2D Animator

We’re a 2D animation studio looking for skilled hand-drawn Animators to help us bring an upcoming sports documentary to life. As a 2D Animator at our studio, you will be responsible for animating characters and sequences based on established storyboards, designs, and creative direction. Reporting to the Animation Director, you will produce high-quality animation that aligns with the aesthetic and creative vision of the project while respecting established deadlines.

Project

• Type: Freelance / Remote
• Length: Approximately 12 minutes of animation in total, consisting of short interstitials, each animator will be responsible for about 20-60 seconds of animation.
• Style: 2D traditional animation combining limited animation (less drawings per second, and looser drawings), realism and stylization
• To start: November 2026
• Software to be used: Toonboom Harmony Premium
• Please note, you’d be responsible for providing your own hardware and software.

The project is a sports documentary, with animated segments appearing alongside archival material to recreate or complement historical moments through short animated sequences.

The characters are primarily professional athletes, so a strong understanding of realistic human anatomy, movement, athletic physicality, and dynamic action is important. The visual direction will combine realism and stylization, with expressive drawing, dynamic posing, and a distinct hand drawn feel.

Your Role:

• Review and understand storyboards, character designs, and project materials.
• Animate objects and characters in accordance with established storyboards and creative direction.
• Bring characters to life through expressive movement, acting, and performance.
• Maintain consistency in character design, proportions, movement, and animation quality throughout the project.
• Ensure the technical aspects of files match those of the project.
• Implement feedback and revisions from the Animation Director or Lead.
• Collaborate with the animation team to ensure sequences align with the overall creative vision.
• Work efficiently and meet established production deadlines.
• Animators are responsible for blocking, roughs, tie-downs, lipsync (when necessary) and cleanups of your own shots. Layouts will be done by another team, but you will be expected to import those into your shots yourself.
• The style is more “loose” with a less refined finished look so cleanups don’t need to be tight.
• Knowing and using as many tricks to save time as possible is encouraged (8 drawings per second max, using stills, animating only one part of the body etc.)

What we are looking for

• Experience as a 2D Animator for at least 2–3 years in the animation industry.
• Strong drawing skills and a solid understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physicality.
• Experience with hand-drawn 2D animation and frame-by-frame techniques is necessary.
• Strong understanding of timing, spacing, posing, and character acting.
• Ability to animate dynamic action while maintaining believable movement and expressive performances.
• Extensive knowledge of Toonboom Harmony Premium is necessary.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and incorporate creative feedback.
• Experience working on animated series, films, or documentary projects is a plus.
• An interest in sports or experience animating athletic subjects is an asset.

Contract

This is a short-term freelance contract, focused on animation. Please note, in order to qualify the following must apply to you:

• Based in Ontario, Canada
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Please include a portfolio link with relevant examples of 2D animation.