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Studio Assistant Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work ...

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work ...

Thinkingbox

Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work ... Direct small to mid-size teams of animators and designers across various projects. * Contribute to ...

Thinkingbox

Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work ... Direct small to mid-size teams of animators and designers across various projects. * Contribute to ...

Chicago

Fall Post-Production Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

... organize, assist, and create original material · Work directly under the guidance of the ... studio · Research and prepare video and graphic assets within the in-house archive, while ...

All JobsStudio Animation JobsStudio Assistant Animation JobsStudio Assistant Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL

Studio Assistant Animation information

What is the difference between Studio Assistant Animation vs Studio Assistant VFX?

AspectStudio Assistant AnimationStudio Assistant VFX
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer basic animation or art coursesHigh school diploma; knowledge of VFX software helpful
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companies, creative agenciesVFX studios, film production companies, post-production houses
Industry UsageCommonly used in animation and media productionPrimarily in film, TV, and digital VFX projects
Job FocusSupporting animation projects, assisting artists, managing assetsSupporting VFX teams, organizing assets, assisting with post-production tasks

While both roles support creative production teams, Studio Assistant Animation focuses on assisting animation projects and artists, whereas Studio Assistant VFX specializes in supporting visual effects workflows. Both roles require similar foundational skills and work environments but differ in their specific industry focus and technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Studio Assistant in Animation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Studio Assistant in Animation, you typically need a solid understanding of animation workflows, organizational skills, and at least a relevant associate’s degree or industry experience. Familiarity with animation software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Maya), digital asset management systems, and basic office productivity tools is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help you support creative teams and manage schedules effectively. These skills ensure smooth studio operations, timely project delivery, and seamless collaboration within the animation team.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Studio Assistant in an animation studio, and how do they support the production team?

As a Studio Assistant in an animation studio, your daily tasks often include organizing and distributing materials, coordinating schedules, and assisting animators and other team members with administrative and production-related needs. You may be responsible for managing digital assets, preparing meeting rooms, taking notes during production meetings, and ensuring communication flows smoothly across departments. This role is crucial for keeping the production pipeline running efficiently and offers valuable exposure to various aspects of animation, which can serve as a stepping stone to more specialized roles in the industry.

What does a Studio Assistant in Animation do?

A Studio Assistant in Animation supports the animation team by handling a variety of administrative and creative tasks. These can include organizing files, preparing materials for animators, managing schedules, assisting with the setup of equipment, and sometimes helping with basic animation tasks or revisions. The role is essential for keeping the studio running smoothly and allowing artists to focus on their creative work. Studio Assistants often serve as a link between departments and help ensure that projects stay on track.
What are popular job titles related to Studio Assistant Animation jobs in Chicago, IL? For Studio Assistant Animation jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Studio Assistant Animation jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Studio Assistant Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Studio Assistant Animation jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Studio Assistant Animation job openings:
Studio Assistant Animation jobs near you

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 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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