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Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Havas Health & You

Content Producer Fellow

New York, NY

$137K/yr

A fellowship is an entry-level position designed to teach the employee the fundamental facets of ... Editing, animation, or motion graphics skills are a plus, but not required.Employment Type ...

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Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist information

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$24

$40

How much do entry level animation lighting artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animation lighting artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist do?

An Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist is responsible for adding lighting to animated scenes to create mood, atmosphere, and visual depth. They work closely with other artists and technical teams to ensure that lighting supports the story and artistic vision of a project. Tasks often include setting up light sources, adjusting shadows, and rendering scenes while learning industry-standard software. Entry-level artists typically receive guidance from senior team members and may handle simpler shots as they build their skills. Attention to detail and a good understanding of visual storytelling are important in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level animation lighting artists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level animation lighting artists often face challenges such as understanding the creative vision of a scene, mastering complex lighting software, and balancing technical constraints with artistic goals. It can be daunting to interpret feedback from supervisors and integrate it quickly while maintaining consistency across shots. To overcome these challenges, new artists should actively seek feedback, practice with industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender, and collaborate closely with other departments such as modeling and compositing to ensure their lighting enhances the overall story.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist, you need a solid grasp of lighting principles, color theory, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, Houdini, or Blender, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan, is typically required. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to take creative direction are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure that lighting artists contribute effectively to the visual quality and mood of animated productions, aligning with the project's artistic vision.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist vs Entry Level 3D Modeler?

AspectEntry Level Animation Lighting ArtistEntry Level 3D Modeler
Required SkillsLighting techniques, rendering, basic animation principlesModeling, topology, texturing
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, game development, animation studiosGame studios, animation studios, VFX companies
Common CertificationsBasic 3D software proficiency (Maya, Blender)3D modeling certifications, software proficiency
Industry UsageUsed in lighting scenes and visual effectsUsed in creating 3D assets and characters

While both roles require proficiency in 3D software and are employed in similar industries, the Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist focuses on lighting and rendering to enhance visual scenes, whereas the Entry Level 3D Modeler specializes in creating 3D assets and models. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Lighting Artist jobs? The most popular types of Animation Lighting Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist jobs include:
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Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 65% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Digital Media Design

Assistant Professor, Digital Media Design

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Digital Media Design (B.A.) curriculum at FGCU focuses on the intersection of design and innovation. The Digital Media Design (DMD) Program is currently housed within the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, DMD will transition to the Bower School of Music & the Arts, where it will become a fully integrated component of the FGCU Art & Design Program. Students of the DMD program are well prepared to begin careers in the creative industries.
The position of Assistant Professor, Digital Media Design should have a solid background in design and be able to teach the fundamentals of design to undergraduate design students. An ideal candidate would also have a record of accomplishment in the animation or games industries, specifically in 3D animation. Key skills would focus on modeling and texturing including proficiency in character rigging and modeling for animation and games, modeling for digital sets and environments, and digital sculpting and painting.
Candidates for this position must be able to demonstrate a strength in teaching design courses both practical and theoretical. The ideal candidate is expected to continue to develop their professional practice as a designer with research, exhibitions and/or client-based creative work. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to contribute to the development of the program by offering different perspectives and unique approaches to their practice and teaching methodologies.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a regional comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, and responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.
Job Description
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
  • Teach 9 credit hours per semester of undergraduate courses or as assigned and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment.
  • Teach across a variety of design disciplines and media platforms such as:
    • Principles of Design
    • 3D Animation
    • Digital Illustration
    • Concept Art production
    • Principles of animation
    • 3D modelling and sculpting
    • Character animation
    • Rigging
    • Lighting, and texturing
    • Particle systems and motion graphics development
    • Interface Design
    • Motion capture
  • Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
  • Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
  • Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
  • Utilizes the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
  • Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
  • Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
  • Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
  • Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
  • Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
  • Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
  • Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University's mission.
  • Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
  • Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
  • Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
  • Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. or MFA in Digital Arts, Digital Media, Digital Design or closely related field or equivalent from a regionally accredited university institution.
  • ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2026. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.
  • Experience with professional design/game/entertainment studios or non-profit organizations and build relationships for internships, funding and student careers.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Three years of teaching experience at BA, BFA or MFA level.
  • Broad-based expertise in modern and contemporary issues in digital art.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
  • Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals.
  • Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
  • Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
  • Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2026.
Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials, including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.
Required Application Materials:
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • Five (5) Professional References
  • Provide a link in a Word Document to an online portfolio of your work and examples of student work - Place in Additional Documents Section

The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by December 30, 2025 will receive priority consideration.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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