3D Game Animator (Character, Creature & Cinematics)

About Us

The Donovan’s Venom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on curating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education for all. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and fine art. We aim to inspire, empower, and uplift communities by fostering a love for music and the arts through our commitment to education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, which drives us to expand our reach continually and enrich the lives of those we serve.

Role Overview

We are seeking a 3D Game Animator to bring characters, creatures, and cinematic moments to life in our game. This volunteer will collaborate closely with designers, programmers, and artists to create compelling animations, assemble in-engine cinematic sequences, and ensure smooth integration within Unity. Your work will directly shape the emotional tone, polish, and impact of the player experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character and creature animations using 3D modeling/animation software (e.g., Blender, Maya).
• Import, implement, and integrate animations directly into Unity.
• Assemble cinematic sequences inside Unity using Timeline, Cinemachine, or comparable tools.
• Prepare, organize, and iterate on animation assets based on gameplay requirements and team feedback.
• Work with designers and programmers to ensure animations support functionality, accessibility, narrative, and gameplay clarity.
• Optimize animations for performance and smooth in-game presentation.
• Document animation workflows and maintain organized asset structures.
• Requires 15-20 hours/week

Qualifications

• Experience with Unity and 3D animation workflows (Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of character movement, creature behavior, timing, and visual storytelling.
• Ability to work with rigs, animation retargeting, and Unity’s Animator/Timeline tools.
• Collaborative mindset and openness to iteration and feedback.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and animation polish.
• Interest in mission-driven or educational game development is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience developing character, creature, and cinematic animations for a real game project.
• Opportunities to expand your animation portfolio with in-engine animation and cinematic work.
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of developers, artists, and designers.
• Growth in Unity animation tools, cinematic assembly, and real-time animation workflows.
• A chance to contribute creatively to a game that delivers social or educational impact.

Watch our video to learn more: The Donovans Piano Room