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Freelance 3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered. * Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered. * Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and ... A very strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and silhouette in regard to ...

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and ... A very strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and silhouette in regard to ...

William Paterson University

$2.1K/wk

Storyboarding & Production Design, Cell Animation I, 3D Character Animation, Advanced Cell Animation, Projects Drawing for Animators, and other Animation Courses. Department overview: The Department ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ... Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D or 3D. * Document ...

CTI

3D Video Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in 3D animation or 3D art/ game design (with animation skills) Training and ... surface/ character modeling Rigging hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX ...

Swaybox Studios

Lead 3D Tracking Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Lead 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist Location: New Orleans, LA - Onsite Studio: Swaybox Studios ... Experience producing high-quality rotomation for character animation pipelines. * Working knowledge ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

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Freelance 3D Character Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do freelance 3d character animator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 3d character animator 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.

What does a freelance 3d character animator do?

A freelance 3D character animator creates lifelike movements and expressions for characters in films, video games, commercials, and other digital media. They work independently, collaborating with clients or studios to bring characters to life using specialized animation software such as Maya or Blender. Their tasks include interpreting storyboards, refining character motions, and ensuring animations align with the overall artistic direction of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance 3d character animator?

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Character Animator, you need strong artistic skills in character design and animation principles, supported by a solid portfolio and knowledge of anatomy and movement. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with motion capture systems, is essential. Creativity, self-motivation, effective communication, and the ability to incorporate feedback help animators stand out in freelance environments. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality animations that meet client expectations and deadlines in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges freelance 3d character animators face when working with remote clients?

Freelance 3D character animators often encounter challenges in communication and feedback when working remotely with clients. Clear articulation of project requirements, artistic vision, and animation style can sometimes lead to misunderstandings without face-to-face interaction, making regular check-ins and visual progress updates essential. Additionally, managing multiple projects and deadlines independently requires strong organizational skills. Successful freelancers proactively establish milestones and utilize collaborative tools to ensure expectations are met and revisions are handled efficiently.
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Freelance 3D Character Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

3D Generalist

Trove Brands

Lehi, UT

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Trove Brands rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Trove Brands is a privately-held house of brands including BlenderBottle®, Owala®, Whiskware®, and Eco-Brite®. Our patented and best-selling products are designed to simplify and improve everyday life with leading-edge innovation, incomparable quality, and aspirational style.

A career at Trove Brands is not about punching the clock. It's about embracing exciting and fast-paced opportunities that sharpen your skills, drive innovation, and play an integral role in growing our global reach. Your work will not only impact the company, it will impact the lives of millions of people around the world. When you step up to a career at Trove, you step up to cutting-edge excellence. You sign up for bold action and invigorating synergy. You agree to face—and break through—new challenges every single day.

The 3D Generalist is responsible for creating high-quality, photorealistic 3D product imagery and video that brings our products and brand stories to life. The ideal candidate combines strong 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation skills with the ability to take projects from initial concept through polished final delivery. They will collaborate closely with creative, marketing, and product teams to produce compelling visuals that accurately showcase product features, functionality, and design. This role requires both exceptional technical craft and a strong creative eye for product-focused storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop high-quality photorealistic images and videos of our products.
  • Accurately texture products using physically based materials.
  • Create and animate 3D assets, including strong animation work.
  • Edit animations into cohesive final videos, including color correction, sound design, and music selection.
  • Own 3D video projects end to end, from concept through final delivery.

Required Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of professional experience creating photorealistic 3D product visualizations, animations, or related digital content.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality, product-focused 3D work, including consumer products, packaged goods, or physical products. Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered.
  • Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini, or similar platforms.
  • Advanced understanding of photorealistic rendering, physically based lighting, materials, texturing, and real-world product presentation.
  • Proven experience creating compelling 3D product animations that effectively communicate product features, functionality, and brand storytelling.
  • Strong 3D modeling skills, including reference-based modeling and accurate recreation of physical products.
  • Experience collaborating with creative, marketing, and product teams to execute projects from concept through final delivery.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience creating realistic dust, liquid, water, or particle simulations to enhance product storytelling and visual impact.
  • Experience with photo scanning, LiDAR scanning, and other techniques for capturing real-world products and environments.
  • Knowledge of compositing workflows and post-production tools such as Adobe After Effects or Nuke.
  • Experience working with consumer brands, e-commerce, advertising, or product marketing content.

Our culture is passionate, entrepreneurial, and energetic. We value innovation through collaboration. And while we work smart and hard, we also connect and celebrate with equal gusto. We host team-building activities, athletic events, and seasonal celebrations to foster community and reward accomplishments. Bottom line? You'll love it here.

Among the many benefits our team members enjoy are:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
  • 401k package with employer matching
  • Paid Time Off
  • Maternity/Paternity leave
  • Full indoor basketball/volleyball court
  • Fully equipped fitness center (cardio, weights, functional fitness area, lockers and showers, etc.)
  • Yoga studio
  • Meditation/Nap room
  • And much more!

Trove Brands is an equal opportunity employer.

Phone calls regarding this position are not accepted.

This is a fully in-office position at our HQ in Lehi, Utah.

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