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Freelance Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lnw

Game Producer

Las Vegas, NV · Hybrid

$118K - $120K/yr

Provide land-based title video or still frame references to Art and engineering disciplines ... Broad knowledge of Art, Animation, Audio, Math design and engineering implementation. * Sufficient ...

Light and Wonder, Inc.

Game Producer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$118K - $120K/yr

Provide land-based title video or still frame references to Art and engineering disciplines ... Broad knowledge of Art, Animation, Audio, Math design and engineering implementation. * Sufficient ...

Jean Martin, Inc

Creative video producer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Create and integrate motion graphics, animation, titles and visual effects . * Manage video editing ... Collaborate with senior stakeholders, subject matter experts, agencies and freelancers. * Manage ...

PandaDoc

Filmmaker

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Depending on project scale, you may also source, brief, and manage freelance video editors and ... animation work to a specialist * Experience managing at least one direct report or motion designer

Arrow International, Inc

Producer, Game Development

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$118K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Facilitate effective communication between Engineering, Art, Animation, QA, Game Design, Product Management, and studio leadership. * Track project health through regular status reporting, ensuring ...

Arrow International Inc

Producer, Game Development

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$118K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Facilitate effective communication between Engineering, Art, Animation, QA, Game Design, Product Management, and studio leadership. * Track project health through regular status reporting, ensuring ...

PandaDoc

Filmmaker

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Depending on project scale, you may also source, brief, and manage freelance video editors and ... animation work to a specialist * Experience managing at least one direct report or motion designer

Mondo

Video Producer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$55 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Responsible for production of video, animation to advance the client brand, the team's work is ... crews, freelancers, vendors, and internal creative partners. * Support product marketing videos ...

Game Seven

Freelance Experiential Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

Game Seven Agency, an Excel Sports Management Company, is a full service creative and experiential ... Availability to work a hybrid schedule, 3 days/week in office The pay range for the freelance ...

Game Seven

Freelance Experiential Producer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

Game Seven Agency, an Excel Sports Management Company, is a full service creative and experiential ... Availability to work a hybrid schedule, 3 days/week in office The pay range for the freelance ...

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Freelance Video Game Animator information

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$10

$39

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How much do freelance video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance video game animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance video game animator do?

A freelance video game animator creates animations for characters, environments, and objects in video games on a contract or project basis. They work with game developers to bring movement and life to the game's visuals using specialized animation software. Freelance animators may handle tasks such as character rigging, motion capture cleanup, and creating cutscenes. Their role often involves collaborating remotely with teams, meeting project deadlines, and adapting to various art styles or game engines.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, motion graphics, and a solid understanding of animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and storytelling, while meeting client deadlines in a competitive freelance environment.

How do freelance video game animators typically collaborate with development teams remotely?

Freelance video game animators often work closely with game designers, programmers, and art directors through online collaboration tools and regular video conferences. They usually share progress via project management platforms, upload animation drafts to shared drives, and receive feedback asynchronously. Effective communication and responsiveness are key, as animators may need to adjust their work based on evolving game mechanics or artistic direction. Building strong relationships with remote teams can lead to repeat contracts and more creative input over time.

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

AspectFreelance Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, storytelling, riggingModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, remote or studioFreelance, studio, or in-house
Industry UsageGame development, animation studiosGame development, animation, product design

Both roles often require proficiency in 3D software and a portfolio. While Freelance Video Game Animators focus on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, 3D Modelers create the visual assets used in games. They often collaborate but serve different functions in the game development process.

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Cities with the most Freelance Video Game Animator job openings:

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

The most popular types of Video Game Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Video Game Animator jobs?

