291 Lead Animator jobs in the United States
Lead Animator & Motion Graphics Designer
21201 Baltimore, Maryland
$100000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 18 days ago
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Job Description
Our client is looking for a highly creative and technically proficient Lead Animator & Motion Graphics Designer to join our fully remote team. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead creative projects for a variety of clients across diverse industries, bringing stories and concepts to life through compelling animation and motion graphics. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing high-quality animation sequences, kinetic typography, character animation, and dynamic visual effects. Your role will involve collaborating with art directors, designers, and content creators to develop innovative visual solutions that meet project objectives and brand guidelines. Key responsibilities include directing animation workflows, mentoring junior animators, ensuring stylistic consistency, and managing multiple projects simultaneously within deadlines. The ideal candidate possesses a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills, a deep understanding of animation principles, and mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Maya, or equivalent. Experience in storyboarding, character rigging, and 3D animation is highly desirable. You should have a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of timing and pacing, and the ability to translate abstract ideas into engaging visual narratives. This role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to work effectively independently in a remote setting. You will play a crucial role in elevating our clients' visual communications and brand storytelling.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Lead the creative direction and execution of animation and motion graphics projects.
- Design and produce high-quality 2D and 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects.
- Develop storyboards, animatics, and style frames to visualize concepts.
- Create character animations, kinetic typography, logo animations, and explainer videos.
- Collaborate with art directors and designers to ensure alignment with brand identity and project goals.
- Manage animation pipelines and workflows, ensuring efficient project delivery.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior animators and designers.
- Operate and maintain animation software and hardware, staying current with industry advancements.
- Conduct research and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in animation and motion graphics.
- Present creative concepts and final deliverables to clients and internal teams.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to animation production.
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 7+ years of experience in animation and motion graphics design, with a proven track record of leading projects.
- Exceptional portfolio demonstrating a wide range of animation and motion design skills.
- Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and other relevant Adobe Creative Suite applications.
- Strong skills in 3D animation software such as Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
- Solid understanding of animation principles, timing, spacing, and visual storytelling.
- Experience with character rigging and animation.
- Knowledge of visual effects (VFX) principles and techniques.
- Excellent understanding of color theory, composition, and typography.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote environment.
- Experience with rendering engines and compositing software is a plus.
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0
Lead Animator
63101 St. Louis, Missouri
$85000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted today
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Job Description
Our client, a prestigious entertainment studio based in **St. Louis, Missouri, US**, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Lead Animator to join their dynamic team. This role is crucial in shaping the visual storytelling and character performances within our groundbreaking projects. The Lead Animator will be responsible for guiding a team of animators, ensuring the highest quality of animation, and maintaining artistic consistency across all deliverables. You will work closely with directors, art leads, and other stakeholders to bring characters and worlds to life, embodying emotional depth and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
- Oversee the animation pipeline from pre-visualization to final polish, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
- Develop and implement animation styles and techniques that align with the overall artistic vision of our projects.
- Collaborate with character designers, riggers, and technical directors to achieve desired character performance and workflow efficiency.
- Review animation shots, provide detailed notes, and ensure all animation meets the required aesthetic and technical specifications.
- Troubleshoot animation challenges and develop innovative solutions to overcome technical or artistic hurdles.
- Contribute to the animation process by creating high-quality character animations and effects for key sequences.
- Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and production reviews.
- Maintain strong communication with project managers and other department heads to ensure seamless integration of animation work.
- Stay current with industry trends, new software, and animation techniques to continually elevate our production quality.
- Proven experience as a Lead Animator or Senior Animator in the animation or gaming industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation skills.
- Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, or similar.
- Deep understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and appeal.
- Experience managing and mentoring a team of animators.
- Excellent understanding of anatomy, physics, and believable movement.
- Strong artistic eye and a passion for storytelling.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
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1
Lead Animator
97201 Portland, Oregon
$125000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted today
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Job Description
Our client, a globally recognized leader in interactive entertainment, is looking for an exceptional Lead Animator to join their fully remote team. Based in Portland, Oregon, US , this role is a cornerstone of our client's creative department, driving the visual storytelling and character performance for their groundbreaking projects. As a remote-first organization, we provide the tools, infrastructure, and collaborative environment necessary for you to excel from anywhere. The Lead Animator will be responsible for:
Qualifications:
This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of interactive experiences from the comfort of your home office. If you're a visionary animator ready to lead and inspire, we encourage you to apply.
- Overseeing and guiding the animation team in creating high-quality character and environmental animations that align with the artistic vision and technical requirements of our games.
- Developing and implementing animation pipelines, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Crafting compelling and lifelike animations for key characters and dramatic sequences, contributing directly to the emotional impact of our titles.
- Mentoring and providing constructive feedback to junior and senior animators, fostering their professional growth and ensuring adherence to project goals.
- Collaborating closely with game designers, art directors, and technical artists to bring virtual worlds and characters to life.
- Reviewing animation assets, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and polish.
- Troubleshooting animation-related technical challenges and working with engineers to implement solutions.
- Contributing to the overall creative direction and narrative of the projects through animated storytelling.
