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. 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 Search for Animator jobs in Los Angeles, CA or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.Robert Half can assist you with your animator recruitment needs in Los Angeles.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Animate
Adobe Flash
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Animation
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Character Animation
Characters
Design
Salary for Animator in Los Angeles, CA
$83,513 - $119,538
25th percentile
$83,513
New to the role, with little or no experience; requires more than casual instruction or supervision to perform day-to-day duties
50th percentile
$100,215
Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role
75th percentile
$119,538
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 $104,473 $128,053 $151,305 3D Animator $84,823 $100,215 $123,468 3D Modeler $74,343 $92,355 $113,315 Digital Artist $73,360 $91,373 $114,298 Presentation Designer $76,963 $96,285 $110,695 Graphic Designer $66,810 $86,460 $102,180 Packaging Designer $70,740 $85,805 $105,128 Illustrator/Infographics Designer $66,483 $80,238 $98,250 Photo Retoucher $60,588 $79,583 $102,180 Photographer $57,313 $75,653 $94,975 Production Artist $67,793 $79,910 $89,080 Production Coordinator $60,915 $65,500 $77,290
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