2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)

Skydance Media; New York (NJ, NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Part time

Job summary

Skydance Animation seeks a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to craft magical effects for an upcoming feature film, working with the Visual Development team and reporting to the Production Designer. The role focuses on magic, with additional work in water, fire, smoke, and debris to align with the film’s aesthetic.

Demo reel required; experience in timing, physics, and integration with character performance is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects.
• Traditional 2D animation background.
• Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint).
• Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics.
• Ability to take direction and iterate quickly.
• Creative mindset and ability to bring ideas to life.

Responsibilities

• Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, to elevate character performance and cinematic quality.
• Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on magical effects.
• Brainstorm, define, and establish the visual language for varying magic styles across the film.
• Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences.
• Apply core animation principles for fluid, believable motion and readable silhouettes.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints.

Skills

2D animation

Visual development

Timing & physics

Creative mindset

Adaptability

Tools

Photoshop

Nuke

After Effects

Toon Boom Harmony

TVPaint

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.

Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.

Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.

Responsibilities

• Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
• Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
• Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
• Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
• Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
• Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints

Requirements

• 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
• Traditional 2D animation background
• Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
• Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
• Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
• Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,00-140,000 annually. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.