About the role
Role Overview
We’re a 2D animation studio looking for skilled hand-drawn Animators to help us bring an upcoming sports documentary to life. As a 2D Animator at our studio, you will be responsible for animating characters and sequences based on established storyboards, designs, and creative direction. Reporting to the Animation Director, you will produce high-quality animation that aligns with the aesthetic and creative vision of the project while respecting established deadlines.
Project Details
- Type: Freelance / Remote
- Length: Approximately 12 minutes of animation in total, consisting of short interstitials, each animator will be responsible for about 20-60 seconds of animation.
- Style: 2D traditional animation combining limited animation (less drawings per second, and looser drawings), realism and stylization
- To start: November 2026
- Software to be used: Toonboom Harmony Premium
- Hardware/Software Requirement: You’d be responsible for providing your own hardware and software.
The project is a sports documentary, with animated segments appearing alongside archival material to recreate or complement historical moments through short animated sequences.
The characters are primarily professional athletes, so a strong understanding of realistic human anatomy, movement, athletic physicality, and dynamic action is important. The visual direction will combine realism and stylization, with expressive drawing, dynamic posing, and a distinct hand drawn feel.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Review and understand storyboards, character designs, and project materials.
- Animate objects and characters in accordance with established storyboards and creative direction.
- Bring characters to life through expressive movement, acting, and performance.
- Maintain consistency in character design, proportions, movement, and animation quality throughout the project.
- Ensure the technical aspects of files match those of the project.
- Implement feedback and revisions from the Animation Director or Lead.
- Collaborate with the animation team to ensure sequences align with the overall creative vision.
- Work efficiently and meet established production deadlines.
- Handle blocking, roughs, tie-downs, lipsync (when necessary) and cleanups of your own shots. Layouts will be done by another team, but you will be expected to import those into your shots yourself.
- Apply a "loose" style with a less refined finished look so cleanups don’t need to be tight.
- Utilize time-saving tricks as much as possible (8 drawings per second max, using stills, animating only one part of the body etc.).
What We Are Looking For
Mandatory Qualifications and Experience
- Experience as a 2D Animator for at least 2–3 years in the animation industry.
- Strong drawing skills and a solid understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physicality.
- Experience with hand-drawn 2D animation and frame-by-frame techniques.
- Strong understanding of timing, spacing, posing, and character acting.
- Ability to animate dynamic action while maintaining believable movement and expressive performances.
- Extensive knowledge of Toonboom Harmony Premium.
- Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and incorporate creative feedback.
Preferred Qualifications and Bonus Skills
- Experience working on animated series, films, or documentary projects.
- An interest in sports or experience animating athletic subjects.
Contract Requirements
This is a short-term freelance contract, focused on animation. In order to qualify, the following must apply to you:
- Based in Ontario, Canada
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Include a portfolio link with relevant examples of 2D animation