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Art Director Animation Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Lead a cross-functional team of social media experts, videographers, designers, animators, and ... Minimum of a BA/BS degree in Art, Marketing or any related field. * Passion for or experience in US ...

Lead a cross-functional team of social media experts, videographers, designers, animators, and ... Minimum of a BA/BS degree in Art, Marketing or any related field. * Passion for or experience in US ...

Art Director Animation information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$46.5K

$127.2K

$153K

How much do art director animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for art director animation in Springfield, VA is $127,178.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,400.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an art director in animation do?

An Art Director in Animation is responsible for overseeing the visual style and artistic direction of an animated project, such as a film, TV series, or video game. They collaborate with directors, producers, and designers to develop the look and feel of the animation, ensuring consistency in color, lighting, character design, and background art. Art Directors also guide and mentor the art team, review artwork, and make key creative decisions to achieve the desired visual storytelling. Their role is crucial in shaping the project's unique aesthetic and bringing the director's vision to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art director in animation?

To thrive as an Art Director in Animation, you need a solid background in visual design, storytelling, and animation principles, often supported by a degree in fine arts or animation and a strong portfolio. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, Maya, and other 2D/3D animation software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, creative vision, and communication skills help you guide teams and unify diverse artistic styles. These skills are essential for delivering visually cohesive projects that meet creative goals and production deadlines in a collaborative environment.

How does an art director in animation typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As an Art Director in animation, you’ll frequently collaborate with a variety of departments including storyboarding, character design, modeling, and lighting. You’ll be responsible for communicating the visual style and ensuring consistency across all assets, often attending cross-departmental meetings to review progress and provide feedback. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, as you’ll need to translate creative vision into actionable direction for artists, animators, and technical staff. Effective collaboration is essential to keep the production on schedule and maintain the project’s artistic integrity.

What is the difference between Art Director Animation vs Character Designer?

AspectArt Director AnimationCharacter Designer
Primary FocusOversees the visual style and overall look of animation projectsCreates and designs characters for animation or games
Required SkillsArt direction, leadership, animation knowledge, visual storytellingDrawing, character development, creativity, understanding of anatomy
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with animators, designers, and producers in studiosWorks closely with directors, storyboards, and animation teams
Industry UsageCommon in film, TV, and large animation projectsPrimarily in animation, gaming, and character-centric media

While both roles require strong artistic skills, the Art Director Animation focuses on guiding the overall visual style of an animation project, whereas the Character Designer specializes in creating individual characters. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the animation industry.

How to become an art director for animation?

To become an art director for animation, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in art, design, or a related field, along with several years of experience in animation or illustration. Building a strong portfolio, developing skills in visual storytelling, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and animation software are essential, along with leadership and communication skills to oversee creative teams.

What job categories do people searching Art Director Animation jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Art Director Animation jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Art Director Animation jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Art Director Animation job openings:

Adjunct Faculty - Art/Animation (Part-Time)

Largo, MD • On-site

Prince George's Community College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Faculty
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Faculty - Art/Animation (Part-Time)
Position Type
Faculty
Department
Humanities
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time or Part Time
Part Time
Fixed Term/Tenure Track
Fixed Term
Grade
Salary Range
Hiring Salary Range
Salary commensurate with education and experience
Union/Non Union
Non Union
Job Description Summary
The Art Area within the Humanities Department at Prince George's Community College is seeking an Adjunct Art/Animation position for the Spring 2022 semester. Below is key information about the school and this position. Applicants should make sure they fit the education and work experience specific for this position which is described below.
The instructor is responsible for the coordination, planning, preparation, presentation, and evaluation of classroom instruction and related activities during the day, evening, or weekend via instructional delivery formats to include face-to-face, hybrid, online, and remote. Face-to-face and hybrid classes may be offered on any Prince George's Community College campus, or at off-campus locations. The instructor must remain current in the discipline area and continually explore teaching methods and strategies to engage learners, organize and plan instructional content that accommodates diverse learning styles, and devise appropriate assessment tools that monitor student learning outcomes. The instructor is also responsible for participating in related activities to include professional development, academic advising, curriculum design.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. MFA degree (or higher) in Art, or a master's degree in art related field with at least 18 graduate semester hours in Art.
  2. Preferably 2 years of college teaching experience.
    Ability to teach Animation. There may be opportunity to teach other courses based on experience in the following content areas; Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography, Design, Commercial Art, Visual Communications/Commercial Art/Graphic Design, Art History, Introduction to Art.
  3. Ability to teach in non-traditional formats (online, remote, hybrid) and settings (off-campus, weekends, evenings and accelerated).
  4. Ability to perform a range of physical positions and mobile conditions including but not limited to occasionally moving materials 5-25 pounds.
    Knowledge of and the ability to teach, handle, and maintain art related materials, chemicals, and equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
  5. Must be able to work well with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Animate or After Effects).

