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Freelance 2D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography ... including 2D game assets and animations. * Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography ... including 2D game assets and animations. * Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop ...

Senior Artist

$130K - $155K/yr

Solid understanding of animation principles and experience creating or implementing 2D and/or 3D animations. * Exceptional artistic skills including composition, color theory, typography, visual ...

Senior Artist

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Solid understanding of animation principles and experience creating or implementing 2D and/or 3D animations. * Exceptional artistic skills including composition, color theory, typography, visual ...

Technical Artist

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Create 2D assets for all aspects of the product including UI, composition, VFX, and animations ... Bachelor of Arts in art/animation or technical degree or equivalent industry experience. * At least ...

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$150K/yr

Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to ...

Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to ...

Key Responsibilities: 2D/3D Integration * Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including ... Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to ...

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Senior Technical Artist acts as a resource within the art team, mentoring other artists in the ... Create 2D assets for all aspects of the product including UI, composition, VFX, and animations*

New

Technical Artist

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Create 2D assets for all aspects of the product including UI, composition, VFX, and animations ... Bachelor of Arts in art/animation or technical degree or equivalent industry experience. * At least ...

Contract / Freelance Duration: [e.g., 1-3 months, with potential extension] Hours: [e.g., 20-40 ... Key Responsibilities * Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand ...

About the Opportunity We're looking for a freelance Motion Designer to help bring our clients ... The work spans 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation - sometimes a polished ...

About the Opportunity We're looking for a freelance Motion Designer to help bring our clients ... The work spans 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation -- sometimes a polished ...

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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 20, 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 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 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 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.

How much do freelance 2D animation artists make?

Freelance 2D animation artists typically earn between $20 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and project complexity. Many freelancers set project-based rates, with average project fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Earnings can vary widely based on client demand, portfolio quality, and the ability to negotiate rates.

How to get hired as a freelance 2D animation artist?

To get hired as a freelance 2D animation artist, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, develop skills in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom, and establish an online presence on platforms such as Behance or ArtStation. Networking, consistent self-promotion, and understanding client needs also increase your chances of securing freelance projects.

Is a Freelance 2D Animation Artist still in demand?

Freelance 2D Animation Artists remain in demand due to the ongoing need for animated content in advertising, entertainment, and online media. Success often depends on skills in software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom, a strong portfolio, and the ability to work remotely for diverse clients.
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Infographic showing various Freelance 2D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

3D Video Production Artist

Crew Training International

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Requisition #
03001002_COMPANY_1.1
Job Title
3D Video Production Artist
Job Type
Full-time
Location
Corporate - TN US (Primary)
Memphis, TN 37501 US
Category
Operations
Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position is part of a development team creating both high-level interactive courseware and case study videos; responsible for the conception, design, and development of 3D visuals and videos for final delivery of computer-based training courseware. This position will be responsible for creating 3d animations as well as previz and post-production tasks such as animatics and video editing. Additional skills in 3d modeling, rigging, and game engine tasks such as lighting, camera staging, and scene setup will strengthen success in this role to cover a wide range of abilities in the 3d production pipeline.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in 3D animation or 3D art/ game design (with animation skills)

Training and Experience:
* 3+ years' experience working as a 3D Animator or Multimedia/ Technical Artist
* Proficiency in industry standard 3D software for animation and modeling
* Proficiency in video editing software
* Experience in game engine(s)
* Experience in animatic creation
* Experience in 3D video production pipeline

Required Software:
* Autodesk Maya or 3DsMax
* Adobe Creative Suite
o Premier
o Photoshop
* Unity (non-coding)


Other Preferred Software:
* Substance Painter
* Unreal Engine/ Meta Human
* Source Control Systems (Plastic, Perforce)
* Cascadure

General Skills:
* Oral, written, and visual communication skills
* Handle multiple tasks, be flexible with assignments, and meet deadlines
* Collaborates well and can work with little to no supervision
* Follow organization and naming conventions for file and project structures
* Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, creatively problem-solve
* Ability to research new ways of working to keep our team innovative and working smarter, not harder

Other Preferred Skills:
* 3D soft surface/ character modeling
* Rigging hard surface models
* Rigging soft surface models
* 2D/ 3D FX skills
* Game Engine
o Importing assets to game engine
o Material setup
o Lighting
o Scene dressing
o Prefab basics
o Rendering image sequences in game engine

Portfolio:
Must submit link to portfolio/ demo reel. Include examples of animation, animatics, storyboarding, 3D modeling (UV, wireframes, and texture maps). Rigging and game engine rendering a plus.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Skills:
* PreViz Skills
o Storyboarding
* Ability to understand/ interpret script storyboards
* Create story visuals for case study scenarios using 3d/ 2d mediums
* Plan shots with animation needs and storytelling efficiency in mind
* Strong eye for compositions that emphasize story points and keep 3d camera limitations in mind
o 3D layout
* Prep 3d scenes by set dressing and environment generation for animation projects
* Prep 3d cameras to match storyboard visuals for final rendering
o Animatics
* Combine and arrange storyboard visuals with audio tracks
* Strong sense of story flow, timing, and pacing
* 3D Animation
o Animate 3d props, aircraft, characters, and 3d cameras
o Animate with natural posing/gestures and the key principles of animation
o Facial animation and lip syncing
* Postproduction Skills
o Non-linear video compositing and editing to create animatics and videos
o Organize, combine, cut, and arrange footage, image sequences, and audio
o Strong eyes/ ears to spot animation errors, color correct, and fix audio
o Strong sense of timing and pacing for story flow
* 3D hard surface modeling
o Create general props and technically accurate aircraft using reference
o Clean, organize, and prep assets for game engine use
o Create materials as needed, including texture maps and UV unwrapping


SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

None