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Internship 2D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Games Co.

Freelance Animator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Create high-quality 2D/3D character, creature, environment, and UI animation for mobile platforms. * Work with Art Directors, Animation Lead, Animation Team, Game Designers, and Engineers to ensure ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Deliver polished animations (2D, 3D, Character, Compositing) working with team members across all disciplines: strategy, accounts, design, copy, and dev. * * Bring layout, typography, and design ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

... of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The ... For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.25 - $19/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and ...

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Internship 2D Character Animator information

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$5

$13

$19

How much do internship 2d character animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship 2d character animator in the United States is $13.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Internship 2D Character Animator do?

An Internship 2D Character Animator assists in creating and animating characters for films, games, or other multimedia projects. They typically work under the supervision of experienced animators, learning industry-standard software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. Their tasks may include sketching character designs, creating movement cycles, and refining animations based on feedback. The internship provides hands-on experience and helps develop a portfolio for a future career in animation.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Internship 2D Character Animator expect to work on during their placement?

As an Internship 2D Character Animator, you can expect to assist with creating character animations for a variety of projects, such as short films, video games, or commercials. Your daily tasks may include cleaning up rough animation, preparing assets for animators, and participating in team meetings to discuss creative direction. You'll often collaborate closely with senior animators, storyboard artists, and designers, receiving feedback to refine your work and develop your skills. This collaborative environment offers significant learning opportunities and can serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced animation roles.

How to get an internship as an animator?

To secure an internship as a 2D character animator, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, gain proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom, and apply to companies or studios that offer internship programs. Networking, attending industry events, and demonstrating relevant skills can also improve your chances of obtaining an internship in this field.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney has significantly reduced its production of traditional 2D animation and no longer regularly hires 2D character animators for new projects. The company primarily focuses on 3D animation through its Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, but some legacy 2D skills may still be valued for certain roles or archival work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship 2D Character Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship 2D Character Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, drawing skills, and a portfolio demonstrating your creative abilities, often supported by coursework in animation or related fields. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and openness to feedback are important soft skills for collaborating with directors and other artists. These abilities ensure you can effectively contribute to animation projects while developing professionally in a studio environment.

How to get hired as a 2D animator?

To get hired as a 2D character animator, build a strong portfolio showcasing your animation skills and proficiency with software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. Gaining experience through internships, freelance projects, or courses can improve your chances, and networking within the industry can help you find opportunities.

Is there a demand for 2D animators?

The demand for 2D character animators 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 both freelance and full-time roles.

What is the difference between Internship 2D Character Animator vs 2D Character Animator?

AspectInternship 2D Character Animator2D Character Animator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education or trainingProfessional degree or equivalent experience in animation or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often supervised, learning-focusedFull-time or freelance work in studios or remote
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position, used by studios for trainingEstablished professionals working on projects

The main difference is that an Internship 2D Character Animator is a training role for beginners gaining experience, while a 2D Character Animator is a fully qualified professional responsible for creating animated characters in various projects.

More about Internship 2D Character Animator jobs
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Internship 2D Character Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship 2D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 20% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 35% Nights, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,073 per year, or $13 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 18 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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