DreamWorks Animation is one of the world’s top animation studios, responsible for Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and The Bad Guys. They hire Visual Development Artists, Lighting Artists, CFX Artists, and Animators at their Glendale studio.
Based on recent job listings, DreamWorks Animation actively hires across these game art disciplines.
Visual Development
Lighting Art
CFX / Simulation
Animation
Character Art
Environment Art
Concept Art
Recent Roles at DreamWorks Animation
Role titles and seniority levels from recent DreamWorks Animation postings.
Senior Visual Development Artist
Intern Lighting Artist
Intern CFX Artist
Intern Feature Development Intern
Intern Visual Development Intern
Intern Technical Artist
Mid Character Artist
Salary Ranges at DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation is based in Glendale, CA. California income tax up to 13.3% applies. Intern rates are published ($17.87-$35/hour). Staff salaries estimated from comparable LA animation studios.
Intern
$17 – $35/hour
Junior Artist
$65K – $89K
Mid-Level Artist
$89K – $120K
Senior Artist
$120K – $160K
What DreamWorks Animation Looks for in Your Portfolio
Based on their job descriptions and public art direction guidelines.
Stylized 3D Art
DreamWorks films use stylized realism — not photorealistic, not cartoony. Study their film-specific art direction. Dragon and Kung Fu Panda have very different aesthetics.
Visual Development
VisDev is a key pipeline at DreamWorks. Concept and color scripts showing how lighting and mood evolve across a story are valued highly.
Animation and CFX
Strong demand for animators and CFX/simulation artists. A reel showing complex creature or cloth simulation is more relevant than generic animation.
Recent DreamWorks Animation Job Listings
Current and recent art roles posted by DreamWorks Animation. Subscribers get new listings the day they post.
DreamWorks hires Visual Development Artists, Lighting Artists, CFX Artists, Animators, and Character Artists. Intern positions are also regularly posted for summer programs.
Where is DreamWorks Animation located?
DreamWorks Animation’s primary studio is in Glendale, California. Their feature animation work is primarily on-site.
What films has DreamWorks Animation made?
DreamWorks Animation produced Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, The Bad Guys, and Puss in Boots. They also produce Netflix animated series.
Does DreamWorks Animation hire interns?
Yes. DreamWorks runs a summer internship program for lighting, CFX, production, and visual development roles. Intern postings typically go live in early spring.
What salary does DreamWorks Animation pay artists?
Intern rates are $17.87-$35/hour depending on role. Staff salaries for mid-level artists are estimated at $89K-$120K. California state income tax up to 13.3% applies.