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Lead 2D Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WPP Production

Flame Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $295K/yr

Supervised Sessions: Lead in-studio or remote sessions with directors, agency creatives, and ... Perform complex 2D and 3D compositing, beauty retouching, rig removal, and CGI integration.

Epoch Games

Lead 3D Game Artist

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

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

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Umusic

Lead Motion Designer

New York, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Universal Music Group

Lead Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Umusic

Lead Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

IGT

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... This is an excellent opportunity for a versatile artist who enjoys solving creative and technical ...

Progressive Gaming

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... This is an excellent opportunity for a versatile artist who enjoys solving creative and technical ...

Punch Studio

Production Artist I

Culver City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and Lead Production Artists. * Produce/create artwork for seasonal catalogs, marketing, and ... Knowledge of translating 2D templates into 3D digital product with wrapping artwork patterns.

Punch Studio

Production Artist I

Culver City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and Lead Production Artists. * Produce/create artwork for seasonal catalogs, marketing, and ... Knowledge of translating 2D templates into 3D digital product with wrapping artwork patterns.

Punch Studio

Production Artist I

Culver City, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and Lead Production Artists. * Produce/create artwork for seasonal catalogs, marketing, and ... Knowledge of translating 2D templates into 3D digital product with wrapping artwork patterns.

Marymount University

  • Retirement

... and lead with purpose and confidence. Title Adjunct Professor, Color and 2D Design Direct ... EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Master of Arts degree is required with a minimum of 18 graduate ...

Stellantis

UX Motion Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Our global creative team consists of a diverse group of User Experience Designers, Interaction Designers, 2D/3D Visual Designers, Motion Graphic Artist, Researchers, and Prototypers. We are ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV ...

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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 Aug 13, 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 is a lead 2D artist?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 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 28 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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