Criteria
CRITERIA: The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed. Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process. Resume/CV and cover letter are required with the application. Please ensure that your documents address the criteria listed below for this position.
  1. Plan, organize, and teach curriculum content in conjunction with course outcomes.
  2. Using applicable technology and andragogical principles, teach course content via an appropriate delivery format (may include face-to-face, hybrid, online, and remote instruction).
  3. Complete mandated institutional trainings and professional development as required
  4. Follow department and division requirements for preparing a course syllabus
  5. Facilitate appropriate instructional activities that promote student engagement and learning.
  6. Evaluate student performance using assessment tools as directed by the department; inform students in a timely manner of their progress
  7. Create and administer assessments that monitor student progress; provide timely student feedback.
  8. Provide an orientation at the first- class meeting to include (as applicable) an overview of the course syllabus, an outline of course objectives, course requirements, attendance policy, grading system, textbook(s), and supplemental materials.
  9. Notify students of key dates and course adjustments
  10. Comply with attendance and grading requirements as established for the course (may include maintaining an up-to-date electronic grade book, and entering final grades by the established due date).
  11. Maintain accurate class records; submit required class records by the established due date
  12. Participate in departmental evaluation and course assessment processes as directed.
  13. Follow department and division requirements for maintaining office hours, advising students, and referring students to appropriate resources.
  14. Respond to student emails and phone calls within 48 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. Maintain regular communication with students. Use the assigned PGCC email for communication with the department and with students.
  15. Attend all required meetings.
  16. Perform all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
  1. Mastery of course content
  2. Must be able to work well with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Animate or After Effects)
  3. Ability to provide service to diverse populations using a student-centered approach
  4. Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty and staff
  5. Ability to plan, deliver and assess effective instruction
  6. Ability to teach in face to face, remote and online modalities, as needed
  7. Ability to effectively use instructional technology (Internet, instructional software, learning management system, videoconferencing, etc.).
  8. Critical thinking, organization, and conflict management skills
  9. Research skills (where appropriate)
  10. Time management, planning and organizational skills
  11. Ability to work as part of a team
  12. Problem-solving and analytical ability

Job Requirements
  1. Must be available to work Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work schedule subject to change based on the needs of the department.
  2. Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
  3. As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
  4. Prince George's Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Is Background Check Required?
Yes
Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus?
No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
ADJ16611/12
Open Date
07/01/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
No
Background Check Statement
Special Instructions to Applicants
The following must be included with your application materials:
Under required documents provide:
  • Current Cover Letter, CV
  • Unofficial Transcript (if hired official transcripts will be required)

Select Other, and provide a PDF, Word Doc, or URL for
  • A digital portfolio with 15-20 current examples of professional work
  • A digital portfolio with 15-20 examples of student's work
  • A teaching philosophy

Prince George's Community College values the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. As part of that commitment, the College has announced effective October 21, 2021, all students, faculty, and staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested for the virus weekly. As a prospective or new employee, you will be required to comply with this mandate and all the necessary safety protocols, including wearing a mask. Please direct your questions related to the vaccination, testing, mask mandates, and requirements for exemptions to VMPO@pgcc.edu.
Application Status; you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, upon which time no further communication occurs unless selected for an interview or the position is filled. If recommended for hire, communication is immediately sent to your references listed on your application. Also, you will receive an email notification from HireRight requesting you to submit authorization to complete a background investigation.