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Illustrator Animation Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Senior Graphic Designer

OR · Remote

$94K - $110K/yr

Illustration, branding, or logo design experience. * Motion or animation skills - our brand lives in video-first environments. * Experience working within or alongside a rebranding effort. Our target ...

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere ... Motion graphics or animation experience * Experience creating content for social media and internal ...

Life Model

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.81/hr

Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Sculpture, 3D Design, and Animation. Life Models are an integral part of PNCA. Models give students the opportunity to work from life and gain valuable skills in ...

Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Sculpture, 3D Design, and Animation. Life Models are an integral part of PNCA. Models give students the opportunity to work from life and gain valuable skills in ...

Illustrator Animation information

See Oregon salary details

$34.4K

$62.7K

$101.5K

How much do illustrator animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator animation in Oregon is $62,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $71,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Illustrator Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency in illustration and animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) and animation tools like Toon Boom or Blender is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help bring concepts to life and facilitate collaboration with clients and teams. These competencies ensure high-quality, engaging animations that effectively communicate ideas and meet project goals.

Can an Illustrator be an animator?

An Illustrator can become an animator by learning animation techniques, software such as Adobe After Effects or Toon Boom, and gaining experience in motion design. Many professionals transition from illustration to animation to create moving visuals for various media. Having a strong foundation in drawing and design is beneficial for both roles.

What is the difference between Illustrator Animation vs Graphic Designer?

AspectIllustrator AnimationGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically requires skills in illustration, animation software, and design principlesRequires skills in visual communication, layout, and design software
Work EnvironmentOften works in animation studios, media companies, or freelanceWorks in advertising agencies, corporate branding, or print/digital media
Industry UsageUsed for animated videos, character design, and multimedia projectsUsed for branding, marketing materials, and visual identity

Illustrator Animation focuses on creating animated visuals and characters, combining illustration skills with animation techniques. Graphic Designers primarily develop static visual content for branding, advertising, and print. While both roles require strong design skills, Illustrator Animation emphasizes motion and storytelling through animation, whereas Graphic Design centers on visual communication in static formats.

How do Illustrator Animation professionals typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Illustrator Animation professionals often work closely with animators, art directors, and project managers to bring visual concepts to life. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss style guides, storyboards, and animation sequences. Effective communication and feedback are key, as illustrators may need to adjust artwork based on animation requirements or client input. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final animated product is cohesive and aligns with the project’s creative vision.

Is AI taking animators jobs?

AI technology is increasingly used in animation to assist with tasks like automating repetitive processes and generating backgrounds, but it does not replace the need for skilled illustrators and animators. Human creativity, storytelling, and artistic judgment remain essential in producing high-quality animations, and many roles involve overseeing AI tools rather than being replaced by them.

What is the salary of Illustrator and animator?

The average salary for an illustrator and animator varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or software proficiency can earn higher salaries, especially in creative or media companies.

What does an illustrator animator do?

An illustrator animator creates visual content by designing and drawing characters, environments, and objects, then bringing them to life through animation techniques. They combine their artistic skills with animation software to produce engaging sequences for films, games, advertisements, or digital media. This role often involves collaborating with writers, directors, and other artists to interpret ideas and deliver a cohesive visual story.

What kind of jobs can you get with an illustration and animation degree?

With an illustration and animation degree, you can pursue roles such as animator, storyboard artist, character designer, concept artist, or visual development artist. These jobs often require proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and animation software, and may involve working in entertainment, advertising, gaming, or publishing industries.
What are popular job titles related to Illustrator Animation jobs in Oregon? For Illustrator Animation jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Science Illustration Intern

Science Illustration Intern

The Xerces Society

Portland, OR • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time, Internship

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description:

JOB TITLE: Science Illustration Intern


LOCATION: Remote position within the United States. Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.


COMPENSATION: $24 per hour


STATUS & SCHEDULE: Part time, approximately 20 hours/week.


DURATION: September – December 2026, flexible based upon student’s academic schedule


APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2026


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs

Xerces provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.


JOIN US!

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.


WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

As the Scientific Illustration Intern for the Xerces Society, you will build your portfolio and gain experience in science illustration by creating visual media that advances public understanding of invertebrates and advocacy for their conservation. This is a remote position at 20 hours per week from September through December. The intern will be a member of the communications team and work directly with many Xerces Society staff. The internship is made possible by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Produce scientific illustrations, animations, and/or data visualizations of invertebrates and the conservation issues impacting them. Projects will include developing print and digital media to illustrate invertebrate morphology, depict ecological interactions, and promote programs like the Xerces Society habitat kits.
  • Work with the communications team and conservation program staff to identify and produce visual storytelling opportunities for Xerces conservation initiatives.
  • Participate in relevant staff meetings and events.
  • Participate in Xerces Society program experiences, as available.
  • Present and exhibit final illustrations through a Xerces Society platform.
Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

  • Ability to portray natural subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
  • Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
  • Ability to meet deadlines and incorporate feedback
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Strong time, project management, and collaboration skills


PREFERRED

  • Ability to communicate scientific concepts through data visualization, and/or
  • Experience creating animated short videos


QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

  • Current undergraduate or graduate student in the Fall 2026 semester, pursuing a degree or certificate in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar related field of study.


PREFERRED

  • Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
  • Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration

BENEFITS: This position includes paid time off (PTO) accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule)


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Include a portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in scientific illustration of wildlife and natural subjects. 3-5 additional samples of data visualization or animation may be included, if applicable. Please upload one pdf of all samples. You may add links and brief narrative context as needed. Include a cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above and how you hope the internship will enhance your professional development.

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs


TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 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.


MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to consider.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.