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

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2D Animation information

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How much do 2d animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d animation in Chicago, IL is $10.83, 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 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.

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 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.

How to get hired as a 2D animation?

To get hired as a 2D animator, 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 animation community and staying updated on industry trends can also improve your chances of employment.

Is 2D animation still in demand?

2D animation remains in demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and education, especially with the growth of digital media and online content. Skilled 2D animators proficient in software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom are sought after for various projects, including mobile apps and animated videos.

What are the career paths in 2D animation?

Career paths in 2D animation include roles such as character animator, storyboard artist, layout artist, and animation director. Professionals often advance by gaining experience, developing a strong portfolio, and learning industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. Opportunities exist in entertainment, advertising, gaming, and educational media, with some animators moving into supervisory or specialized roles.

What can I do with a 2D animation degree?

A 2D animation degree prepares you for roles such as animator, storyboard artist, character designer, or visual effects artist. Graduates often work in entertainment, advertising, gaming, or multimedia production, utilizing skills in software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or Photoshop. Additional certifications and a strong portfolio can enhance job prospects in this field.
Infographic showing various 2D Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 70% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $22,529 per year, or $10.8 per hour.

VDC Engineer II

Leopardo Construction

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Virtual Build Group at Leopardo Construction is growing! The VDC Engineer II is a great opportunity for a construction or design professional with experience to join an ENR national top 400 general contractor and top 100 green builder to work on top notch projects.

The VDC Engineer II leverages creativity, building knowledge, and technical skills to support project teams throughout all phases of a project's lifecycle. This includes pursuit / marketing visualization, estimating, preconstruction reviews, system coordination, construction sequencing, and work in place validation. The VDC Engineer assists and/or manages the VDC processes and BIM management for one or more projects, produces and manages models and implements advanced technologies at the project level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Setup and manage VDC/BIM processes
  • Assist with creation and adherence to BIM Execution Plans
  • Review 3D models for accuracy against contract documents and perform internal QA/QC check for constructability review
  • Create or adapt Building Information Models for construction management purposes
  • Adhere to coordination standard processes and procedures, document project coordination information, and ensure company VDC standards are followed on all projects.
  • Assist with reality capture technologies and other field measurements processes
  • Incorporate reality captures and other field measurements into the coordination process.
  • Read and accurately interpret construction drawings
  • Review subcontractors' fabrication and shop drawings, models, and related information, providing them direction as needed to incorporate their work into the shared project model
  • Run regular coordination review tests & prepare coordination resolution assignments for trade partners
  • Prepare coordination meeting agendas, distribute meeting minutes, finalize and distribute standard 2D and 3D deliverables
  • Assist with identifying design and coordination challenges from project documentation
  • Maintain regular updates to VDC-related project schedules, assess potential BIM related schedule issues, review coordination for compliance with the overall project schedule
  • Create models, renderings, animations to illustrate project approach and demonstrate BIM capabilities
  • Work with project teams to create site logistics models and 4D Scheduling animations from construction schedules
  • Prepare other project specific deliverables as required
  • Work with senior members of the team to develop and implement future VDC technologies

Education / Experience Requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience in the design or construction industry preferred
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Construction Management/Engineering, or VDC preferred
  • Must be able to read and understand contract documents, specifications, and drawings
  • Proficiency with Navisworks, Revit required. Familiarity with any of the following is a plus: Recap, Bluebeam, Realworks, Twinmotion, Blender or other 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative Suite
  • Basic knowledge of buildings systems
  • Position will require some travel to local area project jobsites and teams
  • Interest in new and emerging design and construction technologies
  • Understanding of building code and ADA requirements
  • Ability to communicate effectively to team members including architects, engineers, sub-contractors, and owners
  • Basic understanding of construction documentation (RFI, submittal, contract document) procedures and coordination process
  • Ability to quickly adapt to drawing/modeling standards

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Life Insurance
  • Vision Program
  • Short term/long term disability
  • 401k + matching plan
  • Generous PTO including Paid Holidays and Volunteer PTO, Time & Donation Matching
  • Identify theft protection
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Group accident insurance, legal services, pet insurance, 529 College Savings Plan

Leopardo considers many factors when determining actual salary including experience, education, unique skillsets, abilities, market, geography and business needs. Salary range: $80-90k. This position is eligible for annual discretionary bonus and car allowance. Leopardo does not discriminate based on any protected category with respect to wages.

Why Leopardo?
Leopardo is one of the nation's largest and most respected construction firms, building world-class facilities with innovative, environmentally-friendly processes. We are considered "best in class" by our clients and peers, and the media consistently ranks us among the top builders in the United States. For more than four decades, Leopardo has been recognized for consistently performing at the very top of the industry. Our reputation for outstanding customer service stems from our mission to passionately pursue construction excellence. Our long-standing commitment to continuous improvement comes with a healthy obsession with quality. This approach transforms our operations and customer service, helping us become the construction provider of choice in all our specialized markets: healthcare, interiors, retail, cinema, hospitality, office, industrial, residential and municipal.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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