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Remote Stop Motion Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional) * Flexible time off, including paid ...

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional) * Flexible time off, including paid ...

Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional) * Flexible time off, including paid ...

Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional) * Flexible time off, including paid ...

The work model for the role is : #LI-Remote with a preference for Eastern or Central region in the ... stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real ...

... Motion High Power (MOHP) North America Sales team. This role serves as a key liaison between ... The work model for the role is: remote within two hours of Layfette, Indiana. Your role and ...

Remote Stop Motion Animation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$40

$72

How much do remote stop motion animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote stop motion animation in Chicago, IL is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by remote stop motion animators, and how can they be addressed?

Remote stop motion animators often face challenges such as coordinating with team members across different time zones, managing large file transfers, and maintaining consistent communication about project updates. To overcome these hurdles, many teams use collaborative project management tools, cloud-based storage solutions, and regular video calls to ensure everyone stays aligned. Building a structured workflow and setting clear expectations for feedback and deadlines can greatly enhance productivity and reduce misunderstandings.

What is remote stop motion animation?

Remote stop motion animation is the process of creating stop motion animated videos or films while working from a location outside a traditional studio, often from home. Animators use specialized software and camera setups to capture frame-by-frame movement of physical objects, then collaborate with teams or clients online. This remote approach allows for creative flexibility and can involve sharing files, feedback, and project updates using cloud-based tools. It has become increasingly popular due to advancements in digital communication and the growing demand for flexible work arrangements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Stop Motion Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Stop Motion Animator, you need a solid background in animation principles, storytelling, and strong artistic skills, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Dragonframe, Adobe After Effects, and video conferencing tools is typically expected. Outstanding time management, creative problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for collaborating with teams and clients remotely. These abilities ensure high-quality productions, efficient workflows, and effective collaboration in a remote animation environment.

What is the difference between Remote Stop Motion Animation vs Remote 3D Animator?

AspectRemote Stop Motion AnimationRemote 3D Animator
Required SkillsStop motion techniques, puppet and set design, camera work3D modeling, rigging, rendering, animation software
Work EnvironmentHome studio or remote studio with physical materialsDigital workstations, software-based environment
Industry UsageFilm, advertising, educational content involving physical modelsVideo games, film, advertising with digital assets

Remote Stop Motion Animation involves creating animations using physical models and sets, requiring hands-on craftsmanship and physical materials. In contrast, Remote 3D Animators work primarily with digital tools to create virtual models and animations. Both roles often work remotely, but their techniques, tools, and industry applications differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL? For Remote Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Stop Motion Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Stop Motion Animation jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Stop Motion Animation job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Stop Motion Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,445 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

Hi! We're The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Senior Motion Designer who leads through craft. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives inside the work while helping elevate the people around them.

You'll partner closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors to transform ideas into exceptional motion. Whether you're developing styleframes, designing key moments, building 3D scenes, or refining animation, you'll help establish the creative standard for every project you touch.

Beyond execution, you'll be a trusted teammate who mentors others, tackles creative and technical challenges, and helps guide projects through production with confidence and attention to detail.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.
  • Develop storyboards, styleframes, and motion explorations that support the creative vision.
  • Collaborate with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Producers, and fellow designers throughout production.
  • Take ownership of complex assignments, solving creative and technical challenges independently.
  • Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable.
  • Provide thoughtful feedback and mentorship to junior designers, helping raise the quality of the team.
  • Stay current with emerging tools, workflows, and technologies that improve both process and creative output.
  • Accurately estimate effort, communicate progress, and help projects stay on schedule.
What You'll Bring
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, or a related creative field.
  • A portfolio demonstrating exceptional design taste, animation principles, and versatility across styles.
  • Advanced proficiency in After Effects, Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, pacing, and visual storytelling.
  • Experience working within professional production pipelines from concept through final delivery.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
  • A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the confidence to own work while supporting the team.
Bonus Points!
  • Houdini, X-Particles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter.
  • Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies.
  • Experience with live action, editorial, or VFX pipelines.
Additional Info
  • Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
  • Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
  • Consistent culture and team-building events
  • Employee recognition and incentive programs
  • Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year 
  • Office lunches 
  • Branded company swag
  • Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
  • Flex work and travel options
  • Comprehensive extended health benefits
  • 401k matching
$85,000 - $95,000 a year
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. If your compensation expectations fall outside of this range, we still welcome your application.

Equal Opportunity

At The Heist, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity is our creative strength - it's the range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that fuels our best ideas and most innovative solutions. We welcome and encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Your voice matters here.

To Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please submit your resume along with links to your online portfolio as part of your application (if applicable). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we're unable to respond to every submission. However, all applications are kept in our talent database and will be considered for future opportunities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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