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2D Game Art Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2D Animator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$45 - $75/hr

Passion for art and Gaming; * Relevant and consistent portfolio; * Gambling/slots animation experience. FUNCTIONS * Deliver high quality animations assets using primarily Spine 2D and the Adobe ...

New

Create high quality, professional art that makes our games beautiful * Creatively ideate , from first sketch to final polish * Collaborate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment * Work with ...

Artist/ Illustrator-2D

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Create high quality, professional art that makes our games beautiful * Creatively ideate , from first sketch to final polish * Collaborate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment * Work with ...

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2D Game Art information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do 2d game art jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d game art in the United States is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 2D game art?

2D game art refers to the visual elements created for video games that are presented in two dimensions, such as sprites, backgrounds, characters, UI elements, and animations. These assets are essential for defining the look and feel of a game and are used in a wide variety of genres, from platformers to puzzle games. 2D game artists use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or specialized game art software to design and animate the art assets. Their work helps create an engaging and immersive visual experience for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2D game artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2D Game Artist, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of color theory, composition, and proficiency in digital illustration, often backed by a degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and animation software such as Spine or After Effects is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers and developers are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure that visually appealing and cohesive assets are delivered, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

What are some common challenges faced by 2D game artists when working on a collaborative game development team?

2D Game Artists often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with project constraints, adapting to feedback from multiple departments, and ensuring consistency in art style across large projects. They must frequently collaborate with game designers, animators, and developers to integrate visual assets seamlessly into the game engine. Effective communication and flexibility are key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering high-quality art that supports both gameplay and storytelling.

What is the difference between 2D Game Art vs 2D Character Artist?

Aspect2D Game Art2D Character Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, proficiency in graphic design and illustration softwarePortfolio, strong drawing skills, proficiency in illustration tools
Work EnvironmentGame development teams, studios, freelance projectsGame studios, freelance, animation companies
Industry UsageUsed across all game art assets including backgrounds, UI, charactersSpecialized in creating character visuals and concept art

2D Game Art encompasses a broad range of visual assets for games, including backgrounds, UI, and characters, requiring versatile skills. In contrast, a 2D Character Artist focuses specifically on designing and illustrating characters. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in scope and specialization.

More about 2D Game Art jobs
Infographic showing various 2D Game Art job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,562 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Manager, Visual Design Art - TFT

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Riot Visual Designers seek to craft the best player experiences through their knowledge of design systems, graphic design, interactivity, layout, typography, color theory and illustration. Visual Designers collaborate with cross disciplinary teams and act as both artistic and design problem solvers. They understand players and ask questions about the what, who and how when solving for an interface or communication challenge.
As a Manager, Visual Design for Teamfight Tactics, you will oversee a team of Visual Designers on our Gameplay initiative, helping bring new player experiences to life. You will foster collaboration with Producers, Artists, Designers, and Engineers across the organization. You will coach, develop, and guide your team through their day-to-day work while advocating for your team's future headcount needs with product leadership. You will also set craft standards for your team, define processes and best practices, and serve as a strategic partner to production, helping plan and scope the team's work. You will report to the Gameplay Art Director and work closely with them to uphold the vision for TFT.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage, coach, and develop a team of Visual Designers, providing regular feedback, setting clear expectations, and supporting their growth
  • Establish and uphold the visual design quality bar for Gameplay UI, ensuring work is clear, cohesive, and aligned with the visual direction of TFT
  • Provide craft direction and actionable feedback throughout the design process, from early exploration through final implementation
  • Guide the creation and evolution of UI visual styles and systems that support new gameplay experiences
  • Partner with UX Designers, Artists, Motion Designers, Engineers, and Producers to develop player-focused UI solutions
  • Partner with Production to plan and scope Visual Design work, balancing priorities, dependencies, quality, and team capacity across multiple workstreams
  • Work with Art Direction and product leadership to translate the broader vision for TFT into clear Visual Design goals and priorities
  • Advocate for the needs of the Visual Design craft, including team capabilities, staffing, workflows, tools, team health, and best practices
  • Support the implementation and polish of UI in Unreal Engine, partnering with designers and engineers to maintain visual quality through development
  • Provide direction and feedback to external art partners when additional Visual Design support is needed
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in UI or Visual Design in the games industry
  • Experience managing and developing Visual Designers, including setting expectations and supporting career growth
  • A portfolio demonstrating strong visual design craft and a command of contemporary graphic and interface design
  • Strong understanding of 2D art and visual design fundamentals, including composition, color, value, hierarchy, clarity, legibility, and visual communication
  • Experience providing craft leadership, mentorship, and actionable feedback to other designers
  • Experience establishing, extending, documenting, and maintaining UI visual styles and systems
  • Advanced proficiency in Figma and Photoshop
  • Experience implementing UI in Unreal Engine using UMG
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, including priorities, dependencies, and progress
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across adjacent UI disciplines, such as Motion Graphics, UI Illustration, and UX Design
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with Unreal Engine concepts such as Blueprint scripting and UI Material authoring
  • Experience partnering with external art vendors on UI-focused projects
  • Experience in an additional craft area, such as Motion Graphics, Illustration, or UX Design

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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