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Traditional Animation Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ottawa Infotainment

UI/UX Design Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

This is not a traditional internship. Youll work directly alongside experienced automotive HMI ... Motion graphics or animation * Blender, 3ds Max, or other 3D tools * Interest in automotive HMI or ...

Jars Cannabis

Content Specialist

Troy, MI · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... animations, and dynamic visual elements to enhance campaign performance. • Optimize content ... traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and events Employee Benefits • Free ...

Jars Cannabis

Content Specialist

Troy, MI · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... animations, and dynamic visual elements to enhance campaign performance. • Optimize content ... traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and events Employee Benefits • Free ...

Jars Cannabis

Content Specialist

Troy, MI · On-site

... animations, and dynamic visual elements to enhance campaign performance. • Optimize content ... traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and events Employee Benefits • Free ...

All JobsTraditional Animation JobsTraditional Animation Jobs in Michigan

Traditional Animation information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$34

$61

How much do traditional animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for traditional animation in Michigan is $34.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $55.72 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.
What are popular job titles related to Traditional Animation jobs in Michigan? For Traditional Animation jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traditional Animation jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Traditional Animation jobs in Michigan are:
Traditional Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traditional Animation job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 12% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,448 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor - Digital Media

Adjunct Instructor - Digital Media

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Ferris State University rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

509th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title: Adjunct Instructor - Digital Media Location: Multiple Locations Department:

34700 - School of Digital Media

Advertised Salary: Minimum of $1,314 per credit hour, if advanced degree held in primary academic discipline the minimum rate increases to $1,416 per credit hour. Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FNTFO/AFT Agreement Benefits:

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Adjunct Faculty

FLSA: Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Temporary Part-Time/Full-Time: Part-Time Union Group: Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT) Term of Position: As Needed At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause Summary of Position: Ferris State University's School of Digital Media invites applications for ongoing adjunct positions as needs arise within the School. The School of Digital Media (SDM) at Ferris offers Bachelor's degrees that seek to provide applied learning experiences for students through small class sizes and project-oriented coursework. We offer equipment and software-intensive learning experience throughout the school from the student's freshman experience through graduation. We seek to prepare graduates with a broad set of skills that will allow them to pursue jobs in a wide range of Television, Film, Digital Media, Gaming, 3D Animation, and Software Engineering Careers. Expertise in one or more of these disciplines is valued.
Ideal candidates will bring professional experience working in some of these environments and a broad range of technical and creative skills. A candidate's ability to bring relevance to the classroom through their professional experiences is highly desired.
This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired as needed to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis.
This posting is being used for face-to-face and/or online instruction. If assigned courses are to be taught in person, they must be taught on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site. If assigned courses are to be taught 100% online, the candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan, Illinois (excluding Chicago), Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas or Wisconsin after acceptance of employment and the duration of time of performing services for Ferris State University. Please note, if you relocate after being hired to a state not listed above, your employment with Ferris will not continue. Position Type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing Required Education: QUALIFICATION BY EDUCATION: Master of Fine Arts or Master's degree in Computer Science, Animation, Game Design or related discipline OR a Master's degree and 18 graduate credit hours in Fine Arts, Computer Science, Animation, Game Design or related discipline.
QUALIFICATION BY TESTED EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Computer Science, Animation, Game Design or related discipline and Master's degree (any) and six (6) years experience in industry OR a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Computer Science, Animation, Game Design or related discipline and eight (8) years experience in the industry and a subject matter expert in an area relevant to Digital Animation and Game Design. Required Work Experience: Three (3) years of relevant work experience in the animation or game design field; however, work experience is based upon the degree(s) held by the applicant (see required education). Required Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands:
  • Office Environment
  • Bending
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Twisting
  • Lifting
  • Pulling/Pushing
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Master's degree in Digital Media or related field.
Five years of related work experience.
3 years of teaching experience Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate courses in one of the program areas within the School, primarily to freshmen through junior level students. Possible locations include the main campus in Big Rapids as well as our Grand Rapids location.
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in University committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript 1
Optional Documents: Unofficial Transcript 2 Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of appropriate degree (see Required Education section).
The transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date of degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Attach a copy of unofficial transcript of second degree (if applicable as described in Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered section).
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Initial Application Review Date:
 August 25, 2025 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date:
 EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.

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