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If you’ve Googled “animator job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles that all look the same.
A few bullet points.
Some vague lines about “creating animations.”
And maybe a generic list of software tools.
The problem?
None of that actually helps you attract a great animator.
It doesn’t show candidates what your studio is like, why the work matters, or what kind of creative energy you’re looking for. And when your job post feels this generic, the best animators—the ones with both technical skill and artistic vision—will scroll right past you.
The truth is, a job description isn’t just a list of duties. It’s your first chance to excite, connect with, and inspire the right talent to join your team.
So in this article, we’re not just giving you a copy-paste template.
We’ll walk you through what an animator job post should actually include, share two ready-to-use templates (for experienced and entry-level candidates), break down why they work, show you a bad example to avoid, and give you extra tips to stand out—plus, a smarter way to evaluate applicants so you can hire with confidence.
Before we dive in, if you haven’t yet read our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ , it’s worth checking out. In it, we explain why most job posts fail, how to structure them for impact, and the small details that make all the difference.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What an Animator Actually Does - Their Roles
An animator is more than just “someone who makes things move.”
They bring ideas to life—whether it’s a character in a film, a visual effect in a commercial, or a product demo for a brand. Using a mix of creativity, storytelling, and technical skill, animators turn static concepts into dynamic, engaging visuals that connect with audiences.
Depending on the project, they might be:
- Designing characters and environments from scratch.
- Creating storyboards to map out scenes.
- Using software like Adobe After Effects, Blender, Maya, or Toon Boom to craft smooth, believable motion.
- Collaborating with writers, directors, and designers to match the animation style to the project’s tone and goals.
It’s not just about technical ability, though. Great animators also have a strong sense of timing, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt their style for different clients or creative visions. They’re problem-solvers as much as they are artists.
In short: an animator doesn’t just follow instructions—they help tell the story. And in many cases, their work is the part audiences remember most.
Two Great Animator Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Animator (Culture-First, Senior-Level)
🎯 Job Title: Senior 2D/3D Animator — Shape High-Impact Campaigns at FrameForge Studios
📍 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid) | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $68,000–$82,000 (DOE)
🎬 Watch this 60-second intro from our Creative Director
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
FrameForge Studios is a design-led animation studio in Austin crafting story-driven motion for national brands and high-growth startups. Our work spans commercial spots, product explainers, and game cinematics. We’re a 22-person team of directors, designers, and technical artists who believe every frame should earn its place. Recent work: a motion system for a fintech rebrand, a stylized 2D campaign for a health tech launch, and in-engine cinematics for an indie game studio.
Our Company Culture
Curious. Collaborative. Craft-obsessed. We run small, senior pods, give clear creative direction, and protect focus time. We trade egos for iteration and expect thoughtful feedback both ways.
What You’ll Do
- Own end-to-end animation on 2D/3D projects (commercial, product, and game).
- Translate boards/animatics into polished motion with strong timing and arcs.
- Work in After Effects, Blender/Maya, Cinema 4D (pick your weapons).
- Partner with design, edit, and audio to ship cohesive stories on schedule.
- Prototype looks, rigs, and motion systems to evolve our visual language.
What We’re Looking For
- 4–6+ years in a studio/agency or equivalent freelance track record.
- Reel that shows range (character, UI/product, typography, or VFX).
- Strong grasp of principles (spacing, anticipation, follow-through).
- Comfort giving/receiving critique; calm under shifting priorities.
- Bonus: rigging, particle sims, or real-time (Unreal/Unity) experience.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision + HSA options
- 401(k) with match after 6 months
- Hybrid schedule (Tue–Thu in studio) + flexible hours
- Paid conference stipend + annual gear budget
- 15 PTO days + 10 company holidays + winter recharge week
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll have real ownership on headline projects, a say in the look and feel of our motion system, and a team that respects craft. If you love sweating the 10% that makes work sing—and want leadership runway without bureaucracy—this is your room.
Our Hiring Process
We respect your time. Apply via WorkScreen for a short, role-specific skills eval. We review every application, share feedback when possible, and respond within 10 business days. Finalists complete a paid take-home (4–6 hours) aligned to real project constraints—no spec work.
