Businesses hire 2D animators to transform still images to dynamic, moving images to create explainer videos, social media content, advertisements, and interactive experiences that capture audience attention. A skilled 2D animator combines artistic vision with technical expertise to deliver visuals that strengthen brand identity, simplify messaging, and support conversion goals.
What does a 2D animator do?
2D animators bring static images to life through movement, timing, and visual storytelling. They’re involved in the entire production cycle — from storyboarding to creating the final animations — and use a variety of software, including Adobe After Effects, Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and TVPaint.
Smaller projects, such as an explainer video, might need a single cutout animator. Larger projects however, such as for film or video games, might have multiple 2D animators, each with a different specialty. For example, motion graphics designers might be involved in title sequencing and marketing, while character animators focus on character movement and the environment within the video.
Specific 2D animator tasks may include:
Creating animated visuals. Produce motion graphics and character animations in a two-dimensional space
Developing storyboards. Plan scenes and sequences to guide the animation process
Designing characters and assets. Create or adapt illustrations for animation
Animating movement and timing. Bring characters and objects to life using frame-by-frame or rig-based techniques
Adding visual effects. Incorporate transitions, effects, and enhancements to improve storytelling
Syncing with audio. Match animation to dialogue, music, or sound effects
Refining and editing animations. Adjust timing, smooth motion, and polish final output
Collaborating with teams. Work with writers, designers, and directors to align with creative goals
How to hire a 2D animator on Upwork
Finding the right 2D animator starts with understanding your project needs so you can attract people with the right skills. Upwork has tools to help you find the right candidate, and also to streamline the hiring process by helping you post jobs, review proposals, conduct interviews, and manage contracts securely.
Step 1: Craft a targeted job post
A detailed job post is essential for attracting talent that aligns with your creative vision and technical needs. Providing clear requirements up front helps attract the candidates who are best suited for your project.
Give an overview of your project that includes the industry, goal, and style preferences
Be specific about deliverables, including the deadline and the length of the animation.
Include technical requirements such as software and budget
For ideas on what to include in your job post, review our 2D animator job description template
To move faster, use the Job Post Generator, powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI. Describe what you need in a few sentences and Uma will draft a job post tailored for 2D animators.
Step 2: Filter and evaluate candidates
As you begin to receive proposals, you'll want a systematic way to narrow down your applicant pool so that you find the best talent for your project.
Use Upwork's search filters to narrow candidates by expertise, hourly rate, location, and Job Success Score
Focus on portfolios that demonstrate relevant animation styles and technical capabilities
Review client feedback to understand how each candidate's past work matches your current needs
Leverage Upwork's Best Match insights to identify top candidates whose skills and experience align with your job requirements
Step 3: Interview your top choices
A quick video interview can help you gauge a candidate's communication skills and ensure their creative process aligns with your expectations.
Assess each animator's creative approach, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration style
Ask about their animation process, preferred tools, and how they handle feedback and revisions
Talk about examples of previous projects the candidate found challenging, and their solutions
For interview inspiration, review graphic designer interview questions, video editor interview questions, and art director interview questions
Consider a small paid test project to evaluate work quality before committing to a larger engagement
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Formalizing the agreement in a contract with clear terms protects both parties and sets the foundation for a smooth workflow.
Once you've selected your 2D animator, clearly define the project scope, payment terms, and timeline
Choose an hourly contract for ongoing work or a fixed-price contract for short-term work with clearly defined deliverables
Specify all deliverables, file formats, resolution, frame rates, and whether source files are included
Establish milestones, clarify the revision policy, and set communication expectations.
Use Upwork for payment protection, time tracking, and contract management
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.