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Art Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGS - American Gaming Systems

Art Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Bachelor Media Art and Animation or equivalent work experience. * Eight (8) years of experience of ... graphic design, 3D art and animation. * Two (2) years of Art Lead or management experience.

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Required : • Bachelor of Arts in art/animation or technical degree or equivalent industry experience. • At least 3 years previous experience as a digital artist with a considerable amount of ...

Spinplay Games

Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV

$148K/yr

Manages a team of individual contributors from multiple disciplines (art, animation, software engineering), keeping the team motivated and engaged through recognition, conflict resolution, and ...

Four Hands

CGI Artist Intern

Austin, TX

Currently pursuing a degree in 3D Art, Animation, Visualization, or a related field * Strong working knowledge of a 3D application, including basic modeling, geometry retopology and optimization ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation and general art to support as the need arises. * Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation and general art to support as the need arises. * Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal ...

Meta

Product Visualization Specialist- Robotics

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

... art/animation, or a related field • 5+ years of experience in product rendering, 3D animation, 3D art, or a related field • 2+ years of experience in rendering and lighting consumer electronics ...

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Art Animation information

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$44.5K

$121.8K

$146.5K

How much do art animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for art animation in the United States is $121,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get in animation?

In animation, common jobs include character animator, storyboard artist, background artist, 3D modeler, and visual effects artist. These roles often require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and may involve working in studios, freelance projects, or remote environments.

Is animator a high paying job?

Animators can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, specialized skills, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, but experienced animators working in film, gaming, or advertising often earn higher wages. Salary levels vary by location, industry, and individual skill set.

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

To thrive as an Art Animator, you need a strong background in visual arts, animation principles, and proficiency in drawing or digital illustration, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Mastery of animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Autodesk Maya is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help animators effectively bring characters and stories to life. These skills are essential for producing engaging, high-quality animations that meet project goals and appeal to audiences.

What jobs can you get with an animation art degree?

With an animation art degree, you can pursue roles such as animator, character designer, storyboard artist, visual effects artist, or motion graphics designer. These jobs typically require proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects or Maya and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising environments.

What is art animation?

Art animation is the process of creating moving images using artistic techniques, often for films, video games, commercials, or online media. It involves designing and drawing characters, backgrounds, and visual effects, then sequencing these elements to create the illusion of motion. Art animators use both traditional hand-drawn methods and digital tools to bring stories and concepts to life. This field requires creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency with animation software. Art animators often collaborate with other artists, directors, and writers to produce engaging visual content.

What is the difference between Art Animation vs 3D Animation?

AspectArt Animation3D Animation
Required SkillsDrawing, traditional animation, storytellingModeling, rigging, rendering
Work EnvironmentStudios, freelance, educational settingsVFX studios, gaming, film production
Industry UsageAnimation for storytelling, character designVisual effects, game design, CGI movies

Art Animation focuses on traditional drawing and storytelling techniques, often used in animated films and educational content. 3D Animation involves creating three-dimensional models and environments, primarily used in gaming, visual effects, and CGI movies. While both require artistic skills, Art Animation emphasizes hand-drawn skills, whereas 3D Animation relies on digital modeling and technical expertise.

What are the typical collaboration processes between art animators and other departments in a game or film production?

Art animators frequently work closely with departments such as modeling, rigging, and programming to ensure smooth integration of animated assets into the final product. This often involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and the use of collaborative project management tools to track progress and address technical challenges. Effective communication is key, as animators need to understand both the artistic vision and technical requirements of the project. Being adaptable and open to feedback helps ensure cohesive results that align with the project's overall goals.

Will AI replace animators?

AI technology can automate certain tasks in art animation, such as in-betweening or background generation, but it is unlikely to fully replace human animators. Skilled animators are needed for creative decision-making, storytelling, and nuanced character work that AI cannot replicate. Many roles will evolve to incorporate AI tools, emphasizing the importance of technical skills alongside artistic talent.
More about Art Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Art Animation jobs? Cities with the most Art Animation job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Art Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Art Animation jobs are:
Art Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,757 per year, or $58.5 per hour.
Associate Art Director - Unpublished R&D Product

Associate Art Director - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

TheAssociate Art Director at Riot oversees the quality and management of a team with a focus on Mission, Direction, and Cohesion. In this role, you will guide the art direction for an unannounced project within one of Riot's core IPs. Your scope spans game art presentation, UI, motion graphics, and VFX, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience. You will be responsible for team health, performance, and growth, while driving alignment across engineering, design, narrative, and technical art. You will report to the Art Director.
As an Associate Art Director on an unpublished R&D product, you will lead the game's development from prototype through production. You will define how players experience illustrations as interactive elements through motion, VFX, and UI. You will manage a multidisciplinary team of artists and establish scalable pipelines for integrating and optimizing illustrations for digital platforms. You'll partner closely with other development disciplines to deliver a polished, performant, and immersive product. As part of the creative team, you will help shape product strategy, remove obstacles, and ensure the art supports both gameplay clarity and long-term player engagement.
Responsibilities:
  • Set and uphold the art direction across game art presentation, UI, motion graphics and VFX
  • Define art goals, production strategies, and timelines
  • Build, manage, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of artists
  • Lead hiring efforts for the art team including defining roles, reviewing candidates, conducting interviews and making hiring decisions.
  • Partner with design to ensure strong gameplay clarity and readability
  • Collaborate with engineering and tech art to build scalable, performant game art
  • Work with narrative to ensure cohesive and compelling visual storytelling
  • Ensure high-quality integration and optimization of game art across required platforms
  • Provide clear direction, feedback, and foster a strong team culture
  • Establish efficient pipelines for high-volume asset integration and implementation
  • Manage external partners for game art, animation and VFX work
Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of industry experience creating high quality game art
  • Experience managing artists and leads across multiple disciplines like UI, motion graphics, VFX, and illustration
  • Experience shipping games across various platforms (i.e. mobile, PC, console, etc.), with strong visual direction and execution
  • Proven collaboration with engineering, design, narrative, and tech art
  • Strong understanding of visual hierarchy, readability, and player-focused design
  • Experience working with and adapting existing art assets for real-time applications
  • Experience building scalable production workflows
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working on live-service titles
  • Background in Visual Design or UI design
  • At least 3 years experience working within various game engines like Unreal, Unity, etc.
  • Strong foundation in art fundamentals and visual storytelling
  • Understanding of how VFX, animation, and UI support gameplay feedback
  • Familiarity with Riot Games' various IPs
  • Knowledge of current trends in cross-platform games
  • Portfolio demonstrating strength in UI, motion systems, and interactive presentation

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

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