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Freelance 3D Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZAGG, Inc.

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

... freelance contributors as needed. What You'll Bring * 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience, ideally in product visualization, advertising, or consumer electronics. * Expert-level ...

ZAGG Inc

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT

$100K - $114K/yr

... freelance contributors as needed. What You'll Bring * 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience, ideally in product visualization, advertising, or consumer electronics. * Expert-level ...

TBN

FREELANCE MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Freelance position based in TBN's Ft. Worth, TX, Studio Location Reports to: Director of Program ... Utilize 3D animation software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Unreal Engine to create compelling 3D ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

We are seeking a part-time freelance #animator , specializing in 2D and 3D animation, for the following dates: June 22 - June 24 and July 6 - August 3. What you will do... * * Deliver polished ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

Contract / Freelance Duration: [e.g., 13 months, with potential extension] Hours: [e.g., 2040 hours ... Key Responsibilities * Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand ...

HUSH

Freelance Senior Designer

New York, NY · Remote

Creative coding knowledge is a plus. * 2D/3D animation knowledge is a plus. * Experience designing user interface, bringing information to life in generative ways and shaping the foundation of motion ...

HUSH

Freelance Senior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

Creative coding knowledge is a plus. * 2D/3D animation knowledge is a plus. * Experience designing user interface, bringing information to life in generative ways and shaping the foundation of motion ...

HUSH

Freelance Senior Designer

Brooklyn, NY · On-site +1

Creative coding knowledge is a plus. * 2D/3D animation knowledge is a plus. * Experience designing user interface, bringing information to life in generative ways and shaping the foundation of motion ...

Solomon Page

Motion Designers

Houston, TX · On-site

Knowledge of 3D animation and motion design tools such as: * Cinema 4D * Blender * Similar 3D ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

HUSH

Freelance Motion Designer

New York, NY · On-site

Role: Freelance Motion Designer Level: Mid-level Supervisor: Art Director/Design Director Who we ... Hard skills: 2D & 3D design software, animation, and/or interface design ability. HUSH is an equal ...

HUSH

Freelance Motion Designer

New York, NY · Remote

Role: Freelance Motion Designer Level: Mid-level Supervisor: Art Director/Design Director Who we ... 3D design software, animation, and/or interface design ability. HUSH is an equal opportunity ...

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Freelance 3D Animation information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do freelance 3d animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 3d animation in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance 3D animators typically manage client expectations and project deadlines?

Freelance 3D animators often juggle multiple projects at once, making clear communication with clients crucial for managing expectations and timelines. It's common practice to establish detailed project briefs, regular check-ins, and milestone deliveries to ensure everyone is aligned throughout the animation process. Tools like project management software and cloud-based collaboration platforms are frequently used to share progress and gather feedback. Being transparent about your workload and realistic about delivery dates helps build trust and leads to successful, repeat client relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance 3D Animation vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance 3D Animation3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, storytelling, software proficiencyModel creation, texturing, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentProject-based, remote or on-site, freelance contractsStudio or freelance, focus on modeling tasks
Industry UsageFilm, gaming, advertising, VR/ARGame development, product visualization, film

While both roles require proficiency in 3D software, Freelance 3D Animators focus on bringing models to life through movement and storytelling, whereas 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets. Freelance 3D Animators often work on a project basis across various industries, emphasizing animation skills, while 3D Modelers concentrate on asset creation, often within specific sectors like gaming or product design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance 3D Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Animator, you need a strong command of animation principles, 3D modeling, and rendering, typically supported by a portfolio showcasing your work and a relevant degree or training. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with post-production tools like After Effects are crucial. Strong communication, time management, and self-motivation are standout soft skills for managing client relationships and meeting deadlines. These skills ensure you can deliver high-quality animations, adapt to client needs, and build a successful, sustainable freelance career.

What is freelance 3D animation?

