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Freelance Animation Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Animation information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$41

$115

How much do freelance animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance animation in Michigan is $41.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance animation?

Freelance animation refers to the practice of working as a self-employed animator, taking on projects for various clients rather than working for a single employer. Freelance animators create animated content such as videos, commercials, explainer videos, and graphics based on client needs. They handle all aspects of the animation process, from concept and storyboard to final production, and often manage their own schedules, pricing, and client communications. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, but also requires strong self-management skills and business acumen.

What are some common challenges freelance animators face when managing multiple projects, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance animators often juggle several projects at once, which can lead to challenges like meeting overlapping deadlines, managing client expectations, and keeping track of revisions. To address these, it's important to establish clear communication with clients about timelines and deliverables, use project management tools to stay organized, and set realistic boundaries regarding workload. Regularly updating clients and breaking projects into manageable milestones also helps maintain workflow and ensures timely delivery.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Animator, you need strong artistic ability, animation fundamentals, and a solid portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender, along with knowledge of relevant file formats and workflows, is essential. Excellent communication, self-discipline, and adaptability help you stand out when managing client relationships and meeting project deadlines. These skills and qualities ensure you can consistently deliver high-quality animated content, build a strong client base, and succeed in a competitive freelance market.

What is the difference between Freelance Animation vs In-House Animator?

AspectFreelance AnimationIn-House Animator
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant software skills, sometimes a degreeDegree in animation or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible, varied projectsOffice or studio setting, fixed location
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractors, multiple clientsCompany or studio employment, specific projects
Work ScheduleFlexible, project-based deadlinesSet hours, regular schedule

Freelance Animation offers flexibility and diverse projects, ideal for self-motivated individuals. In contrast, In-House Animators work within a company environment with steady hours and team collaboration. Both roles require strong animation skills and relevant software knowledge, but differ mainly in work setting and employment structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Animation jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Animation job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Animation job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,489 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Multimedia Content Specialist

Multimedia Content Specialist

Gordon Food Service

Wyoming, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Gordon Food Service rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 208 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 358 rated logistics


Job description

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...

Position Summary:

The Multimedia Content Specialist conceptualizes, plans, produces, and edits agile multimedia projects (including but not limited to: short-form and vertical video, motion graphics, digital design assets, audio, and photography) for Gordon Food Service events and internal business partners in digital, social, and print channels. They will collaborate within a cross-functional team of writers and designers, exhibit strong executive presence, creative and strategic thinking, presentation ability, and informal leadership to deliver high-impact visual storytelling.

What you will do:

  • Function as an agile videographer, photographer, lighting, and sound technician, utilizing modern, lightweight, and mobile-first equipment configurations for rapid and flexible execution.

  • Edit videos, create graphic designs, design motion graphics/animations, and manage translations and voiceover talents for final multi-channel digital production.

  • Perform basic management and digital upkeep of video, photo, and audio equipment, software, and accessories. Coordinate complex repairs with external resources as needed.

  • Purchase modern accessories, software licenses, and production equipment within budget guidelines.

  • Lead, direct, produce, or contribute to the audio-visual and multimedia production support of in-person, virtual, and remote corporate events.

  • Oversee a streamlined inventory of production equipment, accessories, and digital assets, ensuring they are organized, updated, and in working condition.

  • Manage corporate video studio/spaces and sound setups to ensure they are accessible, organized, and optimized for an efficient, high-quality production experience.

  • Collaborate with Communications Partners to develop, plan, produce, and direct multimedia and video projects, including schedules, timelines, budgets, and strategically leveraging external freelance or agency resources when scale demands.

  • Actively contribute to team, business partner, and stakeholder meetings, demonstrating strong executive presence when making professional presentations to request approval of conceptual and production plans.

  • Proactively plan external creative resources to meet priority deadlines and balance workload production schedules.

  • Source, contract, and manage specialized talent, freelance videographers, photographers, or editors to successfully execute larger productions and deliver on-time.

  • Proactively communicate with creative team members (writers, designers) and corporate stakeholders with clear project updates and recaps, using both verbal and written communication methods.

  • Coordinate and manage all phases of content production, from pre-production (collaborative concept development, scripting, storyboarding) through production (filming, capture, styling) and post-production (editing, graphic design, motion design, audio mixing).

  • Track and reconcile production expenses and invoices on-time to meet budget requirements.

  • Carefully review contracts and rates of freelance and agency sources when hired for specialized multimedia production.

  • Define and uphold workflows and digital processes to streamline team efficiency and meet budget requirements.

