2D Animator Job Description Template

4 steps to creating a 2D animation job description that fits your needs 

Now it’s time for you to write your own 2D animation job description. Because there are so many 2D animators available, it’s essential to think carefully about the animator's work and the skills they will need to complete the project successfully. The following tips will guide you through creating a job description and finding an animator who’s the right fit for your project. 

1. Determine what type of 2D animator you need

It’s important to know that there are several types of 2D animators, so decide which type is right for your project. Some artists specialize in drawing each animation frame by hand, offering a traditional but time-consuming animation solution. 

Vector-created animation is a more efficient option. Artists use software like Adobe Illustrator to create characters, objects, and every animation frame. This type of animation results in crisp, clean animated, visually pleasing lines. 

Motion graphics animation is the type of animation you’ll see in intros, outros, and other special effects videos. Motion graphics often use words, objects, lighting, and movement to make a video more interesting. 

Think carefully about your project and the type of animation you’re looking for, so you can identify it in your job description. 

2. Employee vs. independent contractor vs. agency

It’s also important to think about the type of work arrangement for which you’re looking. You can hire a full-time 2D animator in-house, contract with them through an agency, or work with an animator who is operating as an independent contractor. Each arrangement has its pros and cons. 

If you hire an animator in-house, you’ll be adding on another staff member, but you’ll need the work volume to support this type of arrangement. Agencies often have relationships with several different types of animators, which could be ideal if you’re looking for several animation types or for animators to work on multiple projects. Working with an independent contractor is often a versatile arrangement, where you can explore a short-term or a long-term working relationship and get top-quality talent without necessarily having to hire another staff member. 

Worker classification can be tricky, so check out our compliance services resources page for more information and be sure to ask your business lawyer any questions you might have.

3. Experience

It’s also important to think about how much experience your ideal candidate should have. The more experienced an animator is, the more complex tasks they can take on, like advanced 2D animations and highly-specialized motion graphics. An entry-level 2D animator can also help with more basic animation creation, or you can train them to grow into a more experienced role. More experienced candidates will also charge more, so you’ll need to balance your budget and project scope when determining the amount of experience that your ideal candidate will have.

4. Industry 

As you look for a 2D animator, look for someone who has worked in your industry before. Many industries, including entertainment, gaming, and marketing industries, use animators. As a result, animators may specialize in working with certain companies, and they get to know the nuances that each type of work requires. It’s best to choose an animator who has experience in an industry that’s identical or similar to your own. 

Next steps

Once you’ve written your 2D animator job description, you’ll be ready to check out our list of the top 2D animators on Upwork. Each animator’s qualifications and experience are clearly listed, so you can quickly sort through the profiles and determine which animator is right for your opportunity. 

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. 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.