation leadership team and our external vendor studio to communicate creative intent, provide clear and constructive feedback, and maintain consistency and quality across the project.
This role is located onsite in our Burbank, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work under the direction of the Supervising Animation Director to support the creative execution of animation throughout production.
  • Translate the project's creative vision and animation direction into clear, actionable guidance for animators.
  • Review animation work and provide detailed notes on performance, acting, posing, timing, spacing, movement, staging, and overall execution.
  • Work closely with our vendor studio's AnimationLeadership to help guide the development of strong character performances and storytelling through animation.
  • Identify creative issues in animation and work with artists to develop effective solutions.
  • Maintain consistency in character performance, movement, and animation style across sequences and episodes.
  • Review animation at various stages of completion and provide timely, constructive feedback through draw-overs, written notes, and other forms of communication as needed to best convey animation notes.
  • Collaborate with the Supervising Animation Director to establish and maintain animation standards and expectations.
  • Work closely with Layout, Story, and other relevant departments to address animation-related creative needs and challenges.
  • Review storyboards and animatics from an animation perspective, identifying potential performance, staging, or technical challenges before they reach animation.
  • Help communicate animation requirements and creative intent to the leadership team working across internal and external teams.
  • Participate in animation reviews, screenings, and production meetings as needed.
  • Support the Supervising Animation Director in maintaining the overall quality and consistency of animation across the production.
  • Stay engaged with the work throughout the animation process and help ensure notes are understood and successfully implemented.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years professional experience on animated series or features.
  • Previous experience as an Animation Director or Lead Animator.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, character acting, performance, timing, posing, staging, and storytelling.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard animation software and production tools such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, SyncSketch, and ShotGrid.
  • Experience providing animation direction and detailed creative feedback to artists.
  • Strong visual and storytelling instincts with an ability to clearly communicate creative ideas.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Showrunner, EPs, supervisors, directors, and other creative departments.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to give clear, constructive feedback while maintaining a collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful creative decisions within established direction.
  • Experience working with outsourced animation teams is a plus.

Why Work with Us?
  • We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark
  • We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
  • We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days
  • Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities
  • Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture-everyone is celebrated here!

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Range: $3,250 - $3,400 weekly.