[Hiring] 2D Animator @SadFish Inc.

Role Description

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 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
• Note: 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.

Your Role:

• 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.
• Animators are responsible for 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.
• The style is more “loose” with a less refined finished look so cleanups don't need to be tight.
• Knowing and using as many tricks to save time as possible is encouraged (8 drawings per second max, using stills, animating only one part of the body, etc.).

Qualifications

• 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 is necessary.
• 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 is necessary.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and incorporate creative feedback.
• Experience working on animated series, films, or documentary projects is a plus.
• An interest in sports or experience animating athletic subjects is an asset.

Requirements

• This is a short-term freelance contract, focused on animation.
• Based in Ontario, Canada.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Please include a portfolio link with relevant examples of 2D animation.