Freelance 2D Effects Artist — Magic & Elements

Skydance Animation; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydance Animation seeks a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator for an upcoming feature film, collaborating with the Visual Development team and Production Designer to shape the project’s artistic language.

Responsibilities include designing magical 2D effects and other elemental work, aligning with the film’s aesthetic, and ensuring timing and weight with the character performance. 1+ year in 2D animation and proficiency with Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Harmony, or TVPaint are required.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects.
• Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)

Responsibilities

• Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and cinematic quality.
• 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 silhouettes
• Troubleshoot technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints

Skills

2D animation

Traditional animation

Photoshop

After Effects

Tools

Nuke

Toon Boom Harmony

TVPaint

Job description

Skydance Animation seeks a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator for an upcoming feature film, collaborating with the Visual Development team and Production Designer to shape the project’s artistic language.

Responsibilities include designing magical 2D effects and other elemental work, aligning with the film’s aesthetic, and ensuring timing and weight with the character performance. 1+ year in 2D animation and proficiency with Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Harmony, or TVPaint are required.