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2D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spinplay Games

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

You'll work closely with artists, designers, and developers to build efficient animation pipelines ... Applications without a 2D animation portfolio will not be considered.

Booming Games

Technical Artist

Oregon, WI · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

As a Technical Artist, you will work closely with the Art Lead and Product Owner to create visually ... Knowledge of Spine 2D animation * Knowledge of particle systems (Pixi) * Familiarity with HTML and ...

Cinnamon

Technical Artist (VFX / Shaders)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

... animation studio's 2D styleMust Have QualificationsStrong shader development experience (HLSL / Unreal material graphs)A portfolio showing stylized, non-photorealistic rendering workAbility to work ...

New

SciPlay Games, LLC

Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Create 2D assets for all aspects of the product, including UI, composition, VFX, and animations ... Education Bachelor of Arts in art/animation or technical degree or equivalent industry experience.

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2D Animation Artist information

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How much do 2d animation artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d animation artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 2d animation artist?

A 2D Animation Artist creates animated visuals using hand-drawn or digital techniques to bring characters, environments, and scenes to life. They work on projects such as films, TV shows, advertisements, and video games, collaborating with designers, writers, and directors. Their tasks include designing character movements, storyboarding, and refining animations for smooth motion. Proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or After Effects is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong artistic skills are key qualities for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2d animation artist?

To thrive as a 2D Animation Artist, you need strong artistic ability, an understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or After Effects is expected, and a solid portfolio often demonstrates your expertise. Collaboration, creativity, attention to detail, and time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that you can consistently produce engaging animations, meet project deadlines, and work effectively within a creative team environment.

What are some common challenges faced by 2d animation artists in their day-to-day work?

2D Animation Artists often face tight deadlines and the challenge of balancing creative vision with client or project requirements. Adapting to different animation styles, quickly incorporating feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues with animation software are common aspects of the role. Artists may also need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills. Regular collaboration with directors, story writers, and other team members is key, making communication just as important as technical skill in overcoming daily challenges.

Does Disney still hire 2D animation artists?

Disney continues to hire 2D animation artists, especially for projects that involve traditional animation techniques or nostalgic content. The company values strong drawing skills, proficiency in animation software, and a portfolio demonstrating classical animation principles. Opportunities may be available in both full-time and freelance roles within their animation studios.

How to get hired as a 2D animation artist?

To get hired as a 2D animation artist, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, develop skills in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects. Networking within the industry and staying updated on current animation trends can also improve your chances of employment.

Is there a demand for 2D animation artists?

The demand for 2D animation artists remains steady across entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries, especially as digital media continues to grow. Skills in software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, and proficiency in storytelling increase employability, with opportunities available for freelance and full-time roles.
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2D Animation Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,546 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Senior Technical Animator

Spinplay Games

Las Vegas, NV • On-site, Remote

$101K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description
Please note that although our team is fully remote, SpinPlay currently only operates out of NV and TX. Candidate must be willing to work from/relocate to those locations. The art team is expected to be available to work during the hours of 9am-3pm Pacific time.  Relocation assistance is available.
SpinPlay Games is looking for a Technical Animator who enjoys solving technical challenges just as much as creating exceptional animation. This role sits at the intersection of art, design, and engineering, helping transform game concepts into polished, optimized player experiences.
You'll work closely with artists, designers, and developers to build efficient animation pipelines, optimize assets for production, and ensure game features are implemented accurately. Success in this role requires strong technical animation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to identify potential issues before they reach production.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build, rig, and maintain high-quality Spine animation files for production.
  • Create animator-ready files with clean skeletons, skins, constraints, and reusable setups. 
  • Optimize animations for performance while maintaining visual quality. 
  • Manage animation assets, project structure, and technical workflows throughout development. 
  • Coordinate technical handoffs between art and engineering teams. 
  • Review game design documentation to understand feature requirements and identify technical considerations before implementation. 
  • Recognize missing, unclear, or inconsistent requirements and work with designers and developers to resolve them. 
  • Conduct technical reviews of animation files to ensure they meet team standards before export. 
  • Continuously improve animation workflows and production efficiency.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Minimum 6 years experience using Spine, ideally without use of the mesh tool
  • Minimum 6 years experience in 2D animation, drawing and illustration
  • Experience in slot machine games (mobile platform) is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of rigging, animation workflows, and optimization.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate technical challenges before they become production issues. 
  • Comfortable reading and understanding detailed game design and technical documentation.
  • Applications without a 2D animation portfolio will not be considered.