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2D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animationclub

$60 - $80/hr

The ideal candidate has a strong eye for 80s/90s-inspired animation and illustration , with an ... Students will collaborate as a full production team, animators, artists, and composers, building ...

Spinplay Games

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

You'll work closely with artists, designers, and developers to build efficient animation pipelines ... Applications without a 2D animation portfolio will not be considered.

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

Austin, TX

Artists are expected to have superior talents in several artistic categories, including ... Create illustrations that are pre-planned to work well with 2D animation and vfx. * Create logo ...

Corporate Communications Dept.

Be Seen First

2D Animation Graphics Designer

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Animation graphics artist wanted to create digital content for video, digital signage, social media and web at a large national company. Successful candidate will have a minimum of five years ...

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

Artists are expected to have superior talents in several artistic categories, including ... Create illustrations that are pre-planned to work well with 2D animation and vfx. * Create logo ...

Progressive Gaming

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL

$130K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Arts, 2D Animation, Motion Graphics, or similar discipline preferred or a combination of education and equivalent work experience in a related field. Job Knowledge ...

Booming Games

Technical Artist

Oregon, WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a Technical Artist, you will work closely with the Art Lead and Product Owner to create visually ... Knowledge of Spine 2D animation * Knowledge of particle systems (Pixi) * Familiarity with HTML and ...

IGT

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Arts, 2D Animation, Motion Graphics, or similar discipline preferred or a combination of education and equivalent work experience in a related field. Job Knowledge ...

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2d Animation Artist information

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How much do 2d animation artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d animation artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 2d animation artist?

A 2D Animation Artist creates animated visuals using hand-drawn or digital techniques to bring characters, environments, and scenes to life. They work on projects such as films, TV shows, advertisements, and video games, collaborating with designers, writers, and directors. Their tasks include designing character movements, storyboarding, and refining animations for smooth motion. Proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or After Effects is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong artistic skills are key qualities for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2d animation artist?

To thrive as a 2D Animation Artist, you need strong artistic ability, an understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or After Effects is expected, and a solid portfolio often demonstrates your expertise. Collaboration, creativity, attention to detail, and time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that you can consistently produce engaging animations, meet project deadlines, and work effectively within a creative team environment.

What are some common challenges faced by 2d animation artists in their day-to-day work?

2D Animation Artists often face tight deadlines and the challenge of balancing creative vision with client or project requirements. Adapting to different animation styles, quickly incorporating feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues with animation software are common aspects of the role. Artists may also need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills. Regular collaboration with directors, story writers, and other team members is key, making communication just as important as technical skill in overcoming daily challenges.

Does Disney still hire 2D animation artists?

Disney continues to hire 2D animation artists, especially for projects that involve traditional animation techniques or nostalgic content. The company values strong drawing skills, proficiency in animation software, and a portfolio demonstrating classical animation principles. Opportunities may be available in both full-time and freelance roles within their animation studios.

How to get hired as a 2D animation artist?

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

Is there a demand for 2D animation artists?

The demand for 2D animation artists remains steady across entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries, especially as digital media continues to grow. Skills in software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, and proficiency in storytelling increase employability, with opportunities available for freelance and full-time roles.
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2d Animation Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,546 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Skydance Media
See more jobs at Skydance Mediaexternal

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.

Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.

Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.

Responsibilities
  • Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
  • Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
  • Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
  • Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
  • Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints
Requirements
  • 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
  • Traditional 2D animation background
  • Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
  • Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
  • Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
  • Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,00-140,000 annually. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.

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