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Freelance 2D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POWERHOUSE ANIMATION STUDIOS I

2D Animator

Austin, TX · On-site

$34.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Animation Supervisor * Classification: Non Exempt, Full Time Employee * Location: To be considered ... artists and directors. * Experience working within tight deadlines while maintaining a high level ...

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.

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$20 - $50/hr

... seeking a talented 2D Roblox Artist excited to support the visual development of our Roblox ... This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability Monday through Friday during core ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $50/hr

... seeking a talented 2D Roblox Artist excited to support the visual development of our Roblox ... This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability Monday through Friday during core ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $50/hr

... seeking a talented 2D Roblox Artist excited to support the visual development of our Roblox ... This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability Monday through Friday during core ...

Fox

Freelance Daily Artist

New York, NY

As a Freelance Daily Artist, you are responsible for producing creative and visually compelling ... or animation packages WHAT YOU WILL NEED * Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design/Communication ...

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Freelance 2D Animation Artist information

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 2d animation artist in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance 2D animation artist?

To thrive as a Freelance 2D Animation Artist, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles, and a portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or After Effects is typically required. Creativity, time management, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, engaging animations that meet client expectations and deadlines in a competitive freelance market.

How do freelance 2D animation artists typically manage client communication and project feedback?

As a freelance 2D animation artist, effective client communication is crucial for project success. Most artists use project management tools, video calls, and regular email updates to keep clients informed and gather feedback at key milestones. Establishing clear timelines, deliverables, and revision policies helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the project stays on track. Proactively seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism are essential skills, as they lead to stronger client relationships and higher-quality work.

What is a freelance 2D animation artist?

Freelance 2D Animation Artists are creative professionals who design and animate two-dimensional visuals for various media, such as films, television shows, video games, advertisements, and web content. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers work independently and are hired on a project-by-project basis by studios, agencies, or individual clients. They use specialized software to create character movements, backgrounds, and effects, bringing stories and concepts to life. Freelancers must manage their own schedules, client communications, and business operations, making the role both artistic and entrepreneurial.

What is the difference between Freelance 2D Animation Artist vs Freelance Motion Designer?

AspectFreelance 2D Animation ArtistFreelance Motion Designer
Skills & Tools2D animation, illustration, Adobe After Effects, PhotoshopAnimation, graphic design, After Effects, Cinema 4D
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote, client projectsFreelance, remote, multimedia projects
Industry UsageAnimation studios, advertising, entertainmentAdvertising, branding, digital media
CredentialsPortfolio, animation skills, software proficiencyPortfolio, motion design skills, software proficiency

Both roles involve digital animation and require strong portfolios. A Freelance 2D Animation Artist focuses primarily on creating traditional 2D animations and illustrations, while a Freelance Motion Designer combines animation with graphic design to produce engaging multimedia content. The choice depends on your specific skill set and project interests.

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Freelance 2D Animation Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 2D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$2.4K/day

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

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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