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Trainee Visual Effects Animator Jobs in Wisconsin

WI · On-site

$99 - $184/hr

Player Profile 8+ total years of Visual Effects experience, with 2+ years in a Lead role, in real ... Experience in a secondary area such as modeling, animation, or lighting. * Experience with basic ...

New

WI · On-site

$82 - $152/hr

Player Profile * 8+ total years of Visual Effects experience in real-time game development or ... Experience in a secondary area such as modeling, animation, or lighting. * Experience with basic ...

New

Blender Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Milwaukee, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

... animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Video Producer/Editor

West Bend, WI · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Experience with AI-assisted creative tools, generative video platforms, or production automation Motion graphics, animation, color-grading, sound-design, or visual-effects experience Background in ...

Create lighting, materials, environments, and visual effects that align with brand standards and campaign objectives. * Produce stills and animations as needed. * Create and refine AI-generated ...

Lead 3D Artist

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Create lighting, materials, environments, and visual effects that align with brand standards and campaign objectives. * Produce stills and animations as needed. * Create and refine AI-generated ...

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Lead 3D Artist

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Create lighting, materials, environments, and visual effects that align with brand standards and campaign objectives. * Produce stills and animations as needed. * Create and refine AI-generated ...

New

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Trainee Visual Effects Animator information

What does a trainee visual effects animator do?

A Trainee Visual Effects Animator assists in creating digital effects for films, television, games, and other media. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced animators, learning how to use specialized software to produce realistic movements, simulate environments, or enhance live-action footage. Their tasks may include preparing assets, creating simple animations, and supporting the VFX team in daily operations. This role is often an entry-level position, providing a pathway to more advanced roles within the visual effects industry.

What are the typical daily tasks and collaborative processes for a trainee visual effects animator?

As a Trainee Visual Effects Animator, your daily tasks often include assisting senior animators with creating and refining computer-generated imagery, preparing assets for animation, and learning industry-standard software. You'll frequently attend team meetings to discuss project requirements and receive feedback on your work. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with artists, compositors, and technical directors to ensure your animations integrate seamlessly into the final production. This role provides valuable exposure to various stages of the VFX pipeline and is designed to help you build foundational skills for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee visual effects animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Visual Effects Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, a relevant degree or diploma in animation or media, and a strong portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, After Effects, and Nuke, as well as a basic knowledge of rendering and compositing techniques, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality visual content and seamless integration into production pipelines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Trainee Visual Effects Animator vs Junior Visual Effects Artist?

AspectTrainee Visual Effects AnimatorJunior Visual Effects Artist
CredentialsBasic diploma or certification, some trainingRelevant degree or certification, some experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training projectsProfessional projects, collaborative teams
Industry UsageLearning phase, internship or apprenticeshipActive contributor to visual effects production

The main difference is that a Trainee Visual Effects Animator is in the learning stage, focusing on gaining skills under supervision, while a Junior Visual Effects Artist is an entry-level professional actively working on projects with more independence. The trainee role emphasizes training and skill development, whereas the junior role involves applying those skills in real-world projects.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Trainee Visual Effects Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Visual Effects Animator job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Senior VFX Artist - Raven - Middleton, WI

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

Middleton, WI • On-site

$106K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Activision Blizzard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 78 rated media


Job description

Job Title:Senior VFX Artist - Raven - Middleton, WIRequisition ID:R028049Job Description:

Your Mission

Raven Software is seekingahighly capable, motivatedSeniorVFX Artisttoplay a keyroleon our team, partner acrossdisciplines, and shape compelling visual effects. We are looking for a driven, trusted, andself-sufficientartistto own VFX developmenttasks,solvetechnical and creativechallenges,anddeliver industry-leading visual effects for the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise.

Qualified candidateswill beadaptableto evolving development needs, possess excellent communication skills,navigatethetechnical andcreativechallengesof VFX development, anddelivervisual effectsatthe scale, quality, and complexity expected of aAAAblockbuster franchise.Theywillpartner with some of the most talented and passionate developers in the industryto contribute high-quality VFXandsupport projectgoals,elevatingthe quality and execution of our visual effects.Above all, we are looking for an innovative and dedicated teammate to help tell our story.