- Championing innovative animation techniques and tools to push the boundaries of visual expression in games.
Qualifications:
- Extensive experience (8+ years) in character animation for video games, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
- A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills, character performance, and technical understanding.
- Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
- Deep understanding of animation principles, timing, weight, and appeal.
- Experience managing and motivating a remote animation team.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, particularly in a distributed work environment.
- A passion for gaming and a keen eye for detail and artistic quality.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of interactive experiences from the comfort of your home office. If you're a visionary animator ready to lead and inspire, we encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
2
Lead Animator
45201 Cincinnati, Ohio
$100000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 1 day ago
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Job Description
Our client is a cutting-edge digital media studio renowned for its groundbreaking work in animation and visual storytelling. We are actively seeking a highly talented and experienced Lead Animator to join our creative powerhouse in **Cincinnati, Ohio, US**. This role is critical in guiding our animation team, shaping the visual style, and bringing characters and worlds to life with exceptional artistry and technical skill. You will collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other departments to ensure the highest quality output for our diverse range of projects, including feature films, animated series, and interactive experiences. This position requires a strong understanding of animation principles, excellent leadership capabilities, and a keen eye for detail.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing artistic direction and technical guidance.
- Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficiency and quality from storyboarding to final rendering.
- Collaborate with directors and art leads to define and maintain the visual style and tone of projects.
- Create high-quality character animations, motion graphics, and visual effects.
- Perform complex character animation, including facial expressions, body mechanics, and performance acting.
- Review and provide constructive feedback on animation work from team members.
- Develop and refine animation techniques and workflows.
- Troubleshoot and solve technical challenges within the animation process.
- Ensure animation assets meet project deadlines and quality standards.
- Contribute to the development of rigging systems and character setups.
- Stay current with industry trends, software advancements, and new animation technologies.
- Participate in pre-production meetings, providing animation insights and feasibility assessments.
- Work closely with the lighting and compositing teams to achieve the final look.
- Present animation work and progress to stakeholders.
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 7 years of professional animation experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills in character animation, performance, and motion.
- Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar.
- Solid understanding of animation principles, cinematography, and storytelling.
- Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration.
- Knowledge of rigging and character setup is a plus.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Experience with real-time engines like Unreal Engine or Unity is an advantage.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
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3
Lead Animator
95814 Sacramento, California
$105000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 10 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Our client is searching for a visionary and highly skilled Lead Animator to join their groundbreaking team. This is a fully remote position, providing an unparalleled opportunity to contribute your creative talents from anywhere. You will be responsible for guiding the animation team, defining animation styles, and ensuring the highest quality of animated sequences for interactive and linear media projects. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of animation principles, character performance, motion graphics, and expertise in industry-standard animation software. You will mentor junior animators, collaborate closely with directors and art leads, and play a critical role in bringing characters and worlds to life with breathtaking visual fidelity. This role demands a strong artistic sensibility, excellent leadership qualities, and the ability to inspire and motivate a remote team to achieve exceptional creative outcomes.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
- Define and maintain the animation style and quality standards for projects.
- Oversee the creation of high-quality character animation, motion graphics, and visual effects.
- Collaborate with directors, art leads, and other stakeholders to achieve the creative vision.
- Develop and implement animation pipelines and workflows for efficient production.
- Ensure timely delivery of animation assets according to project schedules.
- Troubleshoot animation technical issues and provide solutions.
- Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.
- Contribute to character rigging and setup as needed.
- Review and approve animation work from the team.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative remote working environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 7+ years of professional experience in animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality animation for games, film, or interactive media.
- Expertise in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) and 2D animation software (e.g., After Effects, Toon Boom).
- Strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and appeal.
- Excellent grasp of character performance, lip-sync, and storytelling through motion.
- Proficiency in motion graphics and visual effects is a plus.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to provide clear artistic direction and feedback.
- Experience managing and motivating remote teams.
- A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills and artistic talent.
Apply Now
4
Lead Animator
92101 San Diego Country Estates, California
$115000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 11 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Our client is looking for a highly skilled and creative Lead Animator to guide their animation team in producing compelling visual content. This role is central to bringing characters and environments to life, ensuring a consistent and high-quality artistic vision across projects. You will be responsible for directing animation workflows, mentoring junior animators, and ensuring the technical and artistic excellence of all animated sequences. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in animation leadership, a strong understanding of animation principles, and expertise in industry-standard animation software. You will collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and other production staff to achieve project goals and deadlines. This position offers a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing guidance on animation techniques and artistic direction.
- Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of assets.
- Create high-quality character animation, motion graphics, and visual effects.
- Collaborate with directors and art directors to define the animation style and ensure artistic consistency.
- Review animation work, providing constructive feedback to team members.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges and develop solutions for animation production.
- Contribute to the development of animation tools and pipelines.
- Ensure animation assets meet project requirements and technical specifications.
- Manage animation schedules and resource allocation.
- Stay current with industry trends and advancements in animation technology.
