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2D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction ... 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender Conceptual ...

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

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

... character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction ... 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender Conceptual ...

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... concepting, character development, and animation. Customarily and regularly establishes the art ... Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Arts, 2D Animation, Motion Graphics, or similar discipline preferred ...

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... concepting, character development, and animation. Customarily and regularly establishes the art ... Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Arts, 2D Animation, Motion Graphics, or similar discipline preferred ...

Staff VFX Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$152 - $198/hr

... 2D and 3D visual effects that align with the artistic vision Work with the Creative Director, Art Directors, and design leads on how VFX supports game feel, mechanics, and character identity, helping ...

New

$152 - $198/hr

... 2D and 3D visual effects that align with the artistic vision Work with the Creative Director, Art Directors, and design leads on how VFX supports game feel, mechanics, and character identity, helping ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve visual issues with in-game environment assets and character ... Strong 2D concept and illustration skills. * Shader creation experience in any shader graph tool.

Level Design Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve visual issues with in-game environment assets and character ... Strong 2D concept and illustration skills. * Shader creation experience in any shader graph tool.

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve visual issues with in-game environment assets and character ... Strong 2D concept and illustration skills. * Shader creation experience in any shader graph tool.

Level Design Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve visual issues with in-game environment assets and character ... Strong 2D concept and illustration skills. * Shader creation experience in any shader graph tool.

Level Design Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve visual issues with in‑game environment assets and character ... Strong 2D concept and illustration skills. * Shader creation experience in any shader graph tool.

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 5, 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.

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

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various 2D Character Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

CG Experimental Artist- Ink

Netflix

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

$47.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Netflix rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 78 rated media


Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we partner with creators as they experiment with a range of cutting-edge tools that bridge innovation with imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities.

Position Summary We are seeking early career CG Experimental Artists to join our pioneering team creating animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. Working alongside our growing team of artists, this role will specifically support experienced CG Experimental artists as they develop feature-quality content in a creator-led environment. You'll help the team execute the tasks needed to build new workflows and bring shots to life in production - a great fit for recent graduates looking to break into the space.

Our other CG Experimental Artist role can be found HERE. Key Responsibilities Support a team of CG and Generative AI experts to develop unique content for animated shorts and specials, leveraging a GenAI-native pipeline that combines generative AI tools with traditional animation techniques. Contribute to the creation of short stories in a fast-paced production environment.

Support CG artists in the creation of shot-ready assets (e.g., characters, props, environments) using a combination of generative tools and traditional DCCs (Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, Blender, etc.) Help to build datasets of assets, images, and videos to support in the building and fine tuning of generative image and video models Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to help artists generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction. Test and evaluate the latest generative tooling and be open to testing new technology throughout the development process. Help testing and expanding upon new GenAI/traditional hybrid workflows developed by other artists and technology teams Qualifications Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender Conceptual understanding of diffusion-based rendering and animation techniques

Experience training image LoRAs, video LoRAs, and similar are a plus. Experience with the creation of animation assets, and techniques like image editing, masking, etc. Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment in support of other artists, in rapidly evolving, experimental pipelines.

Strong organizational and communication skills are a plus Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio showcasing the ability to create compelling narratives using AI tools. Demonstrates excellence and inspiration in storytelling, visual comedy, and innovative thinking, with a strong understanding of how to leverage generative AI tools to enhance creative storytelling. Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools and quickly pivot in this fast-moving field where workflows and creative approaches are being developed in real time.

High level of independence and initiative, as production support structures and workflows will be evolving alongside the creative process. This job may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If so, pay for the position is governed by the currently effective applicable collective bargaining agreement and thus will be no less than $47.01 an hour and up to any better conditions and terms negotiated and obtained as expressly provided therein

Depending on whether you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, INK benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.


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About Netflix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Gatos, CA, US

Year founded

1997