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Entry Level Animator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in ... Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior ...

... for entry-level and mid-level iOS developers with 1 year - to 3 years of experience. Must be a ... Core Animation, etc. Experience with Design Patterns such as MVC, MVVM, etc. Familiarity with ...

IOS Developer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... for entry-level and mid-level iOS developers with 1 year - to 3 years of experience. Must be a ... Core Animation, etc. Experience with Design Patterns such as MVC, MVVM, etc. Familiarity with ...

IOS Developer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... for entry-level and mid-level iOS developers with 1 year - to 3 years of experience. Must be a ... Core Animation, etc. Experience with Design Patterns such as MVC, MVVM, etc. Familiarity with ...

... for entry-level and mid-level iOS developers with 1 year - to 3 years of experience. Must be a ... Core Animation, etc. Experience with Design Patterns such as MVC, MVVM, etc. Familiarity with ...

Creative Designer, Junior

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or similar field. * Entry-level position; portfolio and / or ... Creative thinker with strong design skills, sense of timing for videos / animations, ability to ...

Creative Designer, Junior

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or similar field. * Entry-level position; portfolio and / or ... Creative thinker with strong design skills, sense of timing for videos / animations, ability to ...

Entry Level Animator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$40

$72

How much do entry level animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animator in Chicago, IL is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much can an entry level animator make?

Entry-level animators typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and skill level. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions or companies, but gaining proficiency with tools like Adobe After Effects or Maya can improve earning potential.

What does an entry level animator do?

An entry level animator typically creates basic animations and assists in developing visual content for films, TV shows, video games, or online media. Their responsibilities may include drawing storyboards, creating character movements, and rendering simple animation sequences under the supervision of senior animators. They often use animation software such as Adobe Animate or Blender, and may also help with editing and revising animations based on feedback. Entry level animators work closely with other team members to ensure that the final product meets project goals and deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, foundational drawing skills, and a relevant degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Autodesk Maya is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you stand out in team-based production environments. These competencies ensure you can effectively contribute to high-quality animations and meet project deadlines in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animator vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level AnimatorJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsDegree in Animation, Graphic Design, or related field; basic portfolioDegree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related; basic portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companies, advertising agenciesDesign firms, marketing departments, media companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in entertainment, advertising, gaming industriesUsed in branding, advertising, publishing industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require a creative background and similar educational credentials, Entry Level Animators focus on creating animated content for various media, whereas Junior Graphic Designers primarily work on static visual designs. The work environments overlap but differ in the type of projects handled, with animators specializing in motion and visual storytelling, and graphic designers in branding and print or digital visuals.

How to get a job in animation with no experience?

Entry level animators can start by building a strong portfolio showcasing personal projects or school work, learning industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate or Blender. Gaining skills through online courses, internships, or volunteering can also improve employability, even without formal work experience.

Is 30 too late to become an entry level animator?

Entry level animator roles typically do not have age restrictions, and many successful animators start their careers later in life. Developing skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Blender and building a portfolio are more important than age when entering the field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level animators when starting their first job?

Entry level animators often encounter challenges such as adapting to new animation software, meeting tight production deadlines, and balancing creative ideas with client or director guidelines. Collaborating with experienced team members and receiving constructive feedback can be both valuable and demanding as you develop your skills. It's important to communicate openly with your team, seek guidance when needed, and be open to learning new techniques to succeed in this fast-paced environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Animator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Animator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Animator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,445 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Entry Level Scenic & Event Designer / Production Artist 2026

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Lisle, IL • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer

Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in Lisle, Illinois. Our designs allow clients to experience what their event or product will look and feel like before it’s ever built. We are looking for a strong 3D Designer to help us create stunning presentation visuals and digital assets for the following areas: Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior & Exterior Renderings, Mobile Marketing, Graphics & Web design and AR/VR content creation.

Responsibilities

  • Generate creative designs based on project/client needs
  • Produce high quality renderings for events, scenic stage designs, and product launches
  • Take a design idea from conceptual mood boards to final design
  • Model, texture and light all elements involved with the project
  • Understand the varieties of light setups from clean studio renderings to vibrant stage rendering
  • Coordinate with the rest of the project team in the execution of the project/assignments
  • Post-production work for final renderings

Skills and Abilities

  • Proficient in 3D Studio Max (DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DON'T KNOW THIS PROGRAM)
  • Knowledgeable in Unreal (Blueprints/Programming/Coding not required but is a plus)
  • Can create custom textures and materials for use in models
  • Can dynamically light a scene
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Photoshop & Illustrator
  • Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel and Outlook)
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work in team environment

Qualifications

  • Work experience in Event Design, Trade Show Design, Theater or Architecture is a huge plus.
  • Any programming, C++, or HTML5 experience is not required but is a plus.
  • After Effects for motion graphics creation experience is not required but is a plus.
  • Knowledge of fabrication and tradeshow extrusion systems is not required but is a plus.

Please include a link to your portfolio with your application to be considered. (THIS IS MANDATORY. We need to see what level your skills are at.)

Pulse Studio is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We support diversity in the workforce.

Job Location - Lisle, Illinois. Ideally you work in our studio but will have flexibility with some days being remote.

Position Type - Contract to start (Hourly) / After 3 months Full Time is possible (Salary)

Our industry is fast paced with quick turnarounds. Our work varies from day to day, occasionally we work late to meet our clients’ expectations. Benefits include medical insurance, 401k with employer match, paid holidays, and vacation time.

Company Description

Pulse Studio got our start creating successful branded corporate events, trade-shows and exhibits. We are passionate about creating branded experiential designs from the overall physical experience down to the content you see on each screen. With our backgrounds in architecture, engineering, film and animation we were able to take our clients ideas and turn them into beautiful designs visualized in 3d. This is all created with fresh modern designs while always working with our clients to make sure we are embodying the message and story they want to tell.

Pulse serves as an extension of your design department. We work with our clients and their brand guidelines to create beautiful renderings, still images, custom video content, and motion graphics. We believe in a collaborative process between our clients and producers ensuring their satisfaction with the design and messaging we are creating. We have taken our roots of designing 3-dimensional branding experience and have evolved to help our clients create everything from the physical design down to the graphics, video content and interactive elements.

Our combined experience has created a base for us to understand our clients brands and turn those brands and stories into customer experiences. We are taking that all a step further to push digital content further for our clients. Environmental branding is no longer just a passive experience of showing static images. We want to interact with our content through touchscreens, VR/AR/MR, motion sensors, tablets, social media integration and more. That is just the beginning, every day we are looking at new technology to help our clients engage their customers. The more engaging the experience, the more brand awareness that create. That makes our clients happy and keeps them calling on Pulse for new projects.