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Traditional Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

... traditional and digital presentation and manipulation of graphic elements necessary for the acquisition of skills in Animation Concept Development. 3. Skill in the use of educational technology and ...

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY · On-site

$116K - $132K/yr

... animation for all west coast projects across a breadth of entertainment media brands, both traditional and non-traditional. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and experience with brands from ...

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY

$116K - $132K/yr

... animation for all west coast projects across a breadth of entertainment media brands, both traditional and non-traditional. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and experience with brands from ...

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Traditional Animation information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do traditional animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Traditional Animation jobs?

Cities with the most Traditional Animation job openings:

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

The most popular types of Traditional Animation jobs are:

What states have the most Traditional Animation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Traditional Animation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Traditional Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Netflix

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$62.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Netflix rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 78 rated media


Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we partner with creators as they experiment with a range of cutting-edge tools that bridge innovation with imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities.

Position Summary

We are seeking CG Experimental Artists to join our pioneering team creating animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. Working alongside Directors, Producers, and technology teams, this role will help support show-specific workflow and technical needs as we aim to develop feature-quality content in a creator-led environment. Artists on this team will help shape storytelling and visual aesthetics with creative leadership, actively participating in the development of new workflows and technologies as we expand from shorts to longer-form content.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with a team of CG and Generative AI experts to develop unique content for animated shorts and specials, leveraging a GenAI-native pipeline that combines generative AI tools with 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 Director and project leads.

  • Contribute to the creation of short stories in a fast-paced, sprint-based production environment.

  • Actively participate in creative discussions and brainstorming sessions.

  • Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction.

  • Experiment with and evaluate the latest generative tooling and be open to testing new technology throughout the development process.

  • Create shot-ready assets (e.g., characters, props, environments) using a combination of generative tools and traditional DCCs (Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, Blender, etc.).

  • Build and fine-tune generative image and video models.

  • Test and compare multiple generative tools and workflows (e.g., different models, LoRAs, motion tools), document results, and recommend best practices to the team.

  • Help develop and document new GenAI/traditional hybrid workflows, collaborating with production and technology teams to improve efficiency and creative output.

Qualifications

  • Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender.

  • Experience with creating and animating assets (terrains, layout, characters, control-rigs, lighting) within Unreal Engine.

  • Ability to help develop character and visual designs that align with the desired style and sensibility, focusing on character personality, mood, and tone.

  • Strong conceptual understanding of diffusion-based rendering and animation techniques. Experience training image LoRAs, video LoRAs, and similar are a plus.

  • Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment with Directors, Producers, and technology leads, often in rapidly evolving, experimental pipelines.

  • Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio showcasing the ability to create compelling narratives using AI tools. Demonstrates excellence and inspiration in storytelling, visual comedy, and innovative thinking, with a strong understanding of how to leverage generative AI tools to enhance creative storytelling.

  • Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools and quickly pivot in this fast-moving field where workflows and creative approaches are being developed in real time.

  • High level of independence and initiative, as production support structures and workflows will be evolving alongside the creative process.


This job may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If so, pay for the position is governed by the currently effective applicable collective bargaining agreement and thus will be no less than $62.74 an hour and up to any better conditions and terms negotiated and obtained as expressly provided therein.

Depending on whether you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, INK benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.


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About Netflix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Gatos, CA, US

Year founded

1997