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Senior 2D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insomniac Games

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game ... Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... animation, character design, industrial design, or a related field -- or have equivalent hands-on portfolio experience. * Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D ...

Incessantrain

$60 - $90/hr

Provide feedback and mentorship to junior artists * Assist senior artists in achieving project goals Qualifications Requirements * 2-4 years of experience in character animation (dialogue, emotion ...

Incessantrain

Animation Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Provide feedback and mentorship to junior artists * Assist senior artists in achieving project goals Qualifications Requirements * 2-4 years of experience in character animation (dialogue, emotion ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

... animation, character design, industrial design, or a related field - or have equivalent hands-on portfolio experience. * Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D ...

jobr.pro

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

... animation, character design, industrial design, or a related field -- or have equivalent hands-on portfolio experience. * Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D ...

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Senior 2D Character Animator information

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$77K

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$122K

How much do senior 2d character animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 2d character animator in the United States is $112,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior 2D character animator do?

A Senior 2D Character Animator is responsible for creating high-quality animations of characters for films, TV shows, video games, or commercials. They use traditional or digital animation techniques to bring characters to life, focusing on movement, emotion, and personality. In addition to animating, they often mentor junior animators, collaborate with other artists and directors, and ensure the animation aligns with the project's vision and style. Their seniority means they are expected to lead by example and help solve complex animation challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior 2D character animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior 2D Character Animator, you need expert-level drawing skills, a deep understanding of animation principles, and experience with character design, typically backed by a degree in animation or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and experience with digital asset management systems are essential. Creative problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback help animators excel in collaborative environments. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, high-quality animations that meet artistic vision and production deadlines.

How does a senior 2D character animator typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

Senior 2D Character Animators work closely with storyboard artists, directors, and designers to ensure character movements align with the creative vision and narrative. They often participate in team meetings to discuss animation timing, character consistency, and technical requirements with compositors and rigging teams. Effective communication and feedback exchange are essential, as animators frequently review work-in-progress scenes and make adjustments based on input from multiple departments. This collaborative workflow helps maintain high-quality animation and smooth project progression.

What cities are hiring for Senior 2D Character Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior 2D Character Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Character Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 2D Character Animator jobs are:

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Senior 2D Character Animator jobs near you

Senior Cinematic Facial Animator (CONTRACT)

PlayStation Global

OR • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create high-quality cinematic facial animation content using motion capture data and hand-key techniques with FACS based rigs.

  • Collaborate with Animation Directors and Lead Animators to design cinematic facial performances that reflect the game's vision and style.

  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to facial animation integration into the game engine.

Job description

This is an 8-month contract. This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Insomniac Games is looking for a Senior Cinematics Facial Animator. In this role, the Senior Cinematics Facial Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematic facial animation utilizing FACS based rigs that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role includes integration of facial capture data into scene layouts and polish of facial performance through final implementation in the game engine.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

  • Develop high-quality cinematic facial animation content using both motion capture data and hand-key techniques with FACS based rigs, ensuring alignment with schedule and performance benchmarks.
  • Collaborate closely with Animation Directors and Lead Animators to design cinematic facial performances that reflect the game's vision and adhere to its unique cinematography style.
  • Contribute to setting and maintaining performance standards and working in tandem with other departments to ensure seamless integration of cinematics into the game engine.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues with facial animation integration into engine.
  • Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes.
  • Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting work, and incorporating constructive critique.
  • Demonstrate a strong grasp of animation and camera principles essential for crafting a realistic and immersive cinematic experience.
  • Utilize project management tools such as Jira and Flow to effectively track progress and manage workload.
  • Communicate efficiently with the Animation Director and Project Management to report on progress, addressing potential roadblocks to ensure timely delivery of tasks.
  • Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned to support the animation team's goals and objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however this role mentors more junior artists.  

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

Reasoning Skills: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. 

Computer Skills: Advanced knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools (preferred), and a knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine a plus. 

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