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Animator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Develop 3D models, renderings, and animations to represent system architectures, workflows, and mission scenarios. * Translate complex technical concepts (e.g., data pipelines, AI/ML workflows ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Develop 3D models, renderings, and animations to represent system architectures, workflows, and mission scenarios. * Translate complex technical concepts (e.g., data pipelines, AI/ML workflows ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Develop 3D models, renderings, and animations to represent system architectures, workflows, and mission scenarios. * Translate complex technical concepts (e.g., data pipelines, AI/ML workflows ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Reston, VA · On-site

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Jobs in Reston, VA

Animator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$41

$73

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Reston, VA is $41.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $66.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various industries including film, television, video games, advertising, and web design. They create animated content using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and often collaborate with directors, designers, and clients to produce visual storytelling. Many animators also pursue roles such as character designer, storyboard artist, or visual effects artist.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator jobs remain in demand in industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The field values creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to new animation technologies, with employment growth expected to be steady over the coming years.

Is animator a well paying job?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but generally, they can earn a competitive income, especially with specialized skills in 3D modeling or visual effects. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, while experienced animators working in film, gaming, or advertising often earn higher wages. Continuous skill development and proficiency with tools like Adobe After Effects or Maya can improve earning potential.

What does an animator do?

An animator is a creative professional who designs and creates moving images for films, television, video games, and other forms of media. They use computer software or traditional hand-drawn techniques to bring characters, objects, and scenes to life. Animators often work closely with other artists, directors, and writers to ensure their animations fit the vision of a project. Their work involves storyboarding, character design, and creating sequences that convey emotion and action. Attention to detail and a strong understanding of movement are essential skills for animators.

What jobs can I do with animation?

Animator jobs include creating animated content for film, television, video games, advertising, and online media. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender are often required, and roles can range from character animator to motion graphics artist or visual effects specialist.

What is the difference between Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimator3D Modeler
Required CredentialsAnimation courses, portfolio3D modeling courses, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companiesDesign studios, game development
Industry UsageBrings characters to life through movementCreates 3D assets and models

While both roles work closely in the animation and gaming industries, an Animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, whereas a 3D Modeler specializes in creating the detailed 3D models used in animations and games. Both require similar technical skills and often collaborate on projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Animators often collaborate with teams of artists, directors, and sound designers, which can present challenges such as maintaining consistent visual style and meeting tight production deadlines. Communication is key, as feedback and revisions are frequent, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, animators need to be proficient in various software and workflows to ensure their work integrates smoothly with other departments, such as modeling or lighting. Balancing creative vision with technical requirements is a common aspect of the role.

What Do Animators Do?

Animators create moving images for television, movies, video games, websites, multimedia platforms, and other forms of media. As an animator, your duties are to design illustrations to match characters and settings described in scripts. Sometimes an animator comes up with a new character before developing a script or role for it, while other times animators work closely with writers to collaborate on character development. After the creation stage, your responsibilities shift to rendering the image for whatever medium you work in, such as feature-length computer animated films or short graphic descriptions of news for an online magazine.

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

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of motion, timing, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and familiarity with digital drawing tablets are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators collaborate well and bring ideas to life. These skills are vital for producing high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.
More about Animator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Animator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Animator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Animator job openings:
Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,282 per year, or $41 per hour.
Motion Graphics Editor

Motion Graphics Editor

Narrative Strategies LLC

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Role Description

Motion Designers at Narrative bring campaigns to life through animation and motion graphics that run in the real world: on television, streaming platforms, digital media, and social channels. Our campaigns shape public opinion on the issues that matter, and elevated design in motion is increasingly central to how that work lands with audiences. This mid-level role typically requires 3+ years of experience designing and animating for streaming video, digital, and paid social. Motion Designers at Narrative are responsible for translating scripts, storyboards, and static assets into polished animated content that serves the broader campaign strategy.


The ideal candidate hasa strong design sensibility, excellent animation fundamentals, and deep proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere, and related tools. They can execute independently, thrive under real deadlines, and collaborate comfortably with creative directors, producers, and account teams to deliver content that is on-message and on-time. Experience in political, public affairs, or advocacy communications is a plus. If you see emerging technology as a creative accelerator, you'll fit right in.


Typical Responsibilities

  • Design and animate motion graphics for TV/CTV, digital, and paid social
  • Adapt creative concepts across placements (CTV vs. Social vs. Vertical)
  • Partner with Design, Strategy, and Account teams to shape how messaging lands through pacing, visual structure and typography.
  • Manage project files, templates, and renders with consistency and organization across simultaneous campaigns.
  • Continuously evaluate plugins, render workflows, AI-assisted tools, and asset organization to provide recommendations for our video tech stack that enhances speed while maintaining creative control and quality.
  • Own motion "systems", not just deliverables: Stay current on motion trends, tools, and techniques that help build reusable animation toolkits (type systems, transitions, lower-third packages, templates) that raise the creative floor across campaigns.
  • Execute across rapid-turn review cycles, adapting animations to evolving scripts, feedback, and messaging priorities while maintaining creative ownership in review cycles.


Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, or a related role.
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe After Effects; strong working knowledge of Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
  • Experience designing for broadcast and digital formats, including 30-second and 15-second spots, long-form digital video, and social-native content
  • Strong design fundamentals - typography, composition, color, and pacing
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • A portfolio that demonstrates range, craft, and the ability to serve a message, not just a look
  • Experience with Cinema 4D, DaVinci Resolve, other motion/compositing tools, and/or offline or online editing in Premiere Pro is a plus
  • Hands-on curiosity with AI creative tools (generative video, AI compositing, prompt-to-motion workflows, etc.) and a drive to find smarter ways to work
  • Political, public affairs, or advocacy campaign experience is a plus.


About Narrative:
Narrative is a strategic communications firm solving today's most demanding reputational and public affairs challenges. We leverage best practices in business, politics, and journalism to manage multi-faceted communications campaigns. Narrative's differentiating strength is its team and culture. Our bipartisan team of professionals operates in a highly collaborative environment where we support and value our clients and each other.
That commitment is reflected in Narrative, having been recognized four years in a row as one of PR Week's Best Places to Work and as one of PRNews'Agency Elite Top 100. Narrative offers a competitive 401k matching program and work-from-home flexibility on Fridays and around major holidays.

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