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Lead 2D Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valicy

3D Artist

Wilmington, NC

NC Art Reports To: Art Lead Status: Exempt Online art portfolio (Required at the time of ... A solid grasp of form, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The 3D Artist ...

Imagination

2D Designer - Brand & Digital

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... thinking lead to the best work. While we aim to support a healthy work-life balance, there will ... A qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Visual Arts or a related creative ...

General Motors

3D Artist

Warren, MI · Hybrid

Create 3D and 2D deliverables based on program and project needs. * Help maintain asset libraries ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

General Motors

3D Artist

Warren, MI · On-site

Create 3D and 2D deliverables based on program and project needs. * Help maintain asset libraries ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

INSPYR Solutions

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a VFX Artist III on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Animation Lead. You will ... Flex your mastery of 2D and 3D workflows to enhance your in-engine work. * Be comfortable thinking ...

INSPYR Solutions

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a VFX Artist III on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Animation Lead. You will ... Flex your mastery of 2D and 3D workflows to enhance your in-engine work. * Be comfortable thinking ...

Epoch Games

Lead 3D Game Artist

Winston Salem, NC

Ability to manage others, especially 3D Game Artists * Ability to work with and provide ... Pixologic ZBrush / Mudbox Recommended 2D Image Software (either or both): * Photoshop (CS4 and up)

Umusic

Lead Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA

For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another ... Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate * Ensure ...

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Lead 2D Artist information

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$10

$25

$72

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead 2d artist in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lead 2D Artists?

Lead 2D Artists are senior professionals in the art department who oversee the creation of two-dimensional artwork for video games, animations, films, or other media projects. They are responsible for guiding a team of 2D artists, setting the visual style, ensuring consistency, and collaborating with other departments to achieve the project's artistic vision. In addition to hands-on art creation, they mentor junior artists, review work, and help manage schedules and deadlines. Their role is crucial in maintaining high-quality visuals and ensuring that the team's output aligns with the project's goals.

How does a Lead 2D Artist typically collaborate with other departments in a game development studio?

A Lead 2D Artist works closely with game designers, animators, and programmers to ensure that the visual elements align with the overall creative vision and technical requirements of the project. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to provide feedback, share concepts, and make adjustments based on input from other teams. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Lead 2D Artist not only oversees the art team’s output but also ensures that assets are delivered on time and integrate smoothly into the game engine. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and quality across all visual aspects of the project.

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

AspectLead 2D Artist2D Artist
ResponsibilitiesOversees project art direction, manages team, ensures style consistencyCreates individual 2D artwork, executes assigned tasks
Required SkillsAdvanced illustration, leadership, project managementStrong drawing skills, software proficiency, creativity
Work EnvironmentCollaborative team setting, often in game or animation studiosIndependent or team-based, project-specific work
CredentialsPortfolio, experience, sometimes a degree in art or related fieldPortfolio, relevant software skills, often a degree or training

The main difference between a Lead 2D Artist and a 2D Artist lies in scope and responsibility. The Lead 2D Artist manages the artistic vision and team, while a 2D Artist focuses on creating artwork. Both roles require strong artistic skills, but the Lead position involves leadership and project oversight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead 2D Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead 2D Artist, you need advanced artistic skills, a strong portfolio, and a background in fine arts or digital illustration, often supported by a relevant degree. Expertise with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Clip Studio Paint is typically required, along with knowledge of asset pipelines. Leadership, communication, and creative direction are vital soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These abilities ensure visual consistency, efficient workflow, and the successful execution of a project’s artistic vision.
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Lead 2D Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead 2D Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Senior Illustration Artist - League of Legends, Splash Team

Senior Illustration Artist - League of Legends, Splash Team

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

As part of the Illustration team, you'll put stylus to Cintiq and create promotional art that represents the essence of a Champion, thematic, or gameplay to millions of players. You will use your artistic eye and experience with dynamic lighting, form, and color to tell concise and evocative stories. By working with a team of dedicated illustrators, visual designers, writers, animators, and game developers, you will help decide and illustrate each character's unique place in our universe
As a Senior Splash Illustration Artist for the League of Legends Splash Illustration team your craft expertise and eye for illustration will help deliver deep engagement and rich fantasy worlds to our players. You will be a key member of your discipline community, supporting the craft and execution across the whole splash team by mentoring teammates and cultivating excellence. You will produce illustrations at the highest quality bar, at times raising or redefining what good looks like. You will partner with the Producer, Art Manager and Craft Lead to support team rituals, art direction and product cohesion on a variety of illustrations for Skins and Champions.
Responsibilities:
  • Consistently solid craft executor of high-quality 2D Splash Illustrations with minimum oversight.
  • Assist in driving the quality of the team's work and set the bar for excellence.
  • Maintaining the illustration quality and mentoring our vendors by participating in review meetings and providing constructive feedback to external art teams.
  • Mentoring and coaching artists in creating high end Splash illustrations and developing their art skills.
  • Sharing of craft expertise and knowledge through discipline, community, mentorship and art collaboration.
  • Support team leadership through style guide creation, participating and assisting in team rituals, identifying areas for improvement and consistent feedback.

Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of industry experience as a 2D Artist/Illustrator
  • Showcase ability to create high quality 2D Splash Illustrations
  • Extreme proficiency in art fundamentals, visual storytelling, anatomy, lighting, materials and color theory
  • Expertise in Splash Style including stylized anatomy, heroic compositions and cinematic/realistic believability
  • Advanced experience creating high end digital art assets in Adobe Photoshop
  • Highly experienced with 2D Illustration Asset production pipelines, and showing a strong ability of driving illustrations for the thumbnails to the final state.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills in working in a team environment and collaborating with different disciplines.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience owning and effectively communicating about projects and workflow
  • AAA Game Development experience
  • Familiarity with League of Legends Characters, IP Universes and Lore

As a part of the application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio of their work.
For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $150,000.00 - $209,600.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
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About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

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