📥 How to Apply
Start your WorkScreen evaluation here → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Animator (Potential-First)
🎯 Job Title: Junior Animator — Learn, Build, and Ship at FrameForge Studios
📍 Location: Austin, TX (On-site first 3 months, then hybrid) | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $42,000–$50,000
🎬 Meet your future team in 60 seconds
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
FrameForge Studios helps brands explain, launch, and delight through animation. We pair senior creative direction with a mentorship culture: juniors sit in on pitch rooms, contribute to look-dev, and ship real client work early. We’ve grown carefully so we can invest in people—your growth matters here.
Our Culture
We coach. You’ll get weekly 1:1s, clear goals, and structured feedback. We celebrate initiative, protect learning time, and ship as a team.
What You’ll Do
- Animate UI/product moments, kinetic type, and simple character beats
- Prep assets, break down boards, and build out scenes
- Iterate from feedback; learn our animation system and file hygiene
- Explore tools (AE, Blender, Toon Boom) with guided learning tracks
What We’re Looking For
- A reel (class/personal work welcome) that shows timing and taste
- Fundamentals: easing, spacing, overshoot, squash & stretch
- Curiosity, coachability, and reliable follow-through
- Bonus: illustration chops or sound-sync instincts
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision
- Mentorship track with quarterly growth plan
- Paid online courses after 90 days + internal workshops
- 12 PTO days + 10 company holidays
- Occasional remote days after onboarding
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll get real reps with supportive seniors, ship work you’re proud of, and build a portfolio that opens doors. If you’ve got the drive and the taste but need the runway, we’ll help you take off.
Our Hiring Process
Apply via WorkScreen for a short fundamentals check. We reply within 10 business days. Finalists do a paid mini exercise (2–3 hours) aligned to the day-to-day.
📥 How to Apply
Start your WorkScreen evaluation here → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Breakdown of Why These Animator Job Posts Work
1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of the generic “Animator” label, the titles specify:
- Seniority (“Senior” or “Junior”)
- Specialization (2D/3D) or development focus
- Company Name
- A small hook (“Shape High-Impact Campaigns” / “Learn, Build, and Ship”)
This instantly filters in the right talent and sets expectations before the reader even clicks.
2. Video Intros Humanize the Post
Adding a short Loom or YouTube clip before the “Who We Are” section gives the post personality. Candidates see the real humans they might work with, not just words on a page. This builds trust, especially in creative roles where personality fit matters.
3. About Us Sections Feel Like a Real Studio
Both versions avoid vague corporate copy. They name projects, client types, and team size, and give a sense of pace and ambition. This helps candidates self-select — the right animators will get excited, while those who don’t resonate will opt out early (which is a win for you).
4. Culture Is Shown, Not Claimed
Rather than saying “We value creativity and collaboration,” the culture sections show it through concrete habits:
- Small, senior pods
- Protecting focus time
- Weekly 1:1s and structured feedback
- Pitch room exposure for juniors
These specifics make the culture believable and memorable.
5. Responsibilities Are Written as Impact, Not Chores
Tasks aren’t just “animate scenes” — they’re framed as owning end-to-end animation, translating boards into polished motion, or building out scenes with guided learning tracks. This makes the role feel meaningful, not mechanical.
6. Qualifications Are Balanced for the Target Level
- Senior role: Focus on portfolio range, technical mastery, and creative leadership.
- Junior role: Emphasizes fundamentals, curiosity, and coachability over years of experience.
This flexibility ensures you’re not excluding great candidates unnecessarily.
7. Perks & Benefits Are Separated From “Why This Role Is a Great Fit”
This gives each section a clear purpose:
- Perks & Benefits → tangible, concrete offerings like PTO, insurance, and budgets.
- Why This Role Is a Great Fit → the pitch that taps into emotions, career growth, and culture fit.
8. The Hiring Process Is Transparent and Respectful
Both templates outline:
- How candidates apply (WorkScreen link)
- Expected timeline for responses
- That every finalist gets a paid take-home task
This removes the mystery and frustration candidates often feel — and sets a positive tone from the start.
9. WorkScreen Is Integrated Naturally
Instead of a hard sell, WorkScreen appears as a built-in part of the process — a fair, skills-first evaluation tool. It’s positioned as a benefit to candidates, not a hoop to jump through.
This structure works because it blends storytelling, clarity, and specificity — the three things missing from most animator job descriptions online.
Bad Animator Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Animator
Company: Creative Agency Inc.
