While animated movies and TV shows can be made in several different ways, they all follow a series of steps in order to make the most efficient use of time and resources.

The 2D animation pipeline is made up of three parts: pre-production, production, and post-production. If you’re hoping to launch a career in this field, you need to understand what’s involved in each stage and how they relate to each other.

In this post, we’re focusing on puppet animation, since that’s what the vast majority of entry-level jobs in the industry are about. Keep reading to see how the 2D animation process typically unfolds.

Updated February 2023

Animated content has become increasingly popular in recent years—especially when pandemic restrictions forced the shutdown of live-action productions.

But if you’re interested in taking advantage of that wave and launching a career in this field, you may be wondering about the differences between 2D and 3D animation.

Obviously, 2D only deals with length and height, while 3D adds depth as well. But what’s involved in each type of animation? What is each used for, and what skills do they require?

In this post, we answer all of those questions and more.

Trying to decide between 2D vs. 3D animation? Here’s what you need to know.

Think you might want to become a 2D animator? Concerned that a lack of experience will hold you back?

Not to worry. The need for animators in Ottawa is so great that there’s never been a better time for newcomers to break into the field.

Demand for animators is far outpacing supply. The shortage is so serious that some Ottawa animation studios are having to turn away work or send projects overseas because they simply can’t find enough local talent to hire.

So how can a total beginner take advantage of that demand?

In this post, we take you through the basic steps you can follow to become an animator, even if you have little or no experience.

Here’s how to position yourself for success in Ottawa’s hot animation job market.

Image credit: Megan Winters (Herzing College 2D Animation graduate)

It takes a special combination of skills to make cartoons come alive. That's what 2D animation training is all about.

Students develop both the technical expertise and practical skills to create compelling animations for movies, TV shows, websites, video games, and more.

They also learn how the entire production process works at an animation studio, so they can hit the ground running and become valuable team members, straight after graduation.

And this is the perfect time to get training. Many Ottawa animation companies are really struggling to find local talent. They're being forced to turn down projects or send work overseas because they can't find Ottawa animators to hire.

Thinking about starting a career in the animation industry? Wondering what to expect from 2D animation training?

Here's a good breakdown of what's covered in a quality program.

Updated December 2022

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 3 popular 2D animation careers, with a spotlight on Ottawa employers and job opportunities.

What kinds of opportunities are available for talented, ambitious 2D animators? Let's take a look.

Top animation studio, Big Jump Entertainment, has partnered with Herzing College to train and recruit talented 2D animation students.

A lot of people dream of a career in 2D animation, working on major TV shows and movies at a top animation studio. But they figure the industry is too hard to break into. There’s too much competition for great studio jobs and they’ll never get hired after investing in training. 

They feel pressured to choose another, less “risky” career path and give up on becoming an animator. Sound familiar?  

We recently started a 2D Animation program at Herzing because the exact opposite is true. There is actually a major shortage of skilled 2D animators in Ottawa.