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2D Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kurppa Hosk

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Create polished 2D motion graphics and animations for digital campaigns, social media, websites, presentations, and product marketing. * Work with existing brand identity, motion systems, and ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior ... 2D or 3D design. * Create, design and animate where necessary, in collaboration with others or ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL

The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior ... 2D or 3D design. * Create, design and animate where necessary, in collaboration with others or ...

IGT

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos, characters, and other visual assets while helping maintain a consistent creative vision across projects.

Progressive Gaming

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos, characters, and other visual assets while helping maintain a consistent creative vision across projects.

Thinkingbox

Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Oversee/guide and participate in the execution of 3D/2D motion graphics, ensuring quality and ...

powercon

VDC Engineer

Chicago, IL

$65K - $100K/yr

Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job pursuits, advertising, booklet materials, other marketing purposes * Estimating support doing ...

powercon

VDC Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job pursuits, advertising, booklet materials, other marketing purposes * Estimating support doing ...

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.

Power Construction

VDC Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job pursuits, advertising, booklet materials, other marketing purposes * Estimating support doing ...

powercon

VDC Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Direct the design and production of visual materials, including videos, animations, and 2D/3D graphics, for presentations, marketing, and job pursuits. * Collaborate with estimating teams by ...

powercon

VDC Manager

Chicago, IL

$90K - $150K/yr

Direct the design and production of visual materials, including videos, animations, and 2D/3D graphics, for presentations, marketing, and job pursuits. * Collaborate with estimating teams by ...

Power Construction

VDC Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Direct the design and production of visual materials, including videos, animations, and 2D/3D graphics, for presentations, marketing, and job pursuits. * Collaborate with estimating teams by ...

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2D Animation information

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How much do 2d animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d animation in Chicago, IL is $10.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.14 and $11.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges 2D animators face when working on collaborative projects?

2D animators often work closely with illustrators, storyboard artists, and sound designers, which requires strong communication and adaptability. One common challenge is maintaining consistency in character movement and style across different scenes, especially when multiple animators are involved. Meeting tight production deadlines while ensuring high-quality animation can also be demanding. Successful animators stay organized, remain flexible to feedback, and use collaborative tools to synchronize their work with the broader team.

What is the difference between 2D Animation vs 3D Animation?

Aspect2D Animation3D Animation
Skills & ToolsDrawing, illustration, software like Adobe Animate, Toon BoomModeling, rigging, software like Maya, Blender
Work Environment2D studios, freelance, digital platformsFilm, gaming, visual effects industries
CredentialsAnimation courses, art background3D modeling, animation certifications
UsageCartoons, web animations, advertisingMovies, video games, simulations

While both 2D and 3D animation involve creating animated visuals, 2D animation focuses on flat, two-dimensional artwork using drawing and illustration skills, whereas 3D animation involves creating three-dimensional models and environments. The choice depends on project needs, with 2D often used for traditional and web animations, and 3D preferred for films and gaming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2D animator?

To thrive as a 2D Animator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of animation principles, and often a degree or certification in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or After Effects is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and bringing characters to life. These skills and qualities are vital to producing high-quality animations that engage audiences and meet project goals.

What is 2D animation?

2D animation is a technique in which images are created and manipulated in a two-dimensional space to create the illusion of movement. This style of animation is commonly used in cartoons, advertisements, video games, and explainer videos. Animators draw characters and backgrounds frame by frame or use software to animate digital illustrations. 2D animation can be done by hand (traditional animation) or using computer software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. It remains popular due to its versatility, affordability, and classic aesthetic.
Infographic showing various 2D Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $22,547 per year, or $10.8 per hour.

Motion Designer

Kurppa Hosk

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Kurppa Hosk is a 200+ person brand agency spanning Europe and North America. As co-founders of the international consulting collective Eidra, we help brands and organizations turn ambition into real, lasting change.
We're looking for a 2D Motion Designer to join our creative team and help bring ideas to life through engaging motion.
You'll be working across a variety of projects - from social media campaigns and digital advertising to product launches, brand content, and internal communications. While the primary focus is 2D motion design, experience with video editing is a strong advantage.
This role is based in Chicago (with a commitment of 3 days onsite). As part of Eidra's expanding U.S. footprint, you'll help establish our reputation for creative excellence, strategy, and delivery in the American market. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
What you'll do
  • Create polished 2D motion graphics and animations for digital campaigns, social media, websites, presentations, and product marketing.
  • Work with existing brand identity, motion systems, and animation assets to create consistent, high-quality content while evolving and expanding them where appropriate.
  • Translate creative concepts and static designs into engaging motion pieces that align with the brand.
  • Collaborate closely with designers, creative leads, and marketing teams from concept through final delivery.
  • Help refine and maintain the team's motion design library, templates, and best practices.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of craft and attention to detail.
  • Keep up with motion design trends, techniques, and tools, bringing fresh ideas that complement the existing visual language.
What we're looking for
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality 2D animation and motion graphics work.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects and solid knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or similar video editing software is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, timing, composition, typography, and visual storytelling.
  • Ability to take projects from concept to final delivery with minimal supervision.
Nice to have
  • Experience with basic character animation or rigging.
  • Familiarity with Cinema 4D, Blender, or other 3D tools.
  • Knowledge of sound design and motion for paid social formats.
  • Experience working within established brand guidelines while knowing when to push creative boundaries.
  • Edit video content when needed, including cutting footage, adding graphics, sound, and preparing final assets for different platforms.
What we offer
At Eidra/Kurppa Hosk in the United States, we offer a competitive salary package complemented by comprehensive benefits that prioritize employee well-being, reflecting our Nordic heritage. We provide a range of healthcare benefits, including fully subsidized insurance premiums for employees and their families. Our vacation policy promotes work-life balance with flexible time off, requiring a minimum of 3 weeks off per year. We encourage employees to take vacations in 2-week increments to truly detach and recharge. Our culture emphasizes inclusive decision-making, collaboration, and continuous learning, fostering an environment of transparency and trust. This collaborative spirit extends across our global offices, with opportunities to engage annually with our teams in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, enriching your professional experience and network.
Salary range: 70,000-100,000 USD per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Eidra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Locations Chicago Remote status Hybrid

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