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Animation Studio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Animation Studio information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$170.2K

How much do animation studio jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation studio in California is $168,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $168,800.00 and $168,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the typical workflow and team structure like in an animation studio?

In an animation studio, projects usually move through a well-defined pipeline that includes concept development, storyboarding, modeling, texturing, animating, and post-production. Team members often specialize in different areas such as character design, background art, animation, and compositing, working together under the guidance of a director or project manager. Daily work involves regular check-ins, creative reviews, and close collaboration to ensure consistency and timely progress. This structure supports creativity while maintaining organization, enabling the studio to deliver polished content efficiently and effectively.

What is an Animation Studio job?

An Animation Studio job involves creating visual content using 2D or 3D animation techniques for film, television, advertisements, video games, or digital media. Professionals in an animation studio may work as animators, storyboard artists, modelers, or visual effects specialists. These roles require creativity, technical skills, and proficiency in animation software like Maya, Blender, or After Effects. The job can involve collaborating with directors, writers, and designers to bring stories and characters to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation Studio position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Animation Studio, individuals typically need strong artistic skills, proficiency in animation principles, and a background in digital media or related fields. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, or Autodesk Maya is essential, and formal education in animation or visual arts is often preferred. Teamwork, creative problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations, meeting client deadlines, and ensuring smooth collaboration within a creative team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Studio jobs in California? The most popular types of Animation Studio jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Studio jobs in California? For Animation Studio jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Studio jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Studio jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Studio jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Studio job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Studio job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,760 per year, or $81.1 per hour.
Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$74.68 - $88.56/hr

Full-time

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


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10155683

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisColor Design Lead role, youmaybeconsideredforanyColor Design Leadpositions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

  • Work closely with the Executive Producer, Director, and Art Director on all aspects of the series' look, color and tone

  • Obtain Creative Leadership approval on all color models that are created for each episode prior to shipping to the assigned vendor animation studio

  • Assist and work closely with Background Painters with creating and maintaining consistency in regards to the color and design of the series

  • If applicable, create color scripts or palettes to guide all color choices for each episode based on the story needs, in addition to the Production Designer and/or Art Director's general artistic direction

  • Manage the Color Design team through distributing handouts, providing notes, and revisions in preparation for an art review

  • Manage, execute, and maintain color style props, effects, character turnarounds, expressions, special poses, and size comps to the vendor animation studio for each shipment as it pertains to its assigned episode

  • If applicable, responsible for filling out all route sheets for the series

  • Work with the Art Director to review and approve pre-production color designs and storybook elements from the animation studio if applicable

  • Assist in the post- production and retakes process regarding an Color materials

  • Adhere to the production schedule provided by Producer to ensure cost effective, timely production

Required Qualificationsand Skills

  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production

  • Experience leading a team preferred

  • Strong ability to adapt and align with style and color sensibility of show

  • Illustration or traditional artand paintingskills

  • Deep understanding of Color Theory

  • Knowledge of drawing software including Illustrator, Photoshop, Painter,Harmonyand 3D technology where applicable

  • They must be experienced in the creation of detailed style guides and be comfortable dealing with internal and external departmentson a daily basis

  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology, film, and storytellingis essential

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and insight

  • Able to work independently in a fast paced environment

  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible

Education

  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience

Job Location

  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $88.56 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category:

Production

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-09

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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