Job Type: Full-Time
Deadline: Open until filled
Job Summary
Creative Agency Inc. is looking for an animator to create animations for various projects. The animator will work with the design team to ensure deliverables meet client requirements.
Responsibilities
- Create animations for different projects
- Work with the design team
- Deliver projects on time
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field
- 2–3 years of experience
- Proficiency in animation software
How to Apply
Send your CV and portfolio to hr@creativeagency.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Animator Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Animator” tells the candidate nothing about:
- Seniority (is it junior, mid, or senior?)
- Type of animation (2D, 3D, motion graphics?)
- Industry or project style
It’s the bare minimum, so it fails to stand out in a list of search results.
2. The Introduction Feels Cold and Empty
The summary doesn’t mention the company’s work style, mission, or creative vision — only the mechanical function of the role. There’s no hook to get a talented animator excited.
3. Responsibilities Are Vague
“Create animations” and “work with the design team” are so broad they could apply to hundreds of jobs. There’s no sense of creative challenge, variety, or ownership.
4. No Mention of Culture or Values
An animator’s success depends heavily on collaboration and team dynamics. Without a culture section, candidates can’t gauge if they’ll thrive in your environment.
5. No Salary or Perks
Leaving out salary and benefits reduces trust and wastes time — candidates may apply only to later learn it’s outside their range.
6. The Hiring Process Is Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” tells applicants their time isn’t valued. The lack of process details creates uncertainty and discourages good candidates from applying.
7. The Call to Action Has Zero Personality
“Send your CV” is functional but uninspiring. It doesn’t build urgency or a sense of opportunity — it reads like a formality.
This kind of job post attracts the wrong audience — people applying to anything rather than skilled, motivated animators who align with your projects and culture.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Animator Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the essentials — clear title, strong intro, culture, responsibilities, and transparent process — you can add these extra touches to take your post from good to irresistible. These small details show respect for candidates and help you attract the right animators.
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
In a world of online scams and phishing attempts, this instantly builds trust.
Example:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process.
2. Mention Leave Days and Flex Time
Animators often work under tight deadlines — showing you care about rest will set you apart.
Example:
Enjoy 15 days of paid time off, plus 10 public holidays each year. We also close the studio for a winter recharge week so our team can start the year fresh.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Great animators love learning new tools and styles. Make this part of your pitch.
Example:
We invest in your growth with paid access to online courses, conference stipends, and mentorship programs with senior animators.
4. Add a Short Video From a Leader or Team Member
A quick Loom from your Creative Director or Lead Animator can:
- Show the studio environment.
- Share recent projects or wins.
- Explain why they’re excited to bring someone new onto the team.
This adds warmth and trust you simply can’t get from text alone.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Showcase Your Workspace or Tools
If you have a great studio space or use cutting-edge animation software/hardware, mention it. Creative professionals care about their tools and environment.
6. Mention Unique Company Rituals or Perks
Do you have Friday art shares, team movie nights, or annual creative retreats? These details help candidates picture themselves in your team culture.
By layering these extras on top of your core structure, you’ll not only attract more applicants — you’ll attract the right kind of applicants who align with your vision, work style, and values.
Should You Use AI to Write an Animator Job Description?
It’s tempting to open a tool like ChatGPT, type “Write me an animator job description,” and hit copy-paste.
But here’s the truth:
If you do that without giving it any context, you’ll end up with the same bland, lifeless post hundreds of other companies are already using.
Generic AI output…
- Fails to reflect your studio’s personality.
- Attracts the wrong kind of applicants.
- Makes your job post blend in — not stand out.
The Wrong Way to Use AI
Prompt:
“Write an animator job description.”
Result: A generic wall of text full of buzzwords, no emotional pull, and zero cultural insight. It might check the boxes, but it won’t excite great animators — and it won’t represent your brand.
The Right Way to Use AI
AI works best when it’s fed the raw ingredients only you can provide — your projects, your team’s personality, your hiring philosophy, and your expectations for the role.