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

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Freelance Video Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Video Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Concept Designer and Illustrator (Video Games) - Digital Eclipse

Digital Eclipse Entertainment Partners

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Concept Designer and Illustrator (Video Games) - Digital Eclipse
Salary + benefit package | Remote (US based)
($80,000 - $95,000)
The Company
Classic video games deserve better. At Digital Eclipse, we treat them with the same care and respect given to other artistic mediums. In its original incarnation in 1994, Digital Eclipse pioneered accurate video game re-releases, emulating vintage arcade games well before "emulation" was a household word. 25 years later, we've been reborn as a new kind of studio - one dedicated to not only restoring gaming's heritage, but to preserving it and keeping it alive and available for future generations.
We've released critically acclaimed games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection and Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, worked with Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Disney, and developed successful original IP like #IDARB. And we're just getting started.
The Role
We're looking for a highly versatile Concept Designer and Illustrator to support multiple game projects across concept, pre-production, and production. This role is ideal for an artist who thrives on tackling a wide variety of styles, adapts quickly, can translate loose direction into strong visual execution and work effectively within the confines of different Intellectual Properties (IP).
You must be able to translate the essence of a brand into identifiable and communicative designs, hone in on an IP's visual language to create new and exciting artwork, and ideate conceptual illustrations from scratch. You'll help establish the visual tone of projects early, support ongoing production needs across disciplines, and collaborate closely with design, production, and engineering. This role requires comfort owning work end-to-end and jumping between styles and mediums as needed.
What You'll Do
  • Create background art, character art, and illustrative assets across multiple projects
  • Produce concept art to help define the visual tone and style of a game, especially during early phases
  • Support art needs for retro or stylized projects, including adherence to established "house styles"
  • Help rapidly establish and evolve an art style from business development through pre-production and into production
  • Translate written or verbal direction, often vague or evolving, into clear, actionable visual solutions
  • Iterate quickly based on feedback, balancing creative ambition with scope and production realities
  • Conceptualize and design the experience-focused User Interface (UI) and Heads-Up Display (HUD), prioritizing atmosphere and emotion for the game experience.
  • Execute art clean-up and restoration tasks for classic titles, including addressing dust specs, wear and tear, and ensuring image integrity.
  • Assist in the creation of production assets, leveraging proficiency across digital art categories, including 3D, pixel art, raster art, and vector art.
  • Collaborate closely with design, production, engineering, and external partners as needed
  • Support multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Contribute to storyboarding, visual exploration, and early narrative or gameplay ideation when needed
  • Support additional art tasks and visual needs as projects shift between production phases

Must Haves
  • Strong ability to concept from scratch and develop ideas visually without heavy direction
  • Demonstrated experience iterating quickly with fast turnaround times
  • Professional experience in commercial art (games, animation, film, or related industries)
  • Comfort working across diverse art styles and mediums, including adapting to existing house styles
  • Strong color sense and illustrative fundamentals
  • Experience with storyboarding or sequential visual storytelling
  • Demonstrated experience in conceptual UI/HUD design or entertainment design.
  • Commitment to creating original artwork without reliance on AI generation tools.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard tools (Blender, Adobe Suite, etc.)
  • Comfort working across different categories of digital art including raster, vector, and pixel based mediums
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
  • Ability to take unclear or high-level feedback and turn it into concrete action items
  • Welcomes feedback as part of a collaborative, iterative creative process
  • Clear awareness of scope, timelines, and production constraints
  • Ability to commute or relocate to the Emeryville, California area

Bonus Points
  • Passion for video games, especially retro games
  • 3+ years of experience in commercial art
  • Experience working with established IP
  • Familiarity with licensors and licensed properties
  • Experience coordinating with or supporting external contractors
  • Understanding of traditional art styles and techniques
  • Foundational knowledge of 3D art (modeling or block-outs) or modeling experience.

Compensation, Benefits + Perks
  • Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
  • Full medical and dental benefits
  • Generous parental leave
  • 15+ paid holidays + PTO
  • A friendly office with collaborative and talented colleagues, an arcade, and rooftop deck to enjoy office lunches and BBQs

To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter and link to portfolio
EEO Statement
Digital Eclipse is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to equal employment regardless of race, religion or lack thereof, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Apply