Animator

Animator Job Description

Animators breathe life and personality into characters, scenes and other animation elements used to tell stories in cartoons, films, video games, commercials, social media and more. These creative professionals create and sequence multiple images, referred to as “frames,” to give the illusion of movement. An animator might employ digital images, hand-drawn illustrations, models or other types of images and props to create special effects and other animations using computer-generated animation, 2D or 3D model-making, or stop-frame tools and techniques. Employers seek animators with a vivid imagination who are collaborative and receptive to feedback and can work diligently under pressure. Multimedia experience, including in emerging areas like virtual reality (VR), and video editing expertise are highly valued. A bachelor’s degree in computer animation, fine arts or graphic arts is often preferred for this role. Most employers will require candidates to provide a solid portfolio of relevant creative work, including hand-drawn character designs and animation clips.

Typical animator duties:

Creating character sketches, designing backgrounds and other elements, and developing storyboards for animation projectsReading through scripts, and brainstorming and conceptualizing compelling images to help tell stories in an engaging, memorable wayWorking closely with a wide range of team members throughout projects, including artists, story editors, photographers, designers, other animators, voice actors and producersEnsuring final deliverables are high quality and delivered on time and on budget

Looking for an animator or an animator job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.Robert Half can assist you with your animator recruitment needs.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Animate
Adobe Flash
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Animation
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Character Animation
Characters
Design
Salary for Animator
63750 - 91250
25th percentile
63750
New to the role, with little or no experience; requires more than casual instruction or supervision to perform day-to-day duties
50th percentile
76500
Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role
75th percentile
91250
Value to the organization goes far beyond the ability to perform normal job duties; has rare qualifications that enable consistent contribution in unique ways; ready for next career level when available
Projected salaries for related positions Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile Art Director 79750 97750 115500 3D Animator 64750 76500 94250 3D Modeler 56750 70500 86500 Digital Artist 56000 69750 87250 Presentation Designer 58750 73500 84500 Graphic Designer 51000 66000 78000 Packaging Designer 54000 65500 80250 Illustrator/Infographics Designer 50750 61250 75000 Photo Retoucher 46250 60750 78000 Photographer 43750 57750 72500 Production Artist 51750 61000 68000 Production Coordinator 46500 50000 59000

Newest Animator jobs

3D Animator Motion Graphics Designer Multimedia Production Designer Multimedia Freelancer See More

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.
Robert Half Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.   Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Australia - English Belgium - English Belgium - Nederlands Belgium - Français Brazil - Português Canada - English Canada - Français Chile - Español China - English China - 中文 France - Français Germany - Deutsch Hong Kong, China - English Ireland - English Japan - English Japan - 日本語 Luxembourg - Français Luxembourg - English Netherlands - English Netherlands - Nederlands New Zealand - English Singapore - English Switzerland - Deutsch Switzerland - English Switzerland - Français United Arab Emirates - English United Kingdom - English United States - English