Animator Jobs
Animator jobs are open across entertainment, gaming, advertising, and e-learning, from junior and mid-level to lead and art director, with specializations in 2D, 3D, motion graphics, and character animation. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Animator jobs
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.
Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retro Studios is looking for an Animator! We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs!
We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project.
DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES:
- You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves.
- You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story.
- We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term.
- Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills.
- You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process.
- You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates.
- You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together.
- Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position?
This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles.
- A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience.
- Considerable experience animating in Maya.
- Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education.
- Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each.
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.
Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retro Studios is looking for an Animator! We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs!
We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project.
DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES:
- You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves.
- You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story.
- We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term.
- Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills.
- You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process.
- You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates.
- You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together.
- Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position?
This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles.
- A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience.
- Considerable experience animating in Maya.
- Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education.
- Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each.
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Find Animator JobsAnimator Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- LF Studios3
- 2K Games2
- Nintendo2
- Collabera1
- CrossCountry Mortgage1
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software5
- Distribution & Wholesale2
- Banking & Financial Services1
- Construction & Real Estate1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in animator jobs.
- Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, or After Effects
- A professional demo reel demonstrating character, motion, or motion-graphics animation
- Understanding of the 12 principles of animation applied to production work
- Experience with rigging, skinning, or working within pre-rigged character systems
- Ability to interpret storyboards and hit timing notes from directors or clients
- Bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, or equivalent portfolio experience
Tips for Your Animator Job Search
Tailor your reel to each application
A general demo reel loses hiring managers fast. Edit a custom version for each role that front-loads the style closest to that studio's output, whether that's stylized 2D, photorealistic 3D, or motion graphics. Two minutes or under is the standard.
Filter openings by software stack
Animator job listings vary widely between Maya, Blender, After Effects, and Toon Boom workflows. Before you apply, confirm the listed tools match your production experience so you're not eliminated in the first round of review.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists animator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show process work alongside finished pieces
Directors want to see how you solve problems, not just the polished result. Include breakdowns, reference sheets, or playblasts in your portfolio so reviewers can assess your technique and shot planning before the interview.
Prepare a shot breakdown for your interview
Most animation interviews involve walking through a reel clip in detail. Practice explaining your role on a shot, the feedback cycles you went through, and the technical constraints you worked within. Vague answers on your own work are a common stumbling block.
Negotiate start date around reel revisions
If you receive an offer while your reel is mid-revision, it's common to ask for a two-to-three-week delayed start rather than withdrawing from other processes. Studios expect this, and it lets you finish strong before onboarding.
Animator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most animators?
The companies hiring the most animators right now include LF Studios, 2K Games, and Nintendo, with the largest share of openings in Ohio, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is strongest in gaming, streaming, and e-learning production companies.
How many animator jobs are remote?
About 23% of animator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how widely animation production pipelines have shifted to cloud-based tools and remote review workflows. Motion graphics and e-learning animation roles tend to carry the highest share of remote opportunities compared to character animation in film or games.
How do you become a animator?
Start by building foundational drawing and timing skills, then learn at least one production-standard software package such as Maya or After Effects through coursework or self-guided practice. Develop a focused demo reel that shows a specific style or discipline, refine it with feedback from working animators, and apply to entry-level or junior positions where you can build on-set or on-pipeline experience.
How do you get hired as an animator with little or no experience?
Focus your reel on quality over quantity, two or three strong shots beat a long reel of uneven work. Target smaller studios, in-house marketing teams, and e-learning companies, which tend to hire junior animators more readily than large film or game studios. Internships, freelance contract work, and animation bootcamp projects all count as production experience in your portfolio.
What does the animator interview process look like?
Most animator interviews begin with a reel review where you walk a hiring manager or art director through specific shots and explain your creative and technical decisions. A skills test or paid trial assignment is common at mid-level studios, typically a short scene or a timing exercise using provided rigs. Final rounds often involve a team interview to assess how you take direction and respond to notes.
Where can I find and apply to animator jobs?
You can find and apply to animator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All Animator Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any animator role that fits.
Find Animator Jobs