Hire the Best 2D Animators in California

Clients rate our 2D animators
Rating is 4.8 out of 5.
4.8/5
Based on 389 client reviews
Justin Z.

Orange, California

$85/hr
5.0
178 jobs

The past ten years in full-time freelance have really honed my expertise in Motion Graphics, where I've animated everything from movie bumpers to explainer videos to special FX, and everything in between. I've even taken on an adjunct teaching position at Chapman University in the graphic design department. I'm a strong generalist across 2D animation and 3D animation. I also have extensive 3D design and animation experience in Maya and Cinema4D for both games and pre-rendered quality assets. For the work I did in advertising, I was the full production coordinator. I did everything from design to modeling, animation, final rendering and compositing, etc. I was also the motion designer on staff. With my degree in Computer Animation and a minor in Digital Film, I learned not only the software, but I got a solid foundation in traditional arts. The many entertainment genres I've studied or worked in make me versatile enough to handle polished corporate work, story-driven animation, game-ready video game assets, or even live-action visual effects. I'm a great multimedia guy with a solid background in the principles of animation as it applies to motion design. I'm excited to tackle whatever project you have. I'm incorporated under the name JZ Motion, Inc., so that should bring great confidence to anyone who has been frustrated by flaky or unresponsive freelancers. This is my livelihood, and I tackle every contract with a high degree of professionalism.

  • 2D Animation
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Animation
  • Logo Animation
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • 3D Rendering
  • Compositing
  • Motion Graphics
  • Visual Effects
  • 3D Design
  • 3D Modeling
  • Explainer Video
  • 3D Product Rendering
  • Video Production
  • Graphic Design
  • Video Editing
  • Video Post-Editing
Sabiha K.

South San Francisco, California

$30/hr
4.6
222 jobs

I help SaaS and technology companies communicate complex products through clear, engaging, and visually compelling videos. From product demos and UI walkthroughs to onboarding experiences and launch campaigns, I create motion design that makes sophisticated platforms easy to understand and easy to adopt. I'm Sabiha, an Expert motion designer in Upwork's Top 1%. You know your product inside and out. Your audience doesn't. That's where I come in. I've partnered with companies like IBM, Google, Citrix, AT&T, Netflix, ESPN, ABC, and fast-growing SaaS startups to transform products, features, and workflows into videos that educate users, accelerate onboarding, and drive conversions. My approach is simple: strategy first, design second, animation last. By defining the message before creating the visuals, I keep projects aligned, minimize revisions, and ensure the final video stays focused on what matters most—the audience. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☆☆☆ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 ☆☆☆ ✅ Full animation production (Concept → Script → Storyboard → Animation → Final Delivery) ✅ 2D explainer videos & motion graphics ✅ 3D product visualization & animation ✅ SaaS & software demo animations ✅ CGI product commercials & marketing visuals ✅ UI/App animation for mobile & web platforms ✅ Educational, corporate & training animations ✅ High-quality rendering, lighting & cinematic presentation ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☆☆☆ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐞 ☆☆☆ ⭐️ Expertise in both 2D storytelling and 3D visualization ⭐️ Strategy-driven animation focused on results ⭐️ Clean, modern, and professional visual style ⭐️ Strong understanding of SaaS, tech & product marketing ⭐️ Smooth workflow with clear communication ⭐️ Reliable delivery and attention to detail ⭐️ Animations built to improve engagement & conversions ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☆☆☆ 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 ☆☆☆ 🔸 2D Explainer Videos (Startup, SaaS & Corporate) 🔸 Motion Graphics & Marketing Animations 🔸 3D Product Design & Animation 🔸 CGI Product Visualization 🔸 Software & App Demo Videos 🔸 Character Animation & Storytelling 🔸 Medical & Technical Animation 🔸 Educational & Training Videos 🔸 Kinetic Typography & Social Media Animations 🔸 Storyboarding & Visual Planning ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☆☆☆ 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐈 𝐔𝐬𝐞 ☆☆☆ ✅ Adobe After Effects ✅ Adobe Illustrator ✅ Adobe Premiere Pro ✅ Adobe Photoshop ✅ Blender ✅ Cinema 4D (C4D) ✅ Autodesk Maya ✅ SolidWorks (CAD Workflow) ✅ Figma (UI Animation Planning) 🚀 Ready to turn your idea into powerful animation? Let’s create visuals that explain clearly, engage audiences, and make your product or brand stand out. 🔥 SEO TAG CLOUD Animation | 2D Animation | Explainer Video | Motion Graphics | SaaS Explainer | Product Demo Video | UI Animation | App Animation | Software Demo | Marketing Video | Animated Explainer | Corporate Video | Startup Video | Character Animation | Whiteboard Animation | Kinetic Typography | Logo Animation | Motion Design | Video Production | Adobe After Effects | Illustration | Storyboard | Educational Video | Training Video | Tech Explainer | Social Media Video | Branding Animation | Promo Video | UI/UX Animation | GIF Animation | Lottie Animation | JSON Animation | SVG Animation | Video Editing | Motion Graphics Designer | SaaS Animation | Product Animation | Animation Design | 3D Product Design | Product Rendering | 3D Product Animation | CGI | CAD Design | Industrial Design | SolidWorks | Blender | Cinema 4D | Product Visualization | Photoreal Rendering | 3D Modeling | Medical Animation | Product Animation | Mechanical Visualization | 3D Rendering | CGI Product | Product Marketing Visuals | Technical Animation | VFX | Industrial Product Design | 3D Visualization | Product Explainer Animation

  • 2D Animation
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Animation
  • Character Animation
  • Illustration
  • Storyboarding
  • Video Animation
  • Animated Explainer
  • Explainer Video
  • Motion Graphics
  • Animated Cartoon
  • Demo Video
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Anime
  • Cartoon Animation
  • SaaS
  • Product Video
  • UI Animation
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • Promotional Video
Valentin B.

