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Contract Animation Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Contract Motion Designer We are looking for a contract Motion Designer to build the rip animation experience for our new repacks product. This is a highly visible part of the product experience ...

Blender Tutor

Hoboken, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Stamford, CT ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Glen Cove, NY ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Paramus, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Elizabeth, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Clifton, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Hempstead, NY ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Westfield, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Paterson, NJ ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

White Plains, NY ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

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Contract Animation information

What is a contract animator?

Contract animators are professionals who create animations for clients or companies on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees. They may work independently as freelancers or through agencies, producing animations for films, video games, advertisements, websites, or other media. Their responsibilities typically include developing storyboards, designing characters, and using animation software to bring visual concepts to life. Contract animators often have flexible schedules and may work remotely or on-site, depending on the project's needs. Their contracts can range from short-term assignments to longer projects, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract animator?

To thrive as a Contract Animator, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in animation principles, and experience with industry-standard tools, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Expertise in software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, Maya, or Blender is typically required, along with familiarity with project management and file-sharing systems. Creativity, time management, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and meeting deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality animations that align with client expectations and project timelines in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract animators when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract animators often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can lead to challenges in managing deadlines, adapting to different animation styles, and communicating effectively with diverse teams. Balancing varying expectations and feedback cycles requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication with each client helps ensure project success and fosters positive professional relationships.

What is the difference between Contract Animation vs Freelance Animator?

AspectContract AnimationFreelance Animator
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant animation software skills, and sometimes a degree in animation or related fieldSimilar credentials; portfolio and software proficiency are essential
Work EnvironmentUsually employed by a company or agency for a fixed term or projectOperates independently, often from home or personal studio
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in media, advertising, and entertainment industries for short-term projectsUsed across various industries, including advertising, gaming, and independent projects

Contract Animation involves working for a company or agency on specific projects for a set period, often with structured contracts. Freelance Animators operate independently, managing their own clients and schedules. Both roles require strong animation skills and portfolios, but Contract Animators typically work within a team environment, while Freelance Animators have more flexibility and autonomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Contract Animation jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Contract Animation job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Animation job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 66% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution.

Character Animation Expert - AI Tools

Mercor

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Character and Facial Animation Consultant
Type: Contract
Compensation: $60–$90/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Establish evaluation standards to define clear criteria for capturing performance in emotional resonance and physical fidelity.
  • Curate benchmarks by identifying strong examples of performances that are easy or hard to capture for meaningful model tests.
  • Shape the evaluation pool by defining the right profile, expertise mix, and rubric for human reviewers assessing outputs at scale.
  • Collaborate with fellow subject-matter experts to maintain consistent and accurate evaluations.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 4+ years as a hands-on character animator with human or character performance as your core craft.
  • Verifiable credits on 2 or more feature films, animated features, or AAA game cinematics at recognized studios.
  • Direct experience with facial animation and/or performance capture.
  • A meticulous eye for micro-expressions and emotional beats.
  • AI proficiency with familiarity in AI tools and workflows.
  • Ability to translate complex visual details into clear, precise language.
  • Able to come on-site in Playa Vista (Los Angeles), CA or New York, NY for in-person sessions once or twice a month.

Preferred

  • Reliable access to a 4K-resolution monitor for precise, pixel-level review.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.