2D Layout Artist

We’re a 2D animation studio looking for a skilled freelance 2D Layout Artist to help bring an upcoming sports documentary project to life. The artist will work closely with the Art Director and animation team to establish scene compositions, camera angles, perspective, and staging that support the visual direction and storytelling of the project.

Project

The project focuses primarily on professional athletes and sports-related environments. The visual style will be highly artistic, colourful, and textured, with an expressive, painterly approach. We are looking for artists with a strong understanding of colour, composition, values, contrast, and silhouette readability. The backgrounds will be 2D and developed entirely through colour, without traditional linework. Most environments will be cinematic, often inspired by historical locations and guided by provided visual references.

What we are looking for

A strong 2D artist with:

• Strong understanding of colour relationships, palettes, temperature, and mood.
• Ability to create clear, engaging compositions that guide the viewer’s eye and support the narrative.
• Ability to establish clear focal points, depth, and visual hierarchy through light, dark, and shape.
• Ability to create artistic, colourful, textured backgrounds without relying on traditional linework.
• Understanding of perspective, scale, and spatial depth to create convincing environments.
• Ability to create atmospheric, visually striking backgrounds that support camera angles and storytelling.
• Ability to work from supplied references and translate real locations, historical environments, and architectural details into stylized 2D backgrounds.
• Ability to follow the project's visual direction while maintaining a cohesive look across multiple backgrounds.

Contract

This is a short-term freelance contract focused on layout development for a 2D animated sports documentary.

Please note that, in order to qualify, the following requirements must apply:

• Be able to start Monday 26 October 2026
• Based in Ontario, Canada.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You’d be responsible for providing your own hardware and software.
• Required to use a licensed photoshop version.

Please include a portfolio link showcasing relevant examples of 2D layouts, background design, composition, or visual development.