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Overnight Indie Animation Studio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INVIZ

Community Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

INVIZ

Community Manager

Santa Monica, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200K/yr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... Partner with the Creature Art and Tech Animation teams to pioneer new rendering techniques ...

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Overnight Indie Animation Studio information

What are some unique challenges of working overnight at an indie animation studio, and how can team members stay productive and motivated?

Working overnight at an indie animation studio often requires adapting to unconventional hours, which can affect both productivity and personal routines. Team members may face challenges such as limited access to external resources, collaborating with colleagues across different time zones, and maintaining creative energy during late hours. To stay productive and motivated, it's important to establish a consistent schedule, take regular breaks, and use collaboration tools for effective communication. Many studios also encourage team bonding activities and flexible work arrangements to help support well-being and foster a positive, creative environment.

What is the difference between Overnight Indie Animation Studio vs Freelance Animator?

AspectOvernight Indie Animation StudioFreelance Animator
CredentialsPortfolio, basic animation skills, software proficiencyPortfolio, software skills, self-marketing
Work EnvironmentStudio setting, collaborative projects, fixed schedulesRemote or on-site, flexible hours, self-managed
Industry UsageUsed by small studios, indie projects, startup productionsUsed by independent professionals, project-based work

Overnight Indie Animation Studio typically involves working within a team on studio projects with set schedules, while a Freelance Animator operates independently, managing their own clients and deadlines. Both require animation skills and software proficiency, but differ mainly in work environment and employment structure.

What is an overnight indie animation studio?

An Overnight Indie Animation Studio is a small, independent animation studio that primarily operates during overnight hours to produce animated content. These studios often focus on unique, creative projects and work with limited budgets compared to major studios. The 'overnight' aspect usually refers to the working hours of the team, which may be scheduled to meet tight deadlines or to collaborate with international clients in different time zones. Indie animation studios are known for their artistic freedom and innovative storytelling. Working overnight can allow for greater flexibility and a more focused creative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an overnight role at an indie animation studio?

To thrive in an overnight role at an indie animation studio, you need strong animation fundamentals, proficiency in design principles, and often a degree or portfolio demonstrating relevant experience. Familiarity with software like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, and Blender, as well as basic knowledge of project management tools, is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate remotely are valuable soft skills in this setting. These competencies ensure high-quality output, effective teamwork, and the ability to meet tight deadlines common in indie animation projects.
More about Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs? Cities with the most Overnight Indie Animation Studio job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Animation Studio jobs? The most popular types of Indie Animation Studio jobs are:
What states have the most Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs are:
Overnight Indie Animation Studio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Indie Animation Studio job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $90K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
We're looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems

Requirements:
  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5

Pluses:
  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work

About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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