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Bfa Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bfa Animation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$170.2K

How much do bfa animation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Bfa Animation job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $168,760 per year, or $81.1 per hour.

DSP: Art Mentor (Full-Time, Part-Time)

Upland, CA • On-site

Tierra Del Sol Foundation
Charitable Organizations • 51 - 200 employees

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan and conduct art instructional plans toward individual art career goals and PPML Plans.

  • Plan and conduct community events and involvement to support individuals in achieving their art service plan goals.

  • Manage class/studio organization tasks such as attendance, supply orders, safety, and cleanliness.


Job description

With the Inclusive Studios of Tierra del Sol located at 

Upland Art Studios

 

Positions open for Studio Practices (2D and 3D), Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, Animation, and specialization on Ceramic Studio Production.

 

The Art Mentor is under the supervision of the Program Director, and has the primary responsibility of assisting individuals with the development of their artistic, vocational, social and community-navigation skills toward their individually chosen Art career goals/Productive and Personally Meaningful Life (PPML) Plans. 


The Art Mentor is expected to become familiar with all of the consumers he/she serves so that he/she can make valuable contributions to Productive and Personally Meaningful Life (PPML) Plans/Individual PATH/Rehabilitation/Habilitation/Service Plans, Person-Centered Planning meetings and Circle of Support meetings.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 


1. Plan and conduct art instructional plans toward individual art career goals/Productive and Personally Meaningful Life (PPML) Plans.

2. Plan and conduct community events and involvement, which will assist individuals in achieving their individual Art service plan goals/Productive and Personally Meaningful Life (PPML) Plans.

3. Manage class/studio organization tasks such as attendance taking, community forms, supply orders and monitoring safety and cleanliness.

4. Supervise and direct studio assistants and volunteers in program supports and activities with individuals.

5. Provide regular feedback for studio assistants and volunteers.


This position is typically scheduled  35-38 hours per week, with typical work hours of either 7:45am - 3:30pm or 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, days and times vary, depending on schedule.  For this position, staff will have a 30 minute working lunch when actively supporting clients. A working lunch agreement will be on file.  These hours and duties are subject to change, without notice.


Qualifications: 


  • MFA, BFA, BA degree in the field of Art preferred in this order.
  • Ability to effectively guide individuals in professional arts vocational training in the studio and at vocational sites. 
  • Excellent teaching skills for 2D and 3D art production. 
  • Effective in guiding artists in handling a variety of art materials and to master art skills and techniques.
  • Ability to maintain strong organization of studio area, storage of artworks, and ordering/storing supplies. 
  • Must be able to meet all Direct Support Professional qualifications as written in DSP Universal Job Description.


WHAT WE OFFER 

STARTING RATE OF $22.00 PER HOUR 

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS: 

  • Medical 
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • Life Insurance 
  • 403B Savings 

PAID TIME OFF 

  • Two weeks’ vacation 
  • Personal 
  • Sick 

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH 

Tierra offers a wide variety of DSP and management-level opportunities 

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT  

Tierra is committed to ensuring each and every staff member feels focused, recognized, and challenged via: 

  • Weekly check-ins via Stand Out platform 
  • Monthly Department meetings 
  • Annual DSP Week celebration 
  • Annual New Year Kickoff party 
  • Annual Health Fair 

BONUS OPPORTUNITIES 

Bonus opportunities are available for employees who refer others to work for Tierra del Sol. 

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC TRAINING/TRANSFERABLE SKILLS, INCLUDING: 

  • First Aid/CPR Training 
  • NADSP E-Badge Academy: Tierra proudly offers all staff members who are interested, an opportunity to advance in their professional development and showcase their accomplishments with this accredited online training program through The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Foundation.  
  • Open Future Learning: Accredited online training recognized by The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. 
  • Handle with Care Behavior Management System: This federally approved two-part training system provides staff with verbal-intervention and physical-intervention techniques that focus on empowering individuals experiencing a crisis to regain control through support from trained personnel.  
  • Therap Experience: National leader in Web-Based Developmental Disabilities Software. Therap is a web-based application suite that was designed to provide a comprehensive solution for organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

JOIN TIERRA DEL SOL FOUNDATION AND HELP MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION EVERYDAY WHILE WORKING IN A FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT!