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Lead 2D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Define motion design principles, animation standards, and creative approaches across the ... Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate * Ensure ...

You'll work across 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation, owning hands-on ... Lead motion design across a range of client projects including launch videos, commercials, product ...

You'll work across 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation, owning hands-on ... Lead motion design across a range of client projects including launch videos, commercials, product ...

You'll work across 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation, owning hands-on ... Lead motion design across a range of client projects including launch videos, commercials, product ...

You'll work across 2D, UI, typography, compositing, and edit-driven animation, owning hands-on ... Lead motion design across a range of client projects including launch videos, commercials, product ...

... Lead UI Designer Location: Columbia, Maryland Duration: 3 months * Apply heuristics to design ... Develop 2D and 3D Animation using Flash. Develop Flash /Director based customer Animations Develop ...

... Lead UI Designer Location: Columbia, Maryland Duration: 3 months * Apply heuristics to design ... Develop 2D and 3D Animation using Flash. Develop Flash /Director based customer Animations Develop ...

... visualization, animation, prototyping, and 2D/3D design. You will blend future foresight ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

Position Summary The VDC Project Lead drives the successful execution of projects, serving as a key ... Participate in the design and production of visual materials, including videos, animations, and 2D ...

... visualization, animation, prototyping, and 2D/3D design. You will blend future foresight ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

... visualization, animation, prototyping, and 2D/3D design. You will blend future foresight ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead 2D Animator information

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$14

$36

$68

How much do lead 2d animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead 2d animator in the United States is $36.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Lead 2D animator typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Lead 2D Animator works closely with directors, storyboard artists, and the art department to ensure that the animation style and movement align with the project's vision. They also frequently communicate with editors and sound designers to synchronize visuals with audio elements. Collaboration is essential throughout the production pipeline, as the Lead 2D Animator often provides feedback, coordinates asset delivery, and ensures that animation sequences integrate smoothly with backgrounds and special effects. This cross-functional teamwork helps maintain consistency and quality across the final product.

What is a Lead 2D animator?

Lead 2D Animators are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the creation and quality of 2D animated content in film, television, video games, or advertising. They guide and mentor a team of animators, ensuring the artistic vision and style are consistent throughout a project. In addition to supervising animation work, they often collaborate with directors, designers, and other departments to meet deadlines and resolve creative challenges. Their expertise in both technical animation skills and leadership is crucial for delivering high-quality, engaging animations.

What is the difference between Lead 2D Animator vs 2D Animator?

AspectLead 2D Animator2D Animator
ResponsibilitiesOversees animation projects, guides team, ensures style consistencyCreates individual animations, follows project briefs
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, experience, sometimes a degree in animation or related fieldPortfolio, basic animation skills, often a degree or diploma in animation or art
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, collaborative, often in studios or remote teamsIndividual work, often under supervision, in studio or freelance settings

The main difference between a Lead 2D Animator and a 2D Animator is the level of responsibility. The Lead 2D Animator manages animation projects and guides team members, while a 2D Animator focuses on creating animations based on project requirements. Both roles require strong animation skills and relevant experience, but the Lead position involves leadership and project oversight.

Is there a demand for lead 2D animators?

Lead 2D animators are in steady demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and e-learning, especially as animation continues to grow in digital media. Strong skills in software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom, along with leadership experience, can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead 2D animator?

To thrive as a Lead 2D Animator, you need advanced drawing abilities, a deep understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and After Effects is crucial, along with experience managing animation pipelines. Strong leadership, communication, and time management skills help you guide teams and collaborate effectively across departments. These skills ensure high-quality animation output, efficient production workflows, and cohesive team performance in creative environments.
More about Lead 2D Animator jobs
Infographic showing various Lead 2D Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,634 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Lead Motion Designer

Umusic

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Fame House, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry's best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Fame House powers eCommerce for UMG's labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration, both withinFH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of eCommerce for artists, providing a full service solution to grow an artist's owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.

How we LEAD:

Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another pathway to connecting with an artist and the culture they represent.

At Digital Creative & Experience, we create experiences that connect artists and fans through storytelling, design, content, commerce, and culture. Across artist storefronts, e-commerce experiences, campaigns, content initiatives, and fan engagement platforms, the Design & Direction team is responsible for bringing artist brands to life through innovative and meaningful creative experiences.

