A 2D Animator creates movement in a two-dimensional space for film, TV, websites, video games and advertisements using either traditional methods or computer software.

Animations can vary in length from a 5-second brand logo, to a feature film, to a long-running television series.

On longer projects, animators will work in teams working with various roles such as Storyboard Artists, Clean Up Artists, and Character Artists.

Role and Responsibilities

A 2D Animator works through a three-stage process (pre-production, production and post-production) to create a sequence.

During the pre-production stage they write the story, design characters, create a storyboard, choose a design style, and prepare the backgrounds on which the action will occur. The voice-overs are then recorded by actors based on the dialogue in the script.

In the production stage, the animators pull together all the elements to start animating the scenes. This includes initially animating rough sketches and then refining them to line drawings; layering the scenes against the backgrounds; matching the character visuals to the recorded dialogue; and compositing to final render.

At the post-production stage Animators will do a final visual clean up, mix sound effects and music, integrating visual effects, and render all the elements together to create the finished work.

The responsibilities of 2D Animators can include:

• Liaising with writers, directors, clients regarding the style, method and execution of the animation to be produced
• Developing storyboards based on the script
• Preparing presentations of rough sketches for clients
• Creating models, drawings and illustrations
• Designing frames and characters
• Choosing color palettes, style and general look of animation
• Establishing artwork for the backgrounds and layouts
• Setting up exposure sheets, divided into actions and timing, dialogues and music, animation layers, backgrounds, view perspective
• Drawing rough sketches and animate 
• Illustrating key frames and producing inbetweening
• Inking
• Coloring
• Clean ups
• Integrating images, characters, etc into background graphics
• Syncing visuals with audio and voiceover tracks
• Preparing all animation elements for compositing, including delivering in set formats
• Enhancing animation with special effects at post-production stage

2D Animation Software and Tools:

The software required for 2D Animators:

• Toon Boom Harmony
• Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Freehand, After Effects

Skills Required:

Employers may look for the following skills in 2D Animators:

• Training in 2D animation, both cel and computer graphics
• Ability to visualize abstract concepts
• Experience with storyboarding, clean ups and layout design
• Drawing ability, artistic mindset
• Visual storytelling
• Ability to draw in a variety of styles and genres
• Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills
• Knowledge of current techniques and trends in animation
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver on deadline
• Good communication skills
• Familiarity with a range of animation software and techniques
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work to a schedule and plan workflows to meet deadline

Average Salary:

The average salary for a 2D Animator ranges between £42,608 and £73,851 with an average being £59,748 a year.