This role is based in our Middleton, WI office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs.

YourResponsibilities

  • Work closely with theVFX Lead,Art Director, and cross-discipline partnersto bringambience,life,and drama toenvironments,gameplay,and cinematics.
  • Craftand implementcompellingparticle effects and systems that communicate essential game information.
  • Meet and exceedvisual and technical qualitytargetsto delivercutting-edge,AAA-worthy VFX.
  • Prototype VFXsystems,particlematerials,andimproveworkflowsto achieve the desired tone and gameplay needs.
  • Contribute toVFX R&D efforts, partnering with experts within and across disciplines tostreamline tools and processeswhile championingbest practices and strong visual quality.
  • Research subject matter and visual referencesto provide authentic, grounded, and impactful visual effects.
  • Take high-level direction andownday-to-day executionon VFX tasksand initiatives.
  • Partner with artists, designers,and programmersto be a trustedchampionofperformance, efficiency, and quality.
  • Inspire and mentor others as a role model of initiative, accountability, and attitude.
  • Foster acollaborative environment throughopencommunication, constructive feedback, anda willingness to share knowledge and expertise.
  • Hold a high barfor quality, execution, and accountability.
  • SupportLeads andProductionbyestimatingtasksandachievable scope formilestone deliveries.
  • Contribute creative and original ideas that elevatethe quality of our games and enhance our production processes.

Player Profile

  • 8+ total years of Visual Effects experiencein real-time game development or equivalent experience in film/television.
  • Passionate and egoless attitude that welcomes feedback and enjoys a collaborative, iterative,fast-movingand adaptiveworkflow.
  • Ability to quickly learn new software and adapt to proprietary tools.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, andproblem-solvingskills.
  • Proven ability to manage VFX tasks independently, take high-level direction, andfollow through with strong execution.
  • Expert experience with game development engines and particle effects tools(Unreal, Unity, or equivalent proprietary engines).
  • Strongexperience with relevant 2D and 3D software(Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, Max, Houdini, Substance Designer, EmberGen, or similar tools).
  • Strong understandingof real-time VFXworkflows,physicssimulations,shader development,post-processingtechniques, and industry trendsforvisual effects creation.
  • An inspiring reeldemonstrating strong,realistic visual effects,modern developmentworkflows, andcreative solutions to development challenges.

Extra Points

  • Experience working with the Call of Duty tools or other proprietary engines.
  • Experience in a secondary area such as modeling, animation, or lighting.
  • Experience with basic scripting.
  • Experience with procedural workflows and tools.
  • Understanding ofreal-time physics systems.
  • Familiarity with performance optimization for console and PC.
  • Passion for the Call of Duty franchise.
  • Strong traditional art foundation.

Your Platform

Founded in 1990 by brothers Brian and Steve Raffel in Middleton, Wisconsin, Raven Software began as a small studio focused on crafting fantasy and role-playing games. Since then, our award-winning portfolio has grown to include beloved titles such as Hexen, Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, and - for the past 15 years - major contributions to the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. As the lead developers behind Call of Duty: Warzone and the force behind the campaigns of the Black Ops series, most recently Black Ops 6, we have established ourselves as a key player in shaping the FPS genre and pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve.

Our motto, "Our Work Speaks For Us," symbolizes the dedication and passion that drives everything we do. We've built a team rooted in respect, collaboration, and a shared focus on what's best for the game. We prioritize ambition balanced with care, direct communication, and a culture free of egos. By fostering innovation and owning our mistakes, we continually push boundaries to create unforgettable games for our players. As a studio located in Middleton - a suburb of Madison consistently ranked among the best places to live - we offer a thriving, supportive environment paired with exceptional quality of life.

As we grow and enter the next chapter of our journey, we're looking for talented individuals eager to pave new ground in our industry. If you're ready to work with a world-class team, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Opportunities:https://careers.ravensoftware.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/raven-software/

Our World

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our "press start" is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We're not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we're forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.

We're in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater - this could be your opportunity to level up.

Ready to Activate Your Future?

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $82,240.00 - $152,160.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

What Activision Blizzard employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Activision Blizzard logo

About Activision Blizzard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Monica, CA, US

Year founded

2008

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