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Art Director Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YOU WILL BE The Art Director is responsible for creating compelling editorial imagery for Saks ... Experience with motion graphics and animation for digital and social - a strong plus * Ability to ...

The Senior Art Director is a highly skilled creative professional responsible for developing and ... Design and produce high-quality motion graphics, animations, product videos, event content, social ...

Art Director, Games Content

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$149K - $156K/yr

The Art Director will collaborate closely with the App Store Editorial team, as well as cross ... Working knowledge and experience in 3D and Animation. Working knowledge of UI/UX Design Tools such ...

The Art Director is responsible for creating compelling editorial imagery for Saks Global ... Experience with motion graphics and animation for digital and social - a strong plus * Ability to ...

Art Director Location: Stamford, CT Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt - On Site About the Role: The Art ... animation and video). * Create compelling presentation documents that communicate your ideas in a ...

Art Director

Stamford, CT · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

Art Director Location: Stamford, CT Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt - On Site About the Role: The Art ... animation and video). * Create compelling presentation documents that communicate your ideas in a ...

Art Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

Through sophisticated design and strong art direction, you'll solve marketing and consumer ... Direct photo and video shoots, partnering with directors, photographers, animators, and production ...

The Senior Art Director is a highly skilled creative professional responsible for developing and ... Design and produce high-quality motion graphics, animations, product videos, event content, social ...

Art Director

Clayton, MO · On-site

$113K - $118K/yr

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as an Art Director in St. Louis, MO where you'll ... Create graphics, photography concepts, and GIF animations to support digital marketing efforts

Art Director Contractor

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$121K - $127K/yr

Experience with motion design, animation, or designing for motion-led digital and social ... Art Director Contractor Salary or Pay Range: $50 - $60/hour Pay offered will vary based on job ...

AI Art Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

We're looking for an AI Art Director with a sharp visual eye, strong commercial instincts, and a ... animation, or VFX * Familiarity with editing and motion basics * Active awareness of culture, art ...

Working knowledge and experience in 3D and Animation. Working knowledge of UI/UX Design Tools such ... an Art Director. Experience and passion for gaming and mobile gaming; ability to stay ahead of ...

Art Director Contractor

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$121K - $127K/yr

Experience with motion design, animation, or designing for motion-led digital and social ... Art Director Contractor Salary or Pay Range: $50 - $60/hour Pay offered will vary based on job ...

Art Director

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $141K/yr

You are an art director with a demonstrated talent for narrative visual storytelling. You have ... animation. Ultimately, you are a team player, able to bring your enthusiasm to projects big and ...

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Art Director Animation information

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$44.5K

$121.8K

$146.5K

How much do art director animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for art director 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 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.
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Infographic showing various Art Director Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,757 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

3D Creative Art Director (Remote)

Floss Creatives Limited

Portland, OR • Remote

$123K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Floss Creatives (RECH) is a global creative partner for agencies and brands, working across all media channels and platforms.

We are a specialised team of engineers, machine learning programmers, designers, art directors and creative directors, connected by experienced production executives to provide seamless access to some of the best innovative talents.

We craft projects that people love, and we have won Clios, Cannes Lions, D&AD, and One Show.

Clients Apple, Audi, Amazon Studios, Boston Dynamics, Google, Coinbase, Mclaren, F1, Toyota to Digitas.

Salary Full Time

Job Description

The 3D Creative Art Director role at Floss Creatives is one of creative leadership, an unwavering eye for detail, and using the design process to solve creative challenges.

As an AD, your primary responsibility will be to develop concepts for the project or pitch using a combination of 3D Softwares + photoshop. The concept deck will include clear design concepts, style frames and potentially 5 seconds 3D animation to express the vision to brands and agencies.

You will lead external teams of designers, animators, artists, and technologists to deliver world-class content that exceeds the expectations of the initial client brief.

You are hands-on. Your experience was moulded by broadcast, print and digital works. You are comfortable with the process from the initial call through the final grade and delivery. You are organised, an excellent communicator, and unafraid to ask challenging questions at any point in the process.

MUST BE ABLE TO DO:

  • Highend Creative Treatment Deck
  • Style frames
  • Concept Art

Responsibilities:

Project leadership includes conceptualising design briefs, planning the approach, and leading teams through project delivery. Calm and respectful under pressure. Working closely with our business team and clients in North America and Europe.

  • Comfortable writing your own treatments and adapting to solve the client's creative brief
  • Experience bidding on various projects, from motion graphics to high-end CGI and interactive projects.
  • Organising, identifying strengths within our team and our external partners, briefing other creative team members and leading successful client sessions for project kick-offs.
  • Supervise and Inspire the team to produce outstanding work.
  • Create, design and animate when necessary; you should be comfortable working with 3D Software.
  • Be involved throughout the project, ensuring reliable contact with clients and the team to deliver results within tight deadlines.

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of Art Direction experience
  • Solid presentation skills and comfortable with being the client-facing representative of Floss Creatives
  • Strong 3D and Art direction skills.
  • Animation experience
  • Ability to translate concepts into creative design and mentor junior staff members.
  • Strong knowledge of 3D Max, Maya, Houdini and C4D