Being a 2D Animator
Introduction
The profession of a 2D animator allows individuals to blend creativity with technical expertise. Through this art form, animators have the ability to bring stories, characters, and entire worlds to life, creating visual magic. In this article, we will explore what it takes to be a 2D animator today, the challenges and rewards of the job, and how the profession has evolved in the modern animation industry.
Table of Contents
- What Does a 2D Animator Do?
- The Growth of the Profession
- Salary Expectations for 2D Animators
- Main Areas Where 2D Animation is Used
- Animated Films
- Video Games
- Advertising
- Conclusion
What Does a 2D Animator Do?
A 2D animator is responsible for creating the illusion of movement on a two-dimensional surface, essentially bringing static images to life. Today, animators use a variety of powerful tools to achieve this, including industry-standard software like TVPaint, Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Moho, After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop. While digital tools have largely replaced traditional hand-drawn animation, some animators still choose to incorporate hand-drawn elements, though this is increasingly rare.
The work of a 2D animator involves more than just drawing pictures. It requires a deep understanding of motion, timing, and human anatomy to ensure that characters and objects move in a way that feels realistic. A 2D animator must also have an eye for detail, as even small adjustments can have a significant impact on the final animation.
The Growth of the Profession
In addition to the technical skills required, animators must also possess a broad knowledge of various disciplines. For example, understanding psychology and anatomy is essential for creating believable characters with realistic facial expressions and movements. The ability to observe the world around them and translate those observations into animation is another key skill for any 2D animator.
The profession has seen a resurgence in recent years, with 2D animation making a comeback after the rise of 3D animation in the early 2000s. As technology continues to advance, 2D animation has found new forms of expression, and the demand for skilled animators has grown year by year. From the global film industry to smaller, independent projects, 2D animation is thriving, and animators are finding more opportunities than ever before.
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Salary Expectations for 2D Animators
Understanding the earning potential in the 2D animation industry is crucial for anyone considering this career path. Salary expectations can vary greatly depending on location, experience, and the size of the company. Let’s take a look at the typical salary ranges for 2D animators in the United States and Europe.
United States:
- (According to Glasdoor) Junior Animators: Entry-level 2D animators typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a 2D animator in the U.S. is approximately $75,376 per year.
- (According to Payscale) Mid-Level Animators: With a few years of experience, salaries can range from $60,000 to $90,000 per year. Payscale reports that animators earn an average of $64,760 annually, with a range between $40,000 and $105,000.
- (According to Glasdoor) Senior Animators: Experienced animators with extensive portfolios can earn between $80,000 and $150,000 or more annually. The average salary for a 2D animator in the U.S. is approximately $75,376 per year.
Europe:
- (According to Salary Expert) Germany: In Berlin, Germany, the average salary for a 2D animator is €74,744 per year, with entry-level positions earning around €53,267 and senior roles approximately €92,324 annually.
- (According to Glasdoor) Spain: In Spain, the average salary for a 2D animator is approximately $25,000 per year.
- (According to Kidscreen) United Kingdom: A 2024 report indicates that the average salary for 2D animators in the UK is around $46,409.
These figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific location within the country, the size and type of the employer, and the animator’s level of experience and skill set.
Main Areas Where 2D Animation is Used
2D animation is a versatile and widely used medium, applicable to a wide range of industries. Let’s explore the three major areas where 2D animation is in high demand.
- Animated Films
In animated films, 2D animation allows for the creation of highly detailed characters with emotional facial expressions, gestures, and poses that connect with viewers on a deeper level. The flexibility of 2D animation allows animators to experiment with various shapes, color palettes, and backgrounds, giving them creative freedom to convey emotions and tell stories in unique ways. Whether it’s the smooth flow of a character’s movements or the expressive quality of their eyes, 2D animation creates an immersive experience that draws audiences into the world being built on screen.
- Video Games
In the world of video games, 2D animation plays a key role not only in bringing characters to life but also in crafting special effects and animating user interfaces. From platformers and fighting games to RPGs, 2D animation is used in virtually every genre. The beauty of 2D animation in games is its ability to provide an aesthetically unique experience while also being cost-effective and less demanding on system resources. For mobile games, where performance is crucial, 2D animation is often the preferred choice due to its efficiency and flexibility.
- Advertising
2D animation is also widely used in the advertising industry, where companies utilize animated characters and elements in promotional videos, banners, branded stickers, and more. The appeal of 2D animation in advertising lies in its ability to quickly convey a message in an engaging and visually striking way. It allows for rapid production and makes it easy to update or modify elements as needed. As the digital advertising market continues to expand, the demand for 2D animation in this field is expected to grow.
Conclusion
2D animation is an exciting and dynamic profession with vast potential. It is used in a wide variety of fields, including films, video games, and advertising, and offers countless opportunities for creative expression. Whether you’re interested in character animation, visual effects, or game design, the world of 2D animation is waiting for you to explore.
If you’re passionate about animation and want to kickstart your career in the industry, Animation School is the perfect place to begin your journey. Here, you’ll develop your artistic skills, learn the fundamentals of animation, and gain the technical expertise needed to succeed. Don’t let your dreams remain just dreams—join our community of aspiring animators and start creating today!
Article prepared by: Maria Beskorovaynaya
