Skydance
2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Opportunity at Skydance Animation
Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.
Requirements
- Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.
- Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
- Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
- Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
- Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
- Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
- Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints
Requirements
- 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
- Traditional 2D animation background
- Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
- Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
- Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
- Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Compensation
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,000-140,000 annually. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience, and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.
#Animation
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills