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Trainee Indie Animation Studio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virtuos

Management Trainee

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Formed by a team of animation advocates and industry veterans, our studio in Los Angeles offers a variety of content production services, from facial and body modelling, rigging, look development, to ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Seattle, WA

You'llwork directly with studios, VFX houses, and creative leadership to take Firefly Foundry from ... Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You'llwork directly with studios, VFX houses, and creative leadership to take Firefly Foundry from ... Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

You'llwork directly with studios, VFX houses, and creative leadership to take Firefly Foundry from ... Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You'llwork directly with studios, VFX houses, and creative leadership to take Firefly Foundry from ... Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work ...

Adobe, Inc.

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You'll work directly with studios, VFX houses, and creative leadership to take Firefly Foundry from ... It ships a coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work ...

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Trainee Indie Animation Studio information

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How much do trainee indie animation studio jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee indie animation studio in the United States is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee at an indie animation studio, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee at an Indie Animation Studio, you typically need foundational skills in animation principles, drawing, and storytelling, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with animation software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Blender is highly valued. Creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills help trainees contribute effectively to collaborative projects. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations and integrating smoothly into a fast-paced, creative studio environment.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a trainee at an indie animation studio?

As a trainee at an indie animation studio, you'll often assist with a variety of tasks ranging from storyboarding and character design to helping with basic animation sequences or post-production editing. You'll work closely with experienced animators and directors, gaining hands-on experience across different stages of the animation pipeline. The smaller team environment typical of indie studios means you'll likely have opportunities to contribute ideas and take on more diverse responsibilities, accelerating your learning. This role is ideal for developing a strong foundation in animation and building a professional portfolio.

What is the difference between Trainee Indie Animation Studio vs Junior Animator?

AspectTrainee Indie Animation StudioJunior Animator
CredentialsOften enrolled in or recently completed relevant courses or degreesTypically holds a degree or diploma in animation or related field
Work EnvironmentSmall indie studio or self-directed projectsEstablished animation studios or media companies
Industry UsageUsed for entry-level or learning roles in indie settingsCommonly used in professional studio settings for early-career roles

The main difference is that a Trainee Indie Animation Studio is usually an entry-level or learning position within an indie or small studio environment, often involving mentorship or self-guided projects. A Junior Animator, on the other hand, is a more established role in professional studios, requiring some prior experience or education, and involves contributing to ongoing animation projects in a team setting.

What is a trainee indie animation studio?

A Trainee Indie Animation Studio is an entry-level position at a small, independent animation company where individuals learn the fundamentals of animation production. Trainees typically assist with tasks such as storyboarding, character design, and animation software operation under the guidance of experienced animators. This role is designed to help newcomers gain practical experience, develop their creative skills, and understand the workflow of indie animation projects. It's an excellent starting point for those looking to build a career in animation, especially within the independent film or media sector.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Indie Animation Studio jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Indie Animation Studio job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Animation Studio jobs? The most popular types of Indie Animation Studio jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Indie Animation Studio jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Indie Animation Studio jobs include:
Trainee Indie Animation Studio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Indie Animation Studio job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 64% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,104 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Management Trainee

Virtuos

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description


PLAY, GROW and WIN
To be a part of Virtuos means to be a creator.
At Virtuos, we harness the latest technologies to make games better and more immersive than ever before. That is why we pride ourselves on constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility since our founding in 2004.
At Virtuos, we are right at the forefront of gaming, creating exciting new experiences every day. So, join us to Play, Grow and Win - together.
Responsibilities
  • Analyze and Improve Processes: Examine departmental workflows to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, quality, and innovation.
  • Support Project Management: Assist in tracking project milestones, coordinating tasks, and updating documentation to ensure timely delivery.
  • Contribute to Cross-Functional Projects: Apply analytical and creative thinking to solve business challenges within teams from different disciplines.
  • Engage in Stakeholder Meetings: Participate in client and internal meetings to develop skills in negotiation, presentation, and relationship management.
  • Utilize Specialized Tools: Learn and operate industry-specific software and systems (e.g., project management platforms, art tools, ERP systems) to complete departmental tasks.
  • Develop and Deliver Presentations: Create and present insights, project updates, and analytical findings to department leads and small groups.
  • Apply Problem-Solving: Address real-world challenges in production or operations by proposing data-driven and innovative solutions.
  • Collaborate in a Global Team: Work effectively with international colleagues across different studios, adapting communication to a diverse, multicultural environment.

Qualifications
  • A minimum of a bachelor's degree in management or engineering from a leading international University.
  • Ability to learn new skills quickly and possess high levels of self-motivation.
  • Mature personality, able to manage relationships at a senior level and appreciate multicultural working environments.
  • Open and international mindset.
  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills to solve complex issues within tight deadlines.
  • Great written and oral communication skills, with an emphasis on ability to synthesize.
  • Passionate about games and digital culture.
  • Excellent math and computational ability.
  • Effective communication skills.

About Us
Founded in 2004, Virtuos is one of the largest independent video game development companies. We are headquartered in Singapore with offices in Asia, Europe, and North America. Specializing in full-cycle game development and art production, we have delivered high-quality content for more than 1,500 console, PC, and mobile games. Our clients include 23 of the top 25 gaming companies worldwide.
About Our Team
Before joining the Virtuos family in 2020, CounterPunch spent the last decade servicing the CG industry, developing a deep expertise in animation production. Our studio has worked on some of the biggest AAA titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Uncharted Lost Legacy, Mortal Kombat 11, Last of Us 2, and Halo Infinite.
Formed by a team of animation advocates and industry veterans, our studio in Los Angeles offers a variety of content production services, from facial and body modelling, rigging, look development, to keyframe and motion-capture animation. As a member studio of Virtuos, CounterPunch can provide a full range of services in 3D art and game development services to our clients, on top of our animation expertise.
About the Team
• Competitive compensation and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vison & 401(K) match with no vesting required)
• Paid annual vacation and sick leave
• Paid Parental leave available from day 1
• Research and Development Opportunities
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• World-class talent with experience on some of the industry's biggest games
• Developing video games with some of the most well-known publishers (2K, Sony, Square Enix, Activision, Microsoft, etc)
• People focused culture
• Career and international mobility opportunities with Virtuos Internal Mobility Program
People matter. Diverse opinions and experiences matter. At Virtuos, our talented teams are the cornerstone of our success, and we recognize that fostering and advocating for inclusivity is at the center of what we do best - we make games better, together. Virtuos is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity of thought, expression, culture, and backgrounds.

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