Creative job · Digital & interactive
2D Animator
Most people think 2D animators just draw cartoons. They don't. Their real job is to breathe life into static images, crafting movement that tells a story, evokes emotion, and captivates audiences.
What do they actually do?
A 2D Animator brings characters and scenes to life. On a typical week they might:
Storyboard sequences for animation
Design and refine character movements
Collaborate with writers and directors
Incorporate feedback from creative leads
Ensure animations are completed on deadline
In one sentence: they transform still images into dynamic stories.
The part nobody tells you
Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn. The best animators are storytellers at heart, with pencils as their wands.
You'll probably love it if…
You have a passion for drawing
You enjoy storytelling through movement
You notice subtlety in animation
You thrive in collaborative environments
You love bringing characters to life
You may struggle if…
You dislike repetitive tasks
You need immediate gratification
You avoid constructive criticism
You struggle with tight deadlines
The skills that actually matter
Hard skills
Animation software (Toon Boom, After Effects)
Storyboarding
Character design
Soft skills
Creativity
Attention to detail
Teamwork
Career path
Animation intern
↓
Junior 2D Animator
↓
2D Animator
↓
Senior 2D Animator
↓
Animation Director
Or…
Freelance Animator
Storyboard Artist
Animation Supervisor
Salary snapshot
FranceJunior
30,000–40,000 euros
Mid-level
40,000–55,000 euros
Senior
55,000–70,000 euros
Lead/Supervisor
70,000–90,000 euros
People doing it brilliantly
Sylvain Chomet
Paris
Hayao Miyazaki
Global
Glen Keane
Global
Projects you could work on
Animated series
Feature films
Video games
Commercials
Music videos
Educational content