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2D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Character Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team ... Sketch explorative thumbnails in 2D and 3D. * Proactively identify complex visual or pipeline ...

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Character Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team ... Sketch explorative thumbnails in 2D and 3D. * Proactively identify complex visual or pipeline ...

Sunblink

Marketing Artist (Contract)

Boulder, CO · On-site

$131K - $157K/yr

Core Responsibilities * Create high-quality, character-focused promotional art packages for ... Experience breaking down 2D assets into clean layered pieces ready for use in animation software ...

Sunblink

Marketing Artist (Contract)

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$131K - $157K/yr

Core Responsibilities * Create high-quality, character-focused promotional art packages for ... Experience breaking down 2D assets into clean layered pieces ready for use in animation software ...

Sunblink

Marketing Artist (Contract) (Remote)

Boulder, CO · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

Core Responsibilities * Create high-quality, character-focused promotional art packages for ... Experience breaking down 2D assets into clean layered pieces ready for use in animation software ...

Netflix

Storyboard Artist - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74.52/hr

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... storytelling, character development, composition, and editorial pacing. * Advanced working ...

Netflix

Storyboard Artist - Ink

Los Angeles, CA

$74.52/hr

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... storytelling, character development, composition, and editorial pacing. * Advanced working ...

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How much do 2d character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for 2d character artist in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 2D Character Artist do?

A 2D Character Artist creates visually appealing characters for games, animations, comics, and other media. They design characters based on concept art, style guidelines, and creative direction, ensuring consistency and personality. Their work involves sketching, digital painting, refining character designs, and sometimes creating model sheets for animators and 3D artists. They collaborate closely with designers, writers, and animators to bring characters to life. Strong artistic skills, proficiency in digital tools like Photoshop or Procreate, and an understanding of anatomy, color, and composition are essential for this role.

How much do 2D artists make?

2D character artists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals with strong portfolios and proficiency in tools like Photoshop or Spine can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or freelance work.

What jobs can I get with a 2D animation degree?

A 2D character artist can pursue roles such as 2D animator, concept artist, storyboard artist, or character designer in animation studios, gaming companies, or advertising agencies. These positions typically require proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Toon Boom, and may involve working in collaborative, deadline-driven environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 2D Character Artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2D Character Artist, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of anatomy, color theory, and character design, often supported by a relevant art degree or portfolio. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and drawing tablets is typically required, while industry certifications can be advantageous. Creativity, open communication, and the ability to accept feedback help artists excel within collaborative and iterative development environments. These combined skills are essential to produce compelling, high-quality character designs that align with project goals and meet client or studio expectations.

What does a 2D character artist do?

A 2D character artist creates visual designs and illustrations of characters for video games, animations, or other digital media. They use tools like Photoshop or Illustrator to develop character concepts, sprites, and detailed artwork, often working closely with game designers and animators to ensure consistency and style. Strong drawing skills and understanding of anatomy, color, and storytelling are essential for this role.

What are the common career advancement opportunities for a 2D Character Artist?

As a 2D Character Artist, you can progress into lead or senior artist roles, where you may oversee teams and provide creative direction on character style and development. With experience, you might also transition into related roles such as Art Director, Concept Artist, or even specialize in animation or visual development. Opportunities to mentor junior artists and contribute to shaping a studio’s visual identity are common as you gain expertise. Many companies also offer training and learning resources to support ongoing professional growth. Career advancement is closely tied to your portfolio, ability to work collaboratively, and staying current with industry trends.

Are 2D artists in demand?

2D character artists are in demand in the gaming, animation, and entertainment industries, especially as digital media continues to grow. Skills in digital illustration tools like Photoshop and proficiency in creating engaging character designs increase employability in this field.
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2D Character Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Character Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Reallusion Character Creator 3D Artist

Reallusion Character Creator 3D Artist

Epoch Games

Winston Salem, NC

$104K - $109K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. The Co-Founders of Epoch Games were originally part of a Modding Team developing the total conversion Middle Earth Roleplaying Project (MERP) mod for the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim:
http://www.moddb.com/mods/merp-middle-earth-roleplaying-project
Currently Epoch Games is developing The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO). LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world:
http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order

The game is being developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 (UE4):
https://www.unrealengine.com/

See our Benefits page for more information about what we can (and can't) offer Team Members at this time:
https://epochgames.co.uk/wordpress/benefits
NOTE: The address listed is our central office, but we are working as a completely remote development team at this time. No relocation is necessary.

Job Description

In this volunteer position we are looking for someone who is skilled with using Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3) for creating realistic 3D Character Body, Face and Hair Meshes and within the software. We would also expect you to be able to create your own 2D Textures as well as be able to import/export your CC3 Creations to Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4.

If necessary, we can provide Reallusion Packs or whatever else you'll need for the Job, as long as you have Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3) in any form.

These 3D Characters would be used in our game "The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order" (LoA:SO). If necessary, you can be provided with provided the necessary software for the work you'll be required.

Communication is key to a smooth and efficient pipeline. You must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with other team-members and not be afraid to ask should any problems arise. We are an English-speaking team, so English fluency is a must.

If you are comfortable with teaching, you may be called upon to aid the more junior members of the team in any relevant area.

Other duties include following team policies (given through team orientation as upon acceptance to the team) as well as attending meetings through Slack (our instant message program that we use to communicate)

Qualifications

Minimum Skill Requirements:

  • Creating realistic Human Character Meshes and Textures using Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3)
  • Creating Human Hair sculpts using Hair Card and Alpha Planes using Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3)
  • Full Texturing ability (Diffuse, Normal, Displacement etc) using Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3)
  • Able to work effectively and accurately from pre-defined concept art and designs.
  • Able to work with and provide constructive criticism and feedback.
  • Communication and Team-collaboration skills.
  • A passion for modeling and a dedication to creating AAA quality games.

Required Software:

  • Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4: https://www.unrealengine.com/register
  • Reallusion's Character Creator 3 (CC3): https://www.reallusion.com/character-creator/
  • Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or similar for creating high-quality 2D Textures.

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

  • The ability to run Unreal Engine 4
  • The ability to run Character Creator 3 (CC3)
  • The disk space and Internet speeds to download (Git Pull) at least 40 GB of game files

Apply