Irvine, California

$30/hr
4.9
80 jobs

Do you have a story, character, or idea that deserves clear, engaging cartoon animation? Not just motion, but meaning? If you're here, you're probably not looking for just an animator. You're looking for someone who can help turn your idea into something people actually watch, understand, and remember. That's where I come in. As an animator and game artist, I create custom 2D animation designed around your story, style, and goals. What this gives you Your project won't look like everyone else's. Many animations rely on stock assets or recycled motion. I create fully custom characters, scenes, and animations so your project feels intentional, not generic. Your idea stays yours, just clearer. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Together we refine tone, pacing, and visual direction so the animation communicates your message clearly. You get guidance, not confusion. Instead of guessing what works, you get clear creative direction that keeps production smooth and focused. Common ways clients use my work • Character animation and expressive animated scenes • Looping avatars and animated GIF reactions for creators • Stylized storytelling inspired by animated shows • Scenes for content, cartoon video, or animation for games If this sounds like what your project needs, 👉 Invite me to your job on Upwork and let's talk through your idea before anything is animated. No pressure. Just clarity.

  • 2D Animation
  • Character Animation
  • Storyboard
  • Motion Graphics
  • Animation for Streamers
  • Animation for Kids
  • Flash Animation
  • Cartoon Animation
  • Animated GIF
  • Animated Cartoon
  • Adobe Animate
Ruben E.

Brentwood, California

$40/hr
4.9
11 jobs

I am a character animator who I loves to create! I happily live my artistic life to the fullest everyday! I am an animator, traditional artist, husband, father, skater, surfer, gamer and happy human being! I humble myself to the collaborative experience and encourage others to drive their creative passions so that they may paint their stories for everyone to enjoy and experience.

  • 2D Animation
  • Story
  • 3D Animation
  • 2D Game Art
Mohammad B.

Irvine, California

$15/hr
4.9
109 jobs

I create brand true 2D Animated Explainer Videos, SaaS Product Demos, and Motion Graphics using Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. 150+ explainer and demo videos delivered for SaaS and startup clients. To get started, please share: - Brand kit (logo, colors, fonts) - Script + voice over if you have - Desired length - References you like I'll reply with a concept and timeline the same day. Typical process: Discovery → Script polish (optional) → Storyboard → Styleframes → Animation → Sound → Revisions → Final export (MP4/WEBM + source files on request) FAQs Q: Do you write scripts? A: Light copywriting and structure are included. Full scriptwriting is available. Q: Can you handle voiceover? A: I can source male/female voiceovers with multiple accents and manage recording. Q: What files do I receive? A: MP4 (H.264) + web-ready formats. Source files (AE/AI) are available as an add-on. Services I Offer: - 2D Animated Videos - Cartoon & Character Animation - Animated Explainer Videos - Motion Graphics - Infographic Videos - Explainer Videos - Live Action with Animated Overlays - Whiteboard Animation - Logo Animation & YouTube Intros - Short Video Ads - Animated Ads for Social Media - GIF Animation - Website and App Promo Videos - Post Production - Stock Videos - Lottie Animation - Adobe Illustrator Product Commercials: High-energy product demo videos designed to showcase product features and benefits. Ideal for eCommerce stores, website landing pages, and digital marketing campaigns. Mobile App Promo Videos: Engaging feature demonstration videos that help potential users understand your app's value. Perfect for Google Play, Apple App Store, and mobile marketing campaigns. Website Promotional Videos: Explaining your services, products, and unique selling points in a way that keeps visitors engaged and boosts conversions using 2D animation videos. Motion Graphics & 2D Animation Animated Explainer Videos: Story-driven visual storytelling with 2D character animation that simplifies complex ideas and services. Great for startups, SaaS businesses, and online services. SaaS Product Videos & Software Demos: Demonstrating software functionality in a visually appealing and engaging way with 2D animation. Includes UI/UX animations, seamless transitions, and feature highlights. Kinetic Typography Videos: Text animations that create impact through dynamic movement and effects. Ideal for marketing campaigns, explainer videos, and brand messaging. Infographic Videos: Data-driven animations that present statistics, figures, and complex information in a visually compelling way. Perfect for corporate presentations and business analytics videos. 2D Animation Explainer & Educational Content Vyond Videos Educational Videos AI Video Editing

  • 2D Animation
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Character Animation
  • Logo Animation
  • Video Animation
  • Explainer Video
  • Animated Explainer
  • Motion Graphics
  • Whiteboard Animation
  • Video Editing
  • Demo Video
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Video Production
  • Intro & Outro Animation Design
  • Kinetic Typography
Jesse S.

Burbank, California

$20/hr
5.0
34 jobs

Hello! I am a SoCal-based artist who specializes in Storyboards (live-action or animation), 2D Animation, and Illustration. I have previously worked with Nick Jr, Disney, Titmouse, Netflix and countless other clients. I can help you with your project: -TV -Animatic -Pilot -Commercials -Social media ads -Pitch decks -Feature film -Video game -Presentation -Children's Book -Comics -Illustration Take a lot of pride in having projects being completed on time and on budget. I will always bring my best and do everything I can to support you to make your vision a reality. During our initial conversations, I can provide a breakdown of the costs, time, and amount of work required so you have a clear picture of the project. Maintain steady communication and can provide a lot of work-in-progress updates. About me: I attended California Institute of the Arts (CalARTS) with a degree in Character Animation. I grew up passionate about animation and films, and continue my education to this day. Looking forward to working with you! -Jesse

  • Animation
  • Illustration
  • Storyboarding
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Character Design
  • Adobe Flash
  • Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

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