2

Entry Level Animation Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Animation information

See Ohio salary details

$18.7K

$43.8K

$89.1K

How much do entry level animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level animation in Ohio is $43,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,994.00 and $47,077.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get an animation job with no experience?

Entry level animation jobs often require a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Blender. Gaining experience through personal projects, internships, or online courses can help build your portfolio and improve your chances of securing an entry-level position.

How do I start my animation career?

To start an entry level animation career, develop foundational skills in animation principles, learn industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects or Blender, and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining relevant education, such as a degree or online courses, and gaining experience through internships or personal projects can also improve job prospects.

What types of projects and daily tasks can I expect as an entry level animator?

As an entry level animator, you will typically work on a variety of tasks such as creating and revising animation sequences, assisting with storyboards, cleaning up frames, and supporting more senior animators with asset preparation. You'll often collaborate closely with designers, writers, and sound engineers to develop content for TV, web, video games, or advertising. The pace can vary depending on project deadlines, with some periods requiring faster turnaround times. This hands-on role is a great opportunity to build your portfolio, learn from experienced colleagues, and develop industry skills that open doors to advanced animation positions over time.

Will AI replace animators?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing creative workflows. However, the role of an entry-level animator involves creative decision-making and artistic skills that AI cannot fully replicate, so human animators remain essential in the industry.

What is an Entry Level Animation job?

An Entry Level Animation job is a starting position in the animation industry, typically for recent graduates or those with little professional experience. These roles often involve tasks like creating simple animations, assisting senior animators, and working with storyboards or character designs. Responsibilities may vary depending on the company, but they generally focus on building foundational skills. Entry-level animators usually work in studios, gaming companies, advertising agencies, or freelance. This position provides essential experience to advance into more specialized roles in animation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level animation roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without significant experience or specialization. High-paying jobs in creative fields like animation usually require advanced skills, a strong portfolio, or freelance work, which can lead to higher earnings over time. Most roles at this income level generally demand specialized training, certifications, or extensive industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Entry Level Animation role, a solid understanding of animation principles, storyboarding, and basic drawing or modeling skills is essential, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, Autodesk Maya, or Blender is highly beneficial. Creativity, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members are key soft skills for success. These skills enable entry-level animators to produce quality work, learn quickly on the job, and contribute positively to creative projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Ohio are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animation jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animation jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Animation jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Animation job openings:
Associate 3D Prep Artist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the preparation and organization of client artwork, dielines, textures, reference materials, and production assets for use by the 3D Production Team.

  • Assist with reviewing incoming files for completeness, accuracy, usability, and alignment to project requirements under guidance from senior team members.

  • Help maintain the 3DHub asset library by organizing files, updating asset information, and supporting accurate categorization for future use.


Job description

Associate 3D Prep Artist
Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family, we are a family company focused on delivering the highest quality and client service in the graphics design, management and printing industry. We Design, Optimize and Protect Brands. Our clients are primarily consumer products companies and printers, and we help them by delivering a broad range of services from brand strategy and packaging design to adaptive design across various print and digital platforms, all the way to color management and the production of printing plates. With our world headquarters located in Cincinnati, we have over 450 employees throughout the United States and offices in Europe and Asia.
The Associate 3D Prep Artist supports the preparation, organization, and maintenance of production-ready assets used in 3D visualization workflows across client brands, products, and packaging programs. This entry-level role is designed for someone developing technical proficiency while learning established workflows, tools, file standards, and team processes. Working with guidance from more experienced team members, the Associate 3D Prep Artist helps prepare artwork, dielines, textures, reference materials, and supporting files so the 3D Production Team can work efficiently and accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Support the preparation and organization of client artwork, dielines, textures, reference materials, and production assets for use by the 3D Production Team
  • Learn and follow established workflows, naming conventions, folder structures, file organization standards, and asset handoff processes
  • Assist with reviewing incoming files for completeness, accuracy, usability, and alignment to project requirements under guidance from senior team members
  • Help maintain the 3DHub asset library by organizing files, updating asset information, and supporting accurate categorization for future use
  • Support basic adaptation and optimization of packaging assets for Cinema 4D and related 3D production tools while building technical confidence
  • Contribute across multiple clients and projects by completing assigned prep tasks, supporting team needs, and helping keep projects moving
  • Participate in workflow discussions to build understanding of the 3D production process
Qualifications Include:
  • 0–2 years of experience in production art, packaging graphics, digital asset management, digital content workflows, 3D art, or related creative production roles
  • Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Foundational understanding of graphic design, production art, packaging graphics, digital assets, or related creative production workflows
  • Interest in learning 3D production workflows, product visualization, packaging structures, and asset preparation for 3D environments
  • Coursework, internship, freelance, or entry-level experience preparing, organizing, or maintaining creative, print, packaging, digital, or 3D assets preferred
  • Exposure to packaging, product visualization, CPG brand content, Cinema 4D, or similar 3D production environments, preferred
  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Digital Design, Digital Marketing, Production Art, Information Management, 3D Art, Animation, or a related field; equivalent coursework, internship experience, portfolio work, or professional experience may be considered

Why Choose Olberding Brand Family?
When you join Olberding Brand Family, you’re not just taking a job; you’re becoming part of a legacy of excellence and innovation. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment where your expertise in pre-media will be highly valued. We believe in supporting our employees' well-being and offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy
  • A 401k retirement plan with company contributions to help you plan for your future
  • Flexible/hybrid work schedules that promote work-life balance
  • Generous paid time off (PTO), personal time, and volunteer time off, in addition to 8 observed holidays
  • Parental leave to support growing families
  • Career development opportunities
The Olberding Brand Family is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes individuals of diverse talents and backgrounds.
Ready to make your mark in the world of premedia excellence? For the fastest consideration, please apply online to the Careers section of our website at www.olberdingbrands.com. Only applications received through this process will be considered. No phone calls, please.