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Entry Level 2D Animation Artist Jobs in Colorado

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Entry Level 2D Animation Artist information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level 2D animation artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 2D Animation Artist, you need a solid grasp of drawing fundamentals, animation principles, and a portfolio showcasing your creative abilities, usually supported by a degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Photoshop is typically expected. Strong communication, attention to detail, and openness to feedback help artists collaborate effectively and grow in their roles. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing professional animations that meet project requirements and contribute to a creative team environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level 2D animation artists in their first year on the job?

As an entry-level 2D animation artist, you might encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-standard software, meeting tight deadlines, and balancing creative input with project guidelines. Collaboration with other team members, such as storyboard artists and animators, is essential and can require strong communication skills. Additionally, learning to accept and implement feedback quickly is a key part of professional growth in this role. Overcoming these challenges can help you build a solid foundation for advancement within the animation industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level 2D Animation Artist vs Junior 2D Animator?

AspectEntry Level 2D Animation ArtistJunior 2D Animator
Required SkillsBasic drawing, software proficiency, understanding of animation principlesAdvanced animation techniques, storytelling, character development
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, freelance projects, educational settingsProduction teams, media companies, advertising agencies
Typical ResponsibilitiesAssisting in animations, creating assets, learning workflowsCreating animations, refining scenes, collaborating with teams

The Entry Level 2D Animation Artist typically focuses on foundational skills and assisting in animation projects, often in educational or entry-level roles. A Junior 2D Animator has more experience, handles more complex animations, and contributes more directly to production. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but the Junior 2D Animator is expected to have a deeper understanding of animation techniques and storytelling.

What does an entry level 2D animation artist do?

An Entry Level 2D Animation Artist creates basic animations, illustrations, and visual assets for various media such as games, television, or online content. They typically work under the guidance of senior animators and collaborate with other artists to bring characters, backgrounds, and scenes to life. Their tasks often include drawing storyboards, cleaning up frames, creating simple motion sequences, and assisting with revisions based on feedback. This role is ideal for those looking to build foundational skills and gain experience in the field of animation.
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Entry Level 2D Animation Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 2D Animation Artist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
  • Courses taught may include 2D Animation I–IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
  • Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.
Working Conditions
This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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