Apply Now
5
Lead Animator
92101 San Diego Country Estates, California
$100000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 14 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Animator for a fully remote position. This is an exciting opportunity to guide a team of animators and contribute to the creation of visually stunning and engaging animated content for various media projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the animation pipeline, setting artistic direction, and ensuring the quality and consistency of animation work. Key duties include developing animation concepts, creating high-quality character and environment animations, mentoring junior animators, and providing constructive feedback. You will collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other production staff to bring creative visions to life. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills, a deep understanding of animation principles, and experience with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max). Proven leadership experience and the ability to effectively manage and motivate an animation team are essential. You should be adept at problem-solving, R&D into new animation techniques, and R&D into pipeline optimization. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for working effectively with a remote team. This role demands creativity, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for storytelling through animation. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual style and technical execution of our animated productions, ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence. This remote position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to impactful and innovative projects. Your artistic vision and technical expertise will be instrumental in elevating our animation output and delighting audiences. We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire a team to achieve groundbreaking results in the field of animation.
Apply Now
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6
Lead Animator
49503 Grand Rapids, Michigan
$90000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 16 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a renowned creative studio, is looking for an exceptional Lead Animator to join their team. This is an in-office position located in **Grand Rapids, Michigan, US**. As the Lead Animator, you will be responsible for overseeing the animation department, guiding a team of talented animators to produce high-quality animated content for various projects. You will set the artistic vision for animation, ensuring consistency in style and quality across all deliverables. Key responsibilities include directing animation sequences, providing constructive feedback, mentoring junior animators, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. You will collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and other key stakeholders to bring creative visions to life. Strong proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or similar is essential. A deep understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and storytelling is required. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, with a minimum of 7 years of experience in animation production, including at least 2 years in a leadership role. A strong portfolio showcasing a range of animation styles and projects is mandatory. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are crucial for effectively guiding the team and collaborating with cross-functional departments. Join our vibrant creative community in **Grand Rapids, Michigan, US** and contribute to innovative and engaging animated experiences.
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7
Lead Animator
85001 Whispering Pines, Arizona
$100000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 18 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Animator to spearhead the animation efforts for their exciting new projects in Phoenix, Arizona, US . This role will operate on a hybrid model, combining on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be responsible for overseeing the animation team, establishing animation pipelines, and ensuring the highest quality of character and environmental animation. The ideal candidate possesses a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic skill, a deep understanding of animation principles, and proven leadership capabilities. You will work closely with directors, game designers, and technical artists to bring characters and worlds to life, ensuring animation aligns with the overall artistic vision and gameplay requirements. This position requires excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to mentor and guide junior animators. Join a creative studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and interactive entertainment. Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
- Lead and mentor a team of animators.
- Establish and refine animation pipelines and workflows.
- Direct and review character and environmental animation.
- Ensure animation quality, consistency, and performance meet project standards.
- Collaborate with art and design teams to achieve artistic vision.
- Create high-quality animation samples and benchmarks.
- Troubleshoot and resolve animation-related technical issues.
- Contribute to the development of animation style guides and best practices.
- Manage animation schedules and task assignments.
- Stay current with animation techniques and industry trends.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
- 5+ years of experience in 3D character animation, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
- Strong portfolio showcasing outstanding animation skills and leadership.
- Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).
- Deep understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, and weight.
- Experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is a plus.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback and motivate team members.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Experience working in a hybrid or collaborative studio environment.
Apply Now
8
Lead Animator
97204 Portland, Oregon
$85000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 18 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Our client, a renowned name in the entertainment industry, is seeking a highly creative and experienced Lead Animator to join their dynamic team in **Portland, Oregon, US**. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual storytelling of groundbreaking projects.
The Lead Animator will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the animation department, ensuring the highest quality of work across all projects. This includes mentoring junior animators, establishing animation pipelines, and collaborating closely with directors and art leads to bring characters and environments to life. You will play a pivotal role in defining the animation style, developing character performances, and ensuring consistency and excellence throughout the production process.
Key responsibilities include:
The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills and a proven track record of leading animation teams. A deep understanding of animation principles, anatomy, physics, and cinematic storytelling is essential. Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) is required. Experience with motion capture data cleanup and integration is a plus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective team leadership and collaboration. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation in **Portland, Oregon, US**.
The Lead Animator will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the animation department, ensuring the highest quality of work across all projects. This includes mentoring junior animators, establishing animation pipelines, and collaborating closely with directors and art leads to bring characters and environments to life. You will play a pivotal role in defining the animation style, developing character performances, and ensuring consistency and excellence throughout the production process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing a team of animators, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
- Developing and implementing animation workflows and best practices.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams including art, design, and programming to achieve project goals.
- Creating high-quality character animations, creature animations, and special effects.
- Ensuring animation quality meets or exceeds project standards and artistic vision.
- Troubleshooting animation issues and proposing effective solutions.
- Maintaining a keen eye for detail in movement, timing, and performance.
- Contributing to the overall creative development of projects.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills and a proven track record of leading animation teams. A deep understanding of animation principles, anatomy, physics, and cinematic storytelling is essential. Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) is required. Experience with motion capture data cleanup and integration is a plus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective team leadership and collaboration. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation in **Portland, Oregon, US**.
Apply Now
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