Freelance 2D Effects Artist — Magic & Elements

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 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.