  • Keep digital media assets meticulously organized within shared libraries, following strict processes for asset sharing, cloud storage, and archiving.

  • Provide consulting and enablement to stakeholders and executives developing localized video and events. Advise on best practices for self-produced "creator-style" content, setup of simple mobile/desktop capture kits, and baseline production standards.

  • Review other team members, freelance, and agency work to ensure compliance with Gordon Food Service brand standards and project objectives.

  • Maintain deep knowledge of current digital media trends, platform-specific optimizations (vertical video, micro-content), and emerging multimedia software applications.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

When you will work:

  • Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

  • Hybrid schedule, 4 days in office in Wyoming, MI with 1 day remote

What you'll bring to the table:

  • Bachelor's degree in Media Production or related field required.

  • 2-4 years of professional experience in digital media production, multimedia design, or content creation, preferably within a corporate communications department, internal creative team, or digital marketing agency required.

  • Ability to demonstrate a versatile mix of video editing, basic graphic design (static social assets, digital signage), and motion graphics/animation via Portfolio or Reel required.

  • Knowledge of modern multimedia production, omni-channel communication, and digital dissemination techniques. This includes alternative ways to engage, inform, and entertain via written, digital, and visual media.

  • Advanced knowledge of video and design trends across digital platforms, social media (LinkedIn, YouTube), mobile applications, and internal intranet networks (e.g., Viva Engage).

  • Ability to self-manage and self-direct work, goals, schedules, and priorities to manage one's own time and collaborate effectively with the schedules of others in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience working with Cloud-based Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems and collaborative review programs.

  • Strong planning and project management skills with the ability to work well under pressure, utilizing proactive time management and a highly collaborative team approach.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including writing, visual editing, and professional presentation skills tailored for executive audiences.

  • Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, long-term campaign goals, and tight, short-term deadlines.

  • Must be skilled in adapting narratives for different audiences, including internal corporate communication, news, and external marketing pieces designed for high engagement.

  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Develops creative solutions to a variety of communication problems of large scope and complexity, referring to brand policies and creative practices for guidance.

  • Keen eye for aesthetic details, design layout, pacing, and audio quality to ensure high-quality, professional productions.

  • Knowledge of general principles of psychology and digital strategy that promote engagement, retention, and interest in key messaging.

  • Ability to quickly adapt to and master new digital interfaces, software updates, and creator technology platforms.

  • Ability to develop creative, nimble solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity, referring to brand policies and creative best practices.

  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative creative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to a creative brief.

  • Ability to complete basic arithmetic, asset measurements, aspect ratio scaling, simple budgeting calculations, etc.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in a diverse team environment; demonstrates a positive acceptance of creative direction, strong peer collaboration, and exceptional relationship-building.

  • Able to read (standard and technical specifications), write (business communication, treatments, video copy), and speak with an articulate, professional presence.

  • Self-Managed - self-directed, works independently; able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining highly communicative with the broader creative team.

  • Proven expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, specifically Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

  • Strong proficiency in collaborative digital design platforms such as Figma or Canva for rapid static and motion asset generation.

  • Experience using collaborative video review and workflow tools (e.g., PageProof) to streamline feedback loops with writers, designers, and stakeholders.

  • Experience using generative AI production tools for workflow efficiency (e.g., AI audio cleanup, automated transcription/captioning, and rapid B-roll tagging).

  • Experience with both Mac and PC operating systems, as well as proficiency in corporate productivity suites (Google Workspace / G-Suite).

  • Working knowledge of modern, lightweight production hardware, including mirrorless cameras, mobile/smartphone stabilization rigs, wireless audio kits, and portable LED lighting systems.

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.


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About Gordon Food Service

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since our 1897 founding, Gordon Food Service has grown to become the largest family-managed broadline foodservice distribution company in North America. While we've been growing pretty much continuously over these 125 years, we've remained consistent at the core of what and who we are: passionately committed to customers and employees. Being part of Gordon Food Service means being part of something important, something bigger than oneself.We take care of you as if you were part of our family by providing benefits that give choice and flexibility for what matters most to you. We aim to deliver a competitive package that not only supports you but also your family. Full-time employees are provided benefit options to support work-life and your need to take care of yourself and those close to you, including paid time off, 401k with company match, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement for you and the whole family, and more!We feel the culture when we work together, and when we serve together. As a team, we tackle our challenges, celebrate our successes, and have fun on the journey. Be part of it.

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wyoming, MI, US

Year founded

1897