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2D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Qualifications Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya ...

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini ...

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Qualifications Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya ...

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini ...

... character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire. What You'll Do Psyonix is ... and 2D/3D texturing software (A plus if experienced with Flow ("Shotgrid") and Miro) * Highly ...

Senior Concept Artist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$85K - $185K/yr

Create high quality concept art that can include key art, character designs, hard surface ... You have excellent 2D art creation and graphic design skills. * You are capable of meeting tight ...

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2D Character Artist information

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$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

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

As of Jul 4, 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 animation degree can qualify you for roles such as 2D character artist, concept artist, storyboard artist, or animation designer in industries like gaming, film, and advertising. These jobs typically require proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Toon Boom, and often involve working in creative teams or studios.

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 knowledge of anatomy, color, and composition 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.
More about 2D Character Artist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Character Artist jobs? The most popular types of 2D Character Artist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching 2D Character Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 2D Character Artist jobs are:
Infographic showing various 2D Character Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Senior Illustration Artist - League of Legends, Splash Team

Senior Illustration Artist - League of Legends, Splash Team

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

As part of the Illustration team, you'll put stylus to Cintiq and create promotional art that represents the essence of a Champion, thematic, or gameplay to millions of players. You will use your artistic eye and experience with dynamic lighting, form, and color to tell concise and evocative stories. By working with a team of dedicated illustrators, visual designers, writers, animators, and game developers, you will help decide and illustrate each character's unique place in our universe
As a Senior Splash Illustration Artist for the League of Legends Splash Illustration team your craft expertise and eye for illustration will help deliver deep engagement and rich fantasy worlds to our players. You will be a key member of your discipline community, supporting the craft and execution across the whole splash team by mentoring teammates and cultivating excellence. You will produce illustrations at the highest quality bar, at times raising or redefining what good looks like. You will partner with the Producer, Art Manager and Craft Lead to support team rituals, art direction and product cohesion on a variety of illustrations for Skins and Champions.

Responsibilities:
  • Consistently solid craft executor of high-quality 2D Splash Illustrations with minimum oversight.
  • Assist in driving the quality of the team's work and set the bar for excellence.
  • Maintaining the illustration quality and mentoring our vendors by participating in review meetings and providing constructive feedback to external art teams.
  • Mentoring and coaching artists in creating high end Splash illustrations and developing their art skills.
  • Sharing of craft expertise and knowledge through discipline, community, mentorship and art collaboration.
  • Support team leadership through style guide creation, participating and assisting in team rituals, identifying areas for improvement and consistent feedback.
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of industry experience as a 2D Artist/Illustrator
  • Showcase ability to create high quality 2D Splash Illustrations
  • Extreme proficiency in art fundamentals, visual storytelling, anatomy, lighting, materials and color theory
  • Expertise in Splash Style including stylized anatomy, heroic compositions and cinematic/realistic believability
  • Advanced experience creating high end digital art assets in Adobe Photoshop
  • Highly experienced with 2D Illustration Asset production pipelines, and showing a strong ability of driving illustrations for the thumbnails to the final state.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills in working in a team environment and collaborating with different disciplines.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience owning and effectively communicating about projects and workflow
  • AAA Game Development experience
  • Familiarity with League of Legends Characters, IP Universes and Lore

As a part of the application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio of their work.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.

It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security. 


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About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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