Updated November 2023
If you're considering a career in 2D animation, you're probably wondering about your job options after training. Where can you get hired straight out of school?
Many people think 2D animators only work in film or television. But there are definitely other career paths you can pursue with quality training and a strong portfolio.
In this post, we'll walk you through three popular 2D animation careers.
What kinds of opportunities are available for talented, ambitious 2D animators? Let's take a look.
2D animation careers in film and television
We'll start with the most obvious career path.
Just starting out as a 2D animator for film and television, you can expect to work under an animation director, key animator, or senior 2D animator.
In many cases, you'll be following a brief and working with an established set of characters. But as you gain experience and skill, there will be opportunities to suggest storylines and design your own characters.
In an entry-level 2D animator role, your responsibilities will include:
- Modelling specific parts and shapes required by the script
- Creating frames and characters
- Applying your knowledge of timing, weight, and posing
- Choosing different textures, colours, and lighting for the animation
- Using 2D animation software like ToonBoom Harmony, Adobe Flash, and After Effects to create and edit images
- Working closely with other team members, such as 3D artists, graphic designers, producers, animators, and technical departments
- Working under pressure and within tight deadlines
- Dealing with production issues and solving problems
As an entry-level 2D animator for film or television, you'll need to follow directions well and be open to criticism.
Working with more experienced animators will offer excellent opportunities to make industry connections, enhance your skills, and open up more advanced roles.
2D animation careers in websites & marketing
Let's say you don't land a job in TV or film straight out of 2D animation college, but still want a challenging job where you can use your skills and talent.
You might consider working for a website design firm or marketing agency. More than ever, animation and illustration are being used to create more beautiful, impactful, and unique websites.
Animation is also used for marketing videos and product demos, and to explain the value or function of a particular service. Tons of companies use 2D animation to sell and promote their offerings and capture the imagination of potential customers through storytelling.
There's potential for great creativity and technical precision in this kind of work. And the application of 2D animation in marketing is only expected to grow in the coming years.
2D animation careers in video games
There's always demand for talented animators in the video game industry. In particular, the social mobile gaming world is growing fast, and always looking for top animation talent.
If you pursue a career in video game 2D animation, your daily work will include tasks like:
- Creating a variety of 2D assets, including characters, props, and backgrounds, ranging from concepts to game-ready art
- Helping develop new features and ideas for games
- Contributing to promotional materials and marketing efforts
- Helping with branding and visual display
- Designing concepts for mobile and web platforms
- Using Illustrator, After Effects, and Photoshop
- Collaborating with a production team and artistic director to brainstorm new game concepts
Canada is one of the largest video game producers in the world. There's no doubt that gaming is a very competitive industry, and breaking into a 2D animation career can be a challenge for recent grads. But there is definitely a thriving scene and solid opportunities for those with the right skills.
How to start your 2d animation career
Herzing College offers a unique 2D animation program. The diploma takes just 12 months and is totally focused on hands-on skills and software training. Training is delivered online.
Our students learn comprehensive skills in Toon Boom Harmony, the number one software used by 2D animation studios. Many of our graduates get hired straight out of their internships.
Click below to explore the 2D animation program in more detail and chat live with an admissions advisor. We're here to help!
