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Stop Motion Animation Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

RUN STUDIOS LLC

Motion Designer (7078)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$65/hr

Animation experience: Stop Motion, CGI Animation, Vector Graphics, Visual Effects, 3D Modeling, Rigging. * Technical Skills: Color Grading, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Graphic Design, Motion ...

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Stop Motion Animation information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do stop motion animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for stop motion animation in Seattle, WA is $44.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 30 too late to become an animator?

Stop motion animation is a skill that can be learned at any age, and many successful animators start later in life. Developing proficiency in techniques, storytelling, and tools like Dragonframe or Stop Motion Studio can lead to a career change or hobby, regardless of age. Age is less important than dedication, practice, and building a strong portfolio to enter the field.

How much do stop motion animators make?

Stop motion animators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries. Skills in modeling, lighting, and software like Dragonframe or Stop Motion Studio are important for higher earning potential.

What is stop motion animation?

Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique where physical objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames. When these frames are played back in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement. This method is often used with puppets, clay figures, or everyday objects, and requires careful planning and attention to detail. Stop motion animation is popular in both feature films and short videos due to its unique, tactile visual style. Famous examples include movies like 'Coraline' and 'Wallace & Gromit.'

Will AI replace animators?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist animators in tasks like automating repetitive processes and generating initial concepts, but it is unlikely to fully replace skilled stop motion animators. Human creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail remain essential in producing high-quality stop motion animations, which require manual manipulation of physical objects. Animators who adapt by learning new tools and techniques can enhance their work rather than be replaced by AI.

How do I become a stop motion animator?

To become a stop motion animator, develop skills in animation, storytelling, and camera work, often through a degree in animation, film, or related fields. Gain experience by creating your own projects, learning to use animation software and stop motion tools, and building a portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers or clients.

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

AspectStop Motion Animation3D Animation
CredentialsOften requires a portfolio, basic animation skills, and knowledge of physical modelsRequires skills in 3D modeling, software proficiency (e.g., Maya, Blender), and often a degree in animation or related field
Work EnvironmentStudio or on-location with physical models and setsComputer-based, using digital workstations and software
Industry UsageFilm, TV, commercials, and artistic projects emphasizing handcrafted visualsVideo games, movies, virtual simulations, and high-end visual effects

While both stop motion animation and 3D animation involve creating animated visuals, stop motion uses physical models and sets captured frame-by-frame, whereas 3D animation relies on digital models and software. Each requires different skills and tools but shares a common goal of bringing characters and scenes to life.

What Are Stop Motion Animation Jobs?

Stop motion animation jobs include a variety of positions in the film and TV industry, including animator, motion designer, landscape artist, and model maker. In this field, you may design storyboards, create instructions for manipulating models between shots, repair damaged objects, and perform finely detailed tasks for extended periods. It can take weeks or months to complete a scene, depending on how complex it is, and most jobs involve significant amounts of collaboration. You may also help to maintain and organize supplies, ensure the general upkeep of your work area, and utilize problem-solving skills to address problems as they occur. Given the speed of work, attention to detail and a desire for perfection are essential to success in this industry.

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

To thrive as a Stop Motion Animator, you need strong artistic ability, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with stop motion software like Dragonframe, camera equipment, and post-production tools such as Adobe After Effects is typically required. Creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills help animators bring characters and stories to life frame by frame. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing smooth, engaging animations and meeting the technical and creative demands of the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by stop motion animators during production, and how can they be managed?

Stop motion animators often face challenges such as maintaining continuity between frames, managing intricate puppet movements, and dealing with time-intensive setups. Attention to detail is crucial since even small changes between frames can disrupt the illusion of motion. Animators can manage these challenges by meticulously planning scenes, using detailed storyboards, and maintaining thorough frame-by-frame documentation. Collaboration with lighting and set design teams also helps ensure consistency and efficiency throughout the production process.
More about Stop Motion Animation jobs
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Stop Motion Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stop Motion Animation job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,287 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Motion Designer (7078)

RUN STUDIOS LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

$65/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Create innovative instructional, promotional, and original video content that enhances customer experience.

RUN Studios, and its client partner, a large online retailer headquartered in Seattle, are seeking a Motion Designer to join for an approximate 3-month project. While this is a remote position, RUN Studios can only consider candidates currently residing in the following states at this time: CA, CO, FL, ID, MI, NJ, NY, OR, TX, WA.

We’re seeking an experienced Motion Designer who is organized, obsessed with details, deadline driven, and possess first class digital skills to create powerful stories that capture audiences and pique their interest. If you possess strong technical skills, if you can demonstrate your ability to use software for 2D and 3D animation, and if you are adept at continuously raising the creative bar, this job is for you!

As a Motion Designer, you will understand and manage the different stages of the production process, across a variety for formats (help, product, internal, social and live-action videos, etc.) You will also use your bias for action to creatively solve production roadblocks.

As a Motion Designer, You Will

  • Model, Light, Texture, and Render 3D objects and animations.
  • Create content across the various web or mobile platforms.
  • Navigate ambiguity to drive the design cycle and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Produce video graphics, graphic illustrations, motion, templates, and layouts for customer facing physical assets.
  • Produce a wide range of animation and motion content for help, product videos, live-action, and internal requests.
  • Maintain high visual standards, and a strong attention to detail, client, audience, story, and context.
  • Collaborate to conceptualize daily, series, and franchise visual storytelling in video, broadcast, social and other contexts.
  • Bring narratives to life through technical motion design projects.
  • Work closely with the Design Manager to ensure assets meets technical and aesthetic standards as well as align to business goals.
  • Makes decisions that are scalable and contribute to long-term success, and takes the lead in solving problems.
  • Own your work.
  • Communicate and project-manage seamlessly.
  • Make decisions that are scalable and contribute to long-term success.
  • Take the lead in solving problems.
  • Take accountability for dependencies and your work.

In This Role, You Bring

  • 3-5 years experience in 2D and 3D animation.
  • A portfolio demonstrating exceptional work.
  • Fluency in the following tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition, Cinema 4D.
  • Animation experience: Stop Motion, CGI Animation, Vector Graphics, Visual Effects, 3D Modeling, Rigging.
  • Technical Skills: Color Grading, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding.

Additional Position Details

  • Supervisory Responsibilities
    • None.
  • Physical Demands
    • Physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
    • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Work Environment
    • Typical for an office setting or home environment.
    • Remote.
  • Travel
    • None.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

At RUN Studios we recognize our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We understand, value, and are grateful for the invaluable contributions made by each employee. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program of evolving competitive benefits specifically designed to support the needs of our employees and their dependents.     

Compensation

Pay Range: 60 - $65 (Hourly)    

The successful candidate’s pay will be based on various factors such as individual qualifications and work location.  

Benefits:

Benefits and perks may vary depending on location and nature of the work, but eligible employees have access to medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, other telehealth and wellness benefits, a minimum of seven paid holidays per year, accrual of at least 6.5 days (Temporary Employment) to at least 15 days (Regular Employment) of paid time off per year, a 401k plan with company match, discretionary bonuses dependent on company, team or individual performance, and referral bonuses for eligible hired referrals.  

As an equal opportunity employer, RUN Studios is committed to pay equity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

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