Motion plays an increasingly important role in how audiences experience digital content. Whether enhancing artist storytelling, elevating product launches, creating immersive campaign moments, or bringing digital experiences to life, motion has the power to create emotion, drive engagement, and strengthen audience connection.

The Lead Motion Designer is responsible for advancing the motion design capabilities of the organization while ensuring motion remains a meaningful and integrated part of the creative process.

How You'll CREATE

The Lead Motion Designer is responsible for defining and leading motion design execution across Digital Creative Services. Working at the intersection of design, storytelling, technology, and creative innovation, this role develops motion systems, animation approaches, and visual experiences that elevate artist brands, campaigns, and digital products.

Partnering closely with Creative Directors, Designers, Content Production teams, Developers, and Client stakeholders, the Lead Motion Designer translates creative vision into compelling motion-led experiences while establishing standards, workflows, and best practices that improve consistency and creative quality across the organization.

This role combines hands-on creative execution with creative leadership, serving as both a motion specialist and a trusted creative partner throughout the concept.

Motion Design Leadership

  • Lead motion design execution across campaigns, e-commerce experiences, content initiatives, and digital products

  • Define motion design principles, animation standards, and creative approaches across the organization

  • Establish scalable motion systems that support artist storytelling and brand expression

  • Ensure motion design enhances user experience, engagement, and creative effectiveness

  • Champion the role of motion throughout the creative development process

Creative Development

  • Partner with Creative Directors during concept development and experience design phases

  • Contribute motion-first thinking to creative briefs, presentations, and campaign development

  • Develop storyboards, motion explorations, prototypes, and visual concepts

  • Translate static creative concepts into engaging motion-based experiences

  • Explore innovative approaches to storytelling through animation and movement

Motion & Visual Execution

  • Create high-quality motion graphics, animations, and visual content across multiple channels and platforms

  • Develop content for artist campaigns, ecommerce experiences, social content, product launches, and branded storytelling initiatives

  • Lead the creation of motion assets ranging from micro-interactions and promotional content through to large-scale campaign experiences

  • Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate

  • Ensure all motion deliverables meet the highest creative and technical standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with Designers, Content Producers, Developers, Editors, and Creative Directors

  • Support Development teams in implementing motion experiences across digital products and platforms

  • Partner with Content Production teams to integrate motion into content ecosystems and storytelling initiatives

  • Ensure motion execution aligns with project objectives, timelines, and technical requirements

  • Act as a motion design subject matter expert across the organization

Innovation & Capability Development

  • Drive the evolution of motion design capabilities within Digital Creative Services

  • Research emerging technologies, tools, platforms, and creative opportunities

  • Explore AI, real-time rendering, interactive motion, 3D, and immersive experience technologies

  • Mentor designers and creatives looking to strengthen motion capabilities

  • Contribute to the development of creative standards, workflows, and best practices

Bring Your VIBE

  • 5-8 years experience in motion design, animation, visual design, digital experiences, or related creative disciplines

  • Exceptional portfolio demonstrating motion-led storytelling and creative problem solving

  • Advanced proficiency across After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and relevant motion tools

  • Strong understanding of animation principles, visual storytelling, design systems, and user experience

  • Experience working across campaigns, ecommerce, content production, digital products, or entertainment environments

  • Ability to move comfortably between strategic thinking and hands-on execution

  • Strong presentation, communication, and collaboration skills

  • Passion for music, culture, design, emerging technology, and creative innovation

Success Looks Like

  • Motion consistently elevates the quality and impact of creative work

  • Motion principles and standards are adopted across the organization

  • Creative concepts are strengthened through thoughtful animation and movement

  • Artists, brands, and campaigns benefit from distinctive and memorable motion experiences

  • Teams seek out motion expertise throughout the creative development process

  • New technologies and techniques continue to evolve the organization's creative capabilities

  • Digital Creative Services is recognized for best-in-class motion-led creative experiences

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.


Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster:English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster:English|Spanish


Job Category:Creative, Design & Production

Salary Range:

72,660 - 135,000

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.