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Traditional Animation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

$14 - $18.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15 - $20/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Competitive Traditional & Roth 401k retirement plan with employer match * Fitness center access in ...

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Competitive Traditional & Roth 401k retirement plan with employer match * Fitness center access in ...

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Competitive Traditional & Roth 401k retirement plan with employer match * Fitness center access in ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Strong traditional art skills, including drawing, painting, composition, typography, and graphic design. * Knowledge of animation principles, asset management, file organization, and product ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Strong traditional art skills, including drawing, painting, composition, typography, and graphic design. * Knowledge of animation principles, asset management, file organization, and product ...

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Showing results 1-20

Traditional Animation information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$38

$68

How much do traditional animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for traditional animation in Illinois is $38.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traditional animation?

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 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.

How to become a traditional animator?

To become a traditional animator, develop strong drawing skills and a solid understanding of animation principles such as timing and spacing. Obtain a degree or training in animation, art, or a related field, and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions helps establish a career in traditional animation.

What types of traditional animation jobs are there?

Traditional animation jobs include roles such as animator, storyboard artist, character designer, background artist, and layout artist. These positions often require skills in drawing, storytelling, and knowledge of animation principles, with work typically done in studios or freelance settings. Each role focuses on different aspects of the animation production process, from creating characters to designing backgrounds and planning scenes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Traditional Animation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Traditional Animation jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Traditional Animation jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Traditional Animation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Traditional Animation jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Traditional Animation job openings:

Infographic showing various Traditional Animation job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,435 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Adventure Ted Creative Board Intern Creative Internship (Graphic Design, Apparel, Animation)

Childhood Cancer Society

$14 - $18.75/hr

Internship

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

About Childhood Cancer Society

Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric cancer, providing financial assistance, emotional support, and unforgettable wish grant experiences.

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character behind our brand. Adventure Ted represents courage, kindness, and resilience, and serves as the face of our storytelling, campaigns, and creative identity across all initiatives.

We are currently preparing for major initiatives including a high-level charity golf outing and a fundraising dinner event with the Mayor of Saddle River, NJ.

Role Overview

We are assembling a select group of creatives to join the Adventure Ted Creative Board, a performance-driven team responsible for shaping and executing the visual identity of CCS across campaigns, events, and media.

Members will work directly with the Founder and Chief Media Officer, contributing to real-world creative tied to high-visibility initiatives. This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ownership, quality, and creative impact.

Creative Tracks

Applicants may focus on one primary area:

  • Graphic Design & Branding

    Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

  • Apparel Design

    Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design

  • Animation / Motion

    Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

  • Contribute to the visual evolution of the Adventure Ted brand

  • Collaborate with Communications & Partnerships on campaigns and events

  • Work with manufacturing partners to help design items such as clothing, toys, and other products used in fundraising initiatives

  • Participate in structured execution sessions with fast turnaround timelines

  • Maintain high creative standards across all work

What Makes This Different

  • Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership

  • Ownership of real-world creative tied to live events and campaigns

  • Portfolio-building work with real visibility and real-world application

  • A selective, performance-based creative environment

Growth & Advancement Opportunities

  • Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the organization.

  • Advancement is based on execution, consistency, and demonstrated creative ability.

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school’s requirements.

Ideal Candidate

  • Strong design or creative foundation

  • High attention to detail and visual taste

  • Ability to execute quickly without sacrificing quality

  • Self-starter with strong ownership mentality

  • Passionate about meaningful, mission-driven work