Freelance 2D Effects Artist — Magic in Motion

Skydance; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects will shape the film's visual tone and artistic language, with focus on magic, water, fire, and other elemental work.

You will work with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer. A demo reel or portfolio showing timing, physics, and integration with character performance is required; strong software proficiency (Photoshop, After

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development.
• Traditional 2D animation background.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony or TVPaint.
• Strong grasp of timing, weight and physics as applied to effects animation.
• Ability to take direction and iterate quickly.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

2D animation

Visual development

Traditional 2D animation

Photoshop

After Effects

Toon Boom Harmony

Nuke

TVPaint

Timing & physics

Team collaboration

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 will shape the film's visual tone and artistic language, with focus on magic, water, fire, and other elemental work.

You will work with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer. A demo reel or portfolio showing timing, physics, and integration with character performance is required; strong software proficiency (Photoshop, After