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Freelance 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required * Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender ...

Impleo

$115 - $141/hr

Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required * Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender ...

Prisms VR

3D Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $140K/yr

As a 3D Artist, you will craft characters, environments, and educational 3D motion graphic ... game engines and mobile VR platforms. * Experience in creating Motion Graphic Animation in After ...

Thatgamecompany

Technical Game Designer

$80K - $140K/yr

Any interactive system applies - procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI ... Maya or 3D game engines * Portfolio of your work * Ok to take a test as part of our process Nice to ...

Prisms VR

3D Artist (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$110K - $140K/yr

As a 3D Artist, you will craft characters, environments, and educational 3D motion graphic ... game engines and mobile VR platforms. * Experience in creating Motion Graphic Animation in After ...

Kensoft Inc.

3D Artist

New York, NY · Remote

$55/hr

About the Role We are looking for a talented and creative 3D Artist to join our team. The ... Experience with animation, game development, product visualization, or VFX is an advantage.

thatgamecompany

Technical Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$80K - $140K/yr

Any interactive system applies -- procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI ... Maya or 3D game engines * Portfolio of your work * Ok to take a test as part of our process Nice to ...

US AI

Contract Animator

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

Contract / Freelance Duration: [e.g., 1-3 months, with potential extension] Hours: [e.g., 20-40 ... Key Responsibilities * Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand ...

Festybay

$69.79 - $95.38/hr

... Position (Freelance applications also explicitly welcomed) Work Model Hybrid (Combining ... Rig, Animation Blueprints) & 3D Tools Language Skills Excellent professional English (Written ...

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 ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

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Freelance 3D Game Animator information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 3d game 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 is a freelance 3D game animator?

A Freelance 3D Game Animator is a self-employed professional who creates 3D animations for video games on a project-by-project basis. They design and animate characters, objects, and environments to bring game worlds to life, collaborating with game developers and art directors. Freelance animators often work remotely, managing their own schedules and clients, and may specialize in specific animation styles or software. Their work is crucial for creating realistic movement and immersive experiences in games.

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

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Game Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation principles, character rigging, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your work, typically supported by a degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is essential. Outstanding time management, creativity, and communication skills set freelancers apart by helping them collaborate remotely and deliver high-quality work to clients. These abilities ensure the animator can meet client expectations, adhere to deadlines, and contribute compelling, interactive content for games.

What are some common challenges freelance 3D game animators face when working with remote development teams?

Freelance 3D game animators often encounter challenges such as aligning with a remote team's creative vision, managing feedback cycles across different time zones, and ensuring their work integrates seamlessly with other assets. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to stay updated on project requirements and deadlines. Building a reliable workflow for sharing files and updates, as well as being proactive in clarifying expectations, can help overcome these challenges and lead to successful collaborations.

What is the difference between Freelance 3D Game Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance 3D Game Animator3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation, rigging, storytellingModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote, project-basedFreelance or studio, often remote or on-site
Industry UsageVideo game development, entertainmentVideo games, film, visualization
Common Search IntentCompare animation roles, freelance opportunitiesModel creation, 3D design jobs

The main difference between a Freelance 3D Game Animator and a 3D Modeler lies in their core skills and responsibilities. The animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, while the modeler specializes in creating the 3D assets themselves. Both roles often work in similar environments and industries, but their skill sets and project focuses differ significantly.

More about Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance 3D Game Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs are:

Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Animator

Design Works Studios LLC

Scottsdale, AZ • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Title: Animator

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Job Type: Full Time

No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) is not available.


What we are looking for...

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art Department in Scottsdale! At DWG, our Animators are responsible for creating visually stunning animations for Casino games and marketing materials. They will have the ability to push creative projects from concept to final execution. This is going to be someone who communicates well with different people and departments, is passionate, motivated, and excited about what you do! We want someone who works for the good of the team and excellence of the product. A pertinent part of the Animator role will be maintaining an efficient workflow including good time management and task prioritization. This person will need to communicate well maintaining a high level of availability and response time.


How you'll grow...

At Design Works Gaming, you will be a part of a close-knit team of artists and animators. You will create and grow games in numerous locations with millions of users. Be part of our innovative, imaginative, and intelligent team. If you have big ideas and the drive to make things happen, we want to talk with you!


Your Role and Impact:

  • Create a diverse range of impactful animations from assets including characters, backgrounds, symbols, text, logos, and      various other graphic elements geared towards keeping the players excited and engaged.
  • Actively seek out FX, Scripts, and Plug-ins to improve quality and efficiency of product.
  • Shows effort to learn, seeks feedback and takes direction from the higher-level animators in order to grow and fine tune      their skill and knowledge and learn new techniques.
  • Assist other departments such as Commercial and Marketing with animation needs
  • Contributes to a collaborative environment within the team
  • Meets quality expectations pertaining to animations and videos being worked on
  • Seeks out and shares outside sources of art and design inspiration in the Art Inspiration Channel at least once per week.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • After Effects
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • Red Giant Trapcode Suite (not required but recommended)
  • Experience with 3D software a plus
    • Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya
  • Spine Animation software a plus (not required)
  • Working knowledge of AI generative tools and incorporating them into workflow
  • Strong understanding of animation principles
  • Good attitude, team player with great communication skills


Design Works Gaming is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without any discrimination. All applicants will be evaluated solely based on their ability, competence and their proven capability to perform the functions outlined in the corresponding role.


We promote and support a diverse workforce across all levels in the company. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.


Why come work with us?
Design Works Gaming Offers You!

  • Competitive Salary
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Health, Dental & Vision insurance
  • Complimentary snack and drink bar
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Fun company culture
  • Short workdays on Fridays

Apply