Freelance 3D Designer / Animator

BigStar; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

BGSTR is seeking a freelance 3D Designer/Animator to create high‑quality 3D visuals and motion graphics for broadcast, digital, film, and television. The role combines creative and technical CGI tasks, requiring collaboration with designers, animators, and directors.

Proficiency in Cinema 4D and After Effects is essential, with knowledge of plugins like X-Particles or Houdini considered a plus. A strong portfolio is required.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects.
• Knowledge of X-Particles, Houdini or other 3D plugins is a plus.
• Minimum 2+ years of motion graphics experience.
• Self-motivated, organized, and collaborative team player.
• Understanding of render farm pipelines and system management.
• Strong portfolio showing artistic and technical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality 3D visuals including animations, motion graphics, and renderings.
• Adapt to diverse artistic styles from photoreal to stylized motion graphics.
• Execute both creative and technical CGI projects across media platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate 3D assets into projects.

Skills

Motion graphics

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Tools

Cinema 4D

After Effects

X-Particles

Houdini

Job description

BGSTR is seeking a freelance 3D Designer/Animator for a long-term booking. We’re looking for a skilled Cinema 4D artist with strong motion graphics experience who thrives in both creative and technical projects across multiple styles. In this role, you’ll collaborate with designers, animators, and creative directors to produce high-quality 3D animations, designs, and effects for a range of projects spanning broadcast, digital, film, and television. You should be proficient in Cinema 4D and After Effects, with the ability to solve technical challenges and explore innovative motion techniques. As a key contributor, you'll help refine workflows, recommend new tools, and push creative boundaries.

This is a full-time freelance role and will require working onsite in our New York studio. Our office operates on a hybrid work model - work from home Fridays, in office Mondays - Thursdays.

Responsibilities

• Develop High-Quality 3D Visuals: Transform concept art, sketches, and production-ready assets into visually striking 3D animations, motion graphics, and renderings. Ensure all visuals align with the project’s creative vision and technical requirements.
• Adapt to Various Artistic Styles & Techniques: Work across a diverse range of visual styles, from photorealistic renders to stylized motion graphics, while maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.
• Execute Both Creative & Technical CGI Projects: Contribute to projects that require a mix of artistic creativity and technical problem-solving, including animation, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering for various media platforms.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with designers, animators, and project leads to ensure seamless integration of 3D assets into larger creative projects. Be proactive in addressing design challenges and optimizing workflows.

Qualifications

• Excel in Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects.
• X-Particles, Houdini or 3D based plugins knowledge is a plus.
• Minimum of 2+ years of motion graphics experience.
• Self-motivated, organized, and collaborative team player.
• Understanding of render farm pipelines and system management.
• Strong portfolio showing artistic and technical capabilities.