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Illustrator Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thesis

Designer Illustrator

Portland, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

The Senior Illustrator is a multidisciplinary visual artist who executes thoughtful, refined ... or motion/animation pipelines is a plus. * Style Adaptability & Brand Alignment: Able to work ...

New

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD

Strong skills in animation fundamentals (timing, spacing, composition, storytelling) * Proficiency in tools such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or Cinema 4D, Blender, or ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

Qualified candidate must be competent in compiling 2D/3D illustration sequences, video, web and mobile content development. 5+ years of experience in building interactive Flash animation and mobile ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

Qualified candidate must be competent in compiling 2D/3D illustration sequences, video, web and mobile content development. 5+ years of experience in building interactive Flash animation and mobile ...

Hovercraft

Senior Designer

$90K - $110K/yr

Skills in illustration, animation, or spatial design are a plus. What You'll Do * Take ideas from concept through final handoff alongside creatives, technologists, producers, and leadership.

Aquent

Video / Motion Graphic Designer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor's degree or higher in Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, or related field, or equivalent professional experience. • 4+ years of professional experience ...

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Illustrator Animation information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do illustrator animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator animation in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 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.

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.

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.
More about Illustrator Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Illustrator Animation jobs? Cities with the most Illustrator Animation job openings:
What states have the most Illustrator Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Illustrator Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Illustrator Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Illustrator Animation jobs are:
Illustrator Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Illustrator Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Designer Illustrator

Designer Illustrator

Thesis

Portland, OR • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Reports to: Creative Director or Associate Creative Director
Department: Creative
Classification: Non-Exempt

WHO WE ARE:

We are Thesis. Proudly headquartered in Portland, OR, while serving clients globally for over 20 years. Thesis is a creative agency that drives business success through marketing across technology, strategy and operations.

THE JOB:

The Senior Illustrator is a multidisciplinary visual artist who executes thoughtful, refined illustrative solutions across a variety of channels. They balance conceptual storytelling and technical artistic execution, contributing original artwork and asset systems to major campaigns while beginning to mentor more junior designers and illustrators.

AS A PERSON, YOU HAVE:

  • Illustration Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in draftsmanship, color theory, composition, character design, and translating complex ideas into compelling visual metaphors.

  • Creative Execution: Capable of independently translating creative briefs into polished, impactful illustration solutions across multiple mediums (digital, social, print).

  • Technical Proficiency: Highly skilled in standard industry tools, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and digital painting software (Procreate); familiarity with vector asset preparation or motion/animation pipelines is a plus.

  • Style Adaptability & Brand Alignment: Able to work fluidly across different aesthetic styles while maintaining a client’s established brand guidelines.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Experienced in working closely with creative directors, copywriters, art directors, and production teams to seamlessly integrate artwork into broader design systems.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for detail, linework, and craft, consistently delivering precise, scalable, and thoughtfully executed assets.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

  • Develop brand, editorial, digital, and campaign illustration deliverables with a high level of craft and polish.

  • Partner with Creative Directors (CDs) and Associate Creative Directors (ACDs) to translate overarching creative concepts into execution-ready artwork.

  • Begin to lead smaller illustration tracks or visual workstreams, sometimes operating solo.

  • Provide feedback and informal style mentorship to junior team members to ensure visual consistency across projects.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 4-6+ years of professional illustration experience, preferably within an agency, studio, or corporate creative department.

  • A diverse portfolio showcasing an advanced range of style, depth in visual storytelling, and commercial applications of artwork.

  • Comfortable owning illustration tracks independently within broader, fast-paced creative programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the agency are available to address the following requirements.

  • Using standard office equipment, computers and related technology

  • Certain activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse

  • Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds

  • Travel is not anticipated for this role

RELATIONSHIPS:

This role reports to the Creative Director or Associate Creative Director.

VALUES:

  • Be Lean: We work efficiently, focus on what matters most, and eliminate friction to deliver exceptional results without unnecessary complexity.

  • Say What You Mean: We champion clear communication, radical candor, and honest dialogue. We speak intentionally and listen with a desire to understand.

  • Show Up Fully: We bring our authentic selves, our full energy, and our commitment to the team and the work every day.

INCLUSION AND ENCOURAGEMENT:

We know that experience can show up in many ways, and we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications. If you're passionate about strategy, eager to grow, and excited to contribute your perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

At Thesis, we believe the best ideas come from bringing together diverse voices, experiences, and ways of thinking. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not checkboxes—they are essential to how we work, collaborate, and create. We are committed to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive and where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.

Thesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at HR@Thesis.Agency.