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Full Time Animation Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TheLab

CGI Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Acting as the bridge between creative leadership, production teams, and 3D artists, this role defines technical workflows, oversees asset creation, lighting, rendering, and animation, and ensures the ...

thelab

CGI Lead

Manhattan, NY

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Acting as the bridge between creative leadership, production teams, and 3D artists, this role defines technical workflows, oversees asset creation, lighting, rendering, and animation, and ensures the ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ...

Konami Gaming, Inc

Technical Artist III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Knowledge of 3D fundamentals: modeling, texturing/shading, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering ... Work Environment: * Full-time / 40+ hours per week. Must be flexible to work overtime, including ...

KONAMI GAMING INC

Technical Artist III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

Knowledge of 3D fundamentals: modeling, texturing/shading, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering ... Work Environment: * Full-time / 40+ hours per week. Must be flexible to work overtime, including ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$135K - $142K/yr

Monitor the needs of rigging, animation, and design to ensure clear characters in game Maintain a clear and consistent workflow under an established schedule Work closely to FX and Lighting artists ...

RS&H

Junior 3D Visualization Artist

Tampa, FL

Foundational knowledge of 3D modeling, lighting, materials, rendering, and camera animation ... Strong artistic eye for composition, lighting, color, and visual storytelling * Excellent ...

RS&H

Junior 3D Visualization Artist

Tampa, FL

Foundational knowledge of 3D modeling, lighting, materials, rendering, and camera animation ... Strong artistic eye for composition, lighting, color, and visual storytelling * Excellent ...

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Full Time Animation Lighting Artist information

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How much do full time animation lighting artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time animation lighting artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time animation lighting artist do?

A Full Time Animation Lighting Artist is responsible for creating the lighting and mood in animated films, TV shows, or video games. They use digital tools to simulate how light interacts with characters and environments, ensuring that scenes are visually appealing and support the story. This role involves close collaboration with other departments, such as modeling, texturing, and compositing, to achieve the director’s vision. Lighting artists also balance technical and artistic requirements, optimizing scenes for rendering while maintaining visual quality.

What are some common challenges animation lighting artists face when working on feature films or TV series?

Animation Lighting Artists often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with technical constraints, managing tight production deadlines, and ensuring consistency across large sequences or shots. Collaboration with other departments, like modeling, texturing, and compositing, is crucial to address issues like render times, color accuracy, and scene continuity. Staying adaptable and receptive to feedback is essential, as directors and supervisors may request multiple iterations to achieve the desired mood and storytelling impact.

What is the difference between Full Time Animation Lighting Artist vs Character Animator?

AspectFull Time Animation Lighting ArtistCharacter Animator
Primary FocusLighting and shading of animated scenesCreating and animating character movements
Skills & ToolsLighting software (e.g., Maya, Houdini), shading techniquesAnimation software (e.g., After Effects, Maya), character rigging
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, animation houses, game developmentAnimation studios, game companies, film production
CredentialsDegree in Animation, VFX, or related field; portfolioDegree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related; portfolio

The main difference is that a Full Time Animation Lighting Artist specializes in lighting and shading animated scenes to enhance visual storytelling, while a Character Animator focuses on bringing characters to life through movement and performance. Both roles require a strong understanding of animation principles and industry-standard software, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time animation lighting artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Animation Lighting Artist, you need strong artistic vision, understanding of color theory, and experience with lighting techniques, usually supported by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help artists achieve visually compelling results and work effectively with production teams. These capabilities are essential for producing high-quality, emotionally resonant animations that meet project requirements and deadlines.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Animation Lighting Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Animation Lighting Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Lighting Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Animation Lighting Artist jobs are:

Full Time Animation Lighting Artist jobs near you

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Visual Development Artist works closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film, including sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style. This is a union-covered position.
Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.
Responsibilities:
  • Work under the guidance of the Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork related to sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style
  • Generate work across all stages of production, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final paintings
  • Create artwork that informs the early story and visual development process, as well as the production process
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished look
  • When requested, build and present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs
  • Ensure all artwork is accurately backed up, organized and stored appropriately
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
Qualifications:
  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
  • Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.
  • Areas of expertise to include one or more of the following: set/location/props design; character/costume design; special effects design; and/or color styling
  • A solid understanding of 2D to 3D translations and hands-on use of 2D or 3D tools in your design process is helpful
  • Able to solve problems creatively
  • Manage time efficiently
  • The ability to work creatively in a fast-paced production environment under pressure
  • Self-motivated, good communication skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook
  • Working knowledge of software and hardware, including Photoshop and Cintiq

The anticipated base salary for this position is $59.16/hour to $85.00/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement.The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.
To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.
Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

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