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Traditional Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Angeles, CA

$62.74/hr

... traditional animation techniques. * Work closely with creative leadership to shape storytelling and visual aesthetics that meet feature-quality standards and align with the creative vision of the ...

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$62.74/hr

... traditional animation techniques. Work closely with creative leadership to shape storytelling and visual aesthetics that meet feature-quality standards and align with the creative vision of the ...

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Traditional Animation information

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How much do traditional animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for traditional animation in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a traditional animator?

The salary of a traditional animator typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced professionals working in major studios or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many traditional animators also work freelance or on contract, which can affect income levels.

What is traditional animation called?

Traditional animation is also known as hand-drawn animation or cel animation, where each frame is created by drawing or painting on paper or transparent sheets. This method was widely used before the advent of digital techniques and requires skills in drawing and timing. Animators often use tools like pencils, ink, and paint to produce the sequences frame by frame.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Traditional Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Traditional Animation, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles (like timing and movement), and often relevant educational background such as a degree in animation or fine arts. Familiarity with animation tools such as light tables, peg bars, and industry-standard software for scanning and compositing, as well as a portfolio demonstrating your work, are important. Creativity, keen attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These combined skills ensure the creation of fluid, expressive animations that meet production deadlines and collaborative artistic standards.

What is a Traditional Animation job?

A Traditional Animation job involves creating hand-drawn frames to produce fluid motion in animated films, television shows, advertisements, or video games. Animators sketch each frame on paper or digitally replicate the traditional process to bring characters and scenes to life. This role requires strong drawing skills, an understanding of motion, and knowledge of animation principles like timing and spacing. Professionals in this field may work as key animators, inbetweeners, or clean-up artists, depending on the production stage.

What does a typical workday look like for a traditional animator, and how do they interact with other team members?

A typical day for a traditional animator involves sketching or inking animation frames by hand, reviewing animatics or storyboards, and refining character movement to maintain consistency across scenes. Traditional animators often work closely with directors, layout artists, and clean-up teams to ensure visual continuity and incorporate feedback. Daily tasks may include attending team meetings, collaborating on scene revisions, and coordinating with digital departments if the project blends traditional and digital techniques. This collaborative environment allows animators to contribute their creative skills while working towards the shared vision of the animation project.

What types of jobs are in animation?

In traditional animation, common jobs include character animator, background artist, layout artist, storyboard artist, and timing director. These roles often require skills in drawing, storytelling, and familiarity with animation software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate. Additional positions may involve art director, cleanup artist, and production coordinator, depending on the project size and studio structure.

What jobs can I do with animation?

With a background in traditional animation, you can pursue roles such as animator, storyboard artist, character designer, or animation director. These jobs often require skills in drawing, storytelling, and familiarity with animation software, and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.
More about Traditional Animation jobs
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Traditional Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traditional Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 15% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Supervisor, AI & Animation

Promise Advanced Imagination

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Promise
Promise is a pioneering film and TV studio at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Our mission is to reimagine what's possible in entertainment by bringing together the world's most visionary storytellers and GenAI creators, empowered by cutting-edge tools and proprietary workflows. Through bold collaborations and a forward-thinking approach to sourcing IP, we are building a dynamic slate of original and licensed projects that push creative boundaries. Backed by premier VC firms, Promise is shaping a new era in GenAI-powered storytelling, where creativity knows no limits.
Role Overview
As the Supervisor, you will be the key technical and creative innovative thinker driving the integration of Animation and GenAI technologies into our production workflows. This leadership role is responsible for researching new methods in AI, animation, ensuring our productions maintain visual excellence while leveraging the efficiency of modern tools. You will shepherd the visual quality of our projects from concept through final delivery, acting as the bridge between creative vision, AI animation, and our proprietary GenAI R&D initiat
Key Responsibilities
  1. Generative AI & Pipeline Advancement
    • Research and implement new methodologies in animation, with a core focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI applications.
      • Work closely with R&D teams to prototype and integrate AI tools with standard VFX software to accelerate asset creation, character animation, and compositing.
  2. Virtual & Hybrid Production Leadership
    • Lead and supervise methodology of complex Animation and/or Anime that can include character animation, digital environments, etc...), ensuring seamless technical and creative execution on set.
      • Knowledge of facial animation
      • Knowledge of character animation
      • AI integration with traditional animation
      • Character and creature design
    • Architect hybrid workflows that successfully bridge traditional animation and AI workflows.
  3. Creative Supervision & Project Execution
    • Provide world-class artistic and technical direction for all animation projects, ensuring the final output aligns with the Director's vision.
      • Oversee talent selection for large-scale, AAA film and television projects.
      • Mentor and lead internal and external VFX teams and supervisors, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Qualifications
  • Experience in animation, including a significant tenure as a HOD on large-scale, AAA feature films or premium episodic content.
  • Proven leadership role experience, with the ability to inspire and manage highly skilled creative and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated history of advancing technology or implementing innovative workflows within a major Animation or VFX studio or production company.
  • Expert-level knowledge of cinematic techniques, lighting, and color science.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience acting as the primary creative liaison with Directors and Producers.
Technical Skills / Qualifications
  • Deep, practical expertise in Machine Learning/Generative AI techniques as they apply to VFX (e.g., neural rendering, content generation, data management).
  • Strong command of industry-standard software packages.
  • Solid understanding of ML/data pipelines and asset management in a high-volume production environment.

Compensation
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity.
Benefits
We believe in supporting our team's well-being and growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays and sick leave.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your future.
  • Work Environment: A dynamic, creative, and inclusive hybrid work environment based out of our innovative studio.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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