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Bfa Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marvell

Senior Presentation Designer

Santa Clara, CA

... animations, and data visualization * Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator ... BFA, BA, BS, or equivalent experience in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field ...

Nvidia

Graphic Design Generalist

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

These projects will include diverse final outputs including: video, 3D, animation, social media ... A BFA, BS, or MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent field is required (or equivalent experience). 5+ ...

All JobsBfa Animation JobsBfa Animation Jobs in California

Bfa Animation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$170.2K

How much do bfa animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for bfa animation 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 can I do with a BFA in animation?

A BFA in animation prepares graduates for roles such as character animator, storyboard artist, visual effects artist, or motion graphics designer. It provides skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite and animation software, enabling work in film, television, gaming, advertising, and multimedia production environments.

What is the difference between Bfa Animation vs Bfa Graphic Design?

AspectBfa AnimationBfa Graphic Design
Required CredentialsBachelor of Fine Arts in AnimationBachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, film, gamingAdvertising agencies, print and digital media
Industry UsageAnimation production, visual effectsBranding, marketing, print design

While both Bfa Animation and Bfa Graphic Design involve creative skills and visual communication, Bfa Animation focuses on creating moving images for films, games, and multimedia, whereas Bfa Graphic Design emphasizes static visual content for branding and advertising. The choice depends on your interest in motion versus static visuals and your career goals within the creative industry.

What can I do with a BFA in visual arts?

A BFA in visual arts, including animation, prepares graduates for careers such as animators, illustrators, character designers, and visual effects artists. These roles often require proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and animation software, and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a BFA Animation professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a BFA Animation professional, you need strong foundational skills in drawing, storytelling, and animation principles, typically supported by a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and Toon Boom Harmony is usually required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and time management are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality animated content and meeting the demands of creative production environments.

What is the highest paid animation job?

In animation, senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender.

What is a BFA in Animation?

A BFA in Animation is a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focused on the art and technique of animation. This program typically covers both traditional and digital animation, including drawing, storytelling, character design, 2D and 3D animation, and visual effects. Graduates develop creative and technical skills needed for careers in film, television, video games, and other multimedia fields. The curriculum usually combines studio courses with theoretical studies to prepare students for professional work or further study.

What kinds of collaborative projects can I expect to work on as a BFA Animation graduate in a studio environment?

As a BFA Animation graduate entering a studio, you can expect to collaborate on diverse projects such as animated films, television series, advertisements, or video games. You'll often work closely with storyboard artists, character designers, directors, and sound editors to bring concepts to life. Teamwork is integral, as each project typically involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and revisions to align with the creative vision. Collaboration helps build professional relationships and exposes you to various animation pipelines, which is valuable for career growth.

What jobs can I do with an animation degree?

With a BFA in Animation, common career options include roles such as animator, character designer, story artist, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer. These jobs typically require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Toon Boom, and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.
What are popular job titles related to Bfa Animation jobs in California? For Bfa Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bfa Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bfa Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Bfa Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Bfa Animation job openings:
Bfa Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bfa Animation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $168,760 per year, or $81.1 per hour.
Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation

Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number FAC00047PO26 Advertised Title Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation Campus Columbia College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS School of Visual Art and Design Advertised Salary Range We offer a competitive salary and benefits package Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 40 Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis 9 months Work County Richland Tenure Information Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2026.
The successful candidate will teach 4 courses per year (2 per semester) and develop new courses in animation that create synergy with existing courses in 2D and 3D animation, game design, new media, and manga. The position's location in an art and design school means that courses and curriculum can intersect in exciting ways with other school disciplines such as drawing, graphic design, illustration, and a future degree program planned in industrial design. The faculty member's teaching contributions will accentuate student skills and career readiness so that they can enter industries of multiple kinds where animation is applied (entertainment, industrial, medical, etc.). The faculty member will also provide service and leadership to the Media Arts program, school, college, and university. Expectations include maintaining a high level of research accomplishment via exhibited creative work and/or scholarship, active pursuit of professional opportunities in the field, and strong and engaged teaching.
The School of Visual Art and Design employs 40 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, film and media, and studio art and design. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.
Required Education and Experience
  • Candidates must have a PhD, MFA, MPS, or equivalent in film, media or closely related field by the start date of employment, plus research expertise in animation, and either the potential for or a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching. 
  • We welcome applications from individuals who are interested in moving from industry to academia.
Preferred Qualifications
  • In addition to the required education and experience the successful candidate will have a research profile in media production with a focus on animation and demonstrate the potential for ongoing contributions to the field as an artist-researcher. 
  • We are especially interested in candidates who can incorporate 2D animation concepts and techniques in their teaching and research to produce novel and exciting contributions to industry and/or arts and culture. 
  • While the research profile should align with the film and media program's existing focus on the media industries (video game design, 3D animation, film/video production, and manga), it may also expand upon it through interdisciplinary research with other fields, including industrial design. For example, the candidate's research profile could center on narrative animation production for entertainment, documentary or experimental animation, animation for industry and science communication, or a combination of research interests.
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 04/09/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant
How to Apply:
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include:
(1) a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests,
(2) a current curriculum vitae,
(3) a portfolio of animation production and work samples with a brief narrative that clearly describes the applicant's contributions. The portfolio may be provided either as a URL link to a website or an online file. If a password is required to view, please include it, and
(4) the names and email addresses of 3 references, including current email addresses. Letters will be solicited by the chair of the committee from referees at the semi-finalist stage.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Professor Evan Meaney, EMEANEY@mailbox.sc.edu.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204288 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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