Freelance 3D animation involves creating animated visual content using three-dimensional graphics, typically on a project-by-project basis rather than as a full-time employee. Freelance 3D animators work independently with various clients, producing animations for films, video games, advertisements, architectural visualizations, and more. They are responsible for all aspects of the creative process, from modeling and texturing to rendering and post-production, often managing their own schedules and client communications.
More about Freelance 3D Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance 3D Animation jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 3D Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Animation jobs? The most popular types of 3D Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance 3D Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance 3D Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance 3D Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance 3D Animation jobs are:
Freelance 3D Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Senior 3D Animator

Senior 3D Animator

ZAGG, Inc.

Midvale, UT • On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Zagg rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Senior 3D Animator
Location: Midvale, UT, 84047
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-site
Department: Creative/Marketing
About Us
At ZAGG Brands, we're at the forefront of innovation, empowering mobile lifestyles in an ever-evolving world. As the creators of trusted brands like mophie and ZAGG, we deliver premium solutions that keep your devices connected, protected, and looking their best. From cutting-edge portable power to industry-leading screen protection and durable phone cases, our products are designed to meet the demands of modern, on-the-go living.
Our culture is rooted in innovation, creativity, and continuous growth. We thrive on pushing the boundaries of what's possible, combining advanced technology with thoughtful design to create products that elevate your digital experience. At ZAGG Brands, we're not just responding to industry trends-we're setting them, leading the way with solutions that empower you to live life untethered. If you're passionate about shaping the future of mobile technology, come join us and grow in an environment where your ideas are valued, your potential is limitless, and your contributions make a real impact.
Job Overview
As Senior 3D Animator, you'll own the look, motion, and rendering quality of Mophie's product visuals - from photoreal hero shots to dynamic animated spots for paid social, web, and retail. You'll work closely with the Creative Director, motion design, and product marketing teams to translate product features into compelling, technically polished 3D content, and you'll bring deep hands-on expertise in Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, or Blender to every project.
What You'll Do
  • Model, texture, light, and animate photoreal and stylized 3D representations of Mophie products for use in advertising, e-commerce, social, and retail.
  • Create product reveal animations, explainer loops, and hero renders that highlight design and functional details (charging mechanisms, materials, moving parts).
  • Build and maintain a library of reusable rigs, materials, lighting setups, and render templates to speed up production across product lines.
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director and brand team to translate concepts, mood boards, and storyboards into finished 3D animation.
  • Partner with product development and industrial design to obtain accurate CAD/reference files and ensure renders are true to spec.
  • Optimize scenes and renders for a range of outputs - high-resolution stills, broadcast-quality video, and lightweight web/social formats.
  • Stay current on rendering engines (Redshift, Octane, V-Ray, Arnold, or Cycles) and animation techniques, and recommend tools or workflow improvements.
  • Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, launch-driven environment.
  • Provide creative and technical mentorship to junior animators and freelance contributors as needed.
What You'll Bring
  • 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience, ideally in product visualization, advertising, or consumer electronics.
  • Expert-level proficiency in at least one of: Cinema 4D, 3Ds Max, or Blender, with working knowledge of others (Keyshot) a plus.
  • Strong command of a physically based render engine (Redshift, Octane, V-Ray, Arnold, or Cycles).
  • Excellent eye for lighting, materials, composition, and motion timing - you can make hard surfaces feel premium and tactile.
  • Experience animating mechanical or product-based motion (hinges, sliders, magnetic attachment, charging connections, etc.).
  • Proficiency with Adobe After Effects and NLE for compositing and final edit integration.
  • Comfort working from industrial design files (OBJ, FBX) and converting them into animation-ready assets.
  • Solid understanding of production pipelines, file management, and version control for collaborative projects.
  • A portfolio or reel demonstrating product animation, lighting, and rendering work is required for consideration.
  • Bachelor's degree in animation, motion design, industrial design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Nice to Have
  • Experience in the consumer tech, mobile accessories, or CE (consumer electronics) industry.
  • Familiarity with real-time engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) for interactive or AR product visualization.
  • Background in motion graphics or live-action compositing.
  • Photography or product-lighting experience for hybrid CGI/photo workflows.
How to Apply
Tell us why you're the right person for this role - and show us. A strong portfolio is required. Include a portfolio link with your application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

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