Here’s a smart prompt you can use:
“Help me write an animator job description for my company, FrameForge Studios, based in Austin, TX. We create story-driven motion for national brands and game studios. We’re hiring a Senior Animator to handle 2D and 3D projects, collaborating closely with designers and directors. Our culture values curiosity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. We want to attract candidates who are detail-oriented, love storytelling, and can work both independently and in small creative pods. Salary range is $68,000–$82,000/year. Perks include health/dental/vision, hybrid schedule, conference stipend, and 15 PTO days. Our hiring process includes a WorkScreen skills evaluation and a paid take-home task. Here’s some extra info about our style: [Insert project links or references]. Please make it engaging, human, and reflective of our culture.”
Then — once you have AI’s draft — edit it:
- Inject your tone of voice.
- Add any role-specific details it missed.
- Make sure it feels like it came from your team, not a template factory.
Bottom line: AI should be your assistant, not your author. You bring the personality and vision — AI can help polish and structure it.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Copy-Paste Animator Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First) Animator Job Description
🎯 Job Title: Senior 2D/3D Animator — Shape Stories That Move People at [Company Name]
📍 Location: [Location] | 💼 Job Type: [Job Type] | 💰 Salary: [Salary Range]
🎬 Watch this quick intro from our Creative Director
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we craft story-driven motion for brands, startups, and game studios. Our work spans national campaigns, stylized product launches, and cinematic sequences. We believe great animation isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Our Culture
Small pods, big ideas. We collaborate openly, give and receive feedback, and protect creative focus time. You’ll work with people who love their craft and push each other to raise the bar.
What You’ll Do
- Lead 2D/3D animation on campaigns, explainers, and cinematics.
- Turn storyboards and scripts into polished, expressive motion.
- Partner with designers, directors, and sound to ship cohesive stories.
- Explore styles/techniques to evolve our visual language.
What We’re Looking For
- 4+ years in a studio/agency (or equivalent freelance).
- Reel that shows both technical skill and creative range.
- Proficiency in After Effects, Blender/Maya, or Cinema 4D.
- Strong sense of timing, detail, and storytelling.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision details]
- [Hybrid/Remote policy]
- [Conference/learning stipend]
- [PTO/Holidays specifics]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll get creative ownership, leadership runway, and a team that values craft. If you love pushing animation beyond the obvious, you’ll feel at home here.
Our Hiring Process
Apply via WorkScreen for a short, role-specific skills evaluation. We respond to all applicants within [timeline]. Finalists complete a paid take-home task.
📥 How to Apply
Start here → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Animator Job Description
(Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Junior Animator
Location: [Location]
Job Type: [Job Type]
Salary: [Salary Range]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a motivated junior animator to support client projects while developing skills in a collaborative, mentorship-focused environment.
Responsibilities
- Animate UI/product moments, typography, and simple character beats.
- Prep assets, break down storyboards, and build scenes.
- Apply feedback to refine animation quality.
- Explore new techniques with guidance from senior animators.
Requirements
- Portfolio or reel (student/personal work welcome).
- Understanding of animation principles (timing, spacing, easing).
- Willingness to learn industry-standard tools (After Effects, Blender, Toon Boom).
- Reliable, detail-oriented, collaborative.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision details]
- [Mentorship/training specifics]
- [Learning budget/courses after X days]
- [PTO/Holidays specifics]
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen for a short fundamentals check → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step in Your Animator Hiring Process
Writing a great animator job post is only half the battle — the real challenge starts when the applications roll in.
You don’t want to spend hours sorting through generic portfolios or guessing who can actually deliver high-quality animation work.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily administer one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
With WorkScreen, you can move from job post to confident hire in a fraction of the time — without sacrificing quality.
Ready to start hiring smarter? Create your animator job post, share your WorkScreen link, and let our platform do the heavy lifting.

FAQ
Look for a blend of technical ability, artistic vision, and communication skills. On the technical side, proficiency in industry tools such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, Maya, or Toon Boom is essential. Creatively, strong storytelling, timing, and attention to detail are must-haves. Soft skills like collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to take constructive feedback will ensure they thrive in a team environment.
In the United States, animators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on experience, specialization (2D, 3D, motion graphics), and industry. Entry-level roles may start closer to $40,000–$45,000, while senior animators or leads in high-demand sectors like gaming or advertising can earn $90,000+. Location and studio size can also significantly impact pay.
It depends on your needs. A generalist is ideal for smaller teams or varied projects because they can handle multiple styles and tasks. A specialist (e.g., character animation, motion graphics, visual effects) is better when you have a specific style or project type that requires deep expertise.