How to Become a 2D Animator in 3 Months

Some prospective 2D Animators might be interested in the field but are worried about the time it will take to become proficient enough to start looking for a job. Students interested in intensive training and willing to put in the effort can become ready to start working as a 2D Animator in as little as three months. While finding a job may take longer, you can set yourself up for success through intensive skills training.

What is a 2D Animator?

2D Animators are creative professionals who plan, design and build two-dimensional animated assets in everything from traditional animation and video games to digital advertising and user interfaces. As long as a digital asset is made to move, it is likely that a 2D Animator was involved in the process. 2D Animators may also be involved in the development, design, planning, or storyboarding phases of a given project, depending on their level of expertise and the kind of project in question. On the whole, 2D animation is a versatile skill used in various industries and fields, making it an ideal career path for anyone interested in a creative career.

In today’s world, unless a project consciously uses the unique affordances of hand-drawn animation, almost all 2D animation work is computer-assisted. This shift means most animators have begun using computer design applications such as Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro to add the illusion of motion to a set of static images. 2D Animators may also use tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to construct certain kinds of specific animated assets, such as moving digital logos or online GIFs. This emphasis on digitally aided animation tools means that your training as a 2D Animator will cover a lot of technical training.

Read more about what a 2D Animator does. 

Can You Really Become a 2D Animator in Three Months?

Students may balk at the idea that it is possible to become a 2D Animator in as little as three months, especially since the field is most commonly associated with four-year college degrees. However, with the help of an intensive skills development program, students can prepare themselves for industry work in only a few months, though this does require a full-time commitment. Learning how to use major tools like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro is fairly accessible. Students can become proficient in these tools rather quickly, provided they have a professional instructor guiding them through the process.

Now, this is exclusively about skills training and preparation for professional development. There are two other major hurdles that you will need to overcome to find a job in 2D animation after your skills training. The first is constant iteration and practice on your design work. While you can learn After Effects and Premiere Pro in three months, you can’t expect to master the techniques and theories that go into using those programs (some animators would suggest that you can never actually master the techniques of animation). You can’t coast on a few months of professional training and will need to constantly work to improve your skills and build a stronger foundation upon which to grow as an artist with a unique voice. Since skills training is so focused on teaching you how to use a tool like After Effects, this training won’t focus on building your personal creative voice, which you’ll need to nurture and let grow if you want to succeed in the industry.

In addition, while you can gain the skills required to become a 2D Animator in only a few months, the actual job search may take substantially longer. There are practical reasons for this, like the state of the industry or the job market, that are largely beyond your control. What is in your control, however, is the state of your job materials. Most professional development training seminars assist students with building a collection of job materials, but these will still be somewhat cursory. For example, you must have a compelling demo reel, but if you only have three months of training, then you, almost by definition, only have three months of material to put into your demo reel, much of which was being developed when you were very raw at the technical skills associated with 2D animation. This means that if you want to find professional work in the field of 2D animation, you may need to spend some time volunteering or freelancing to build a deeper demo reel (though this isn’t assured, you can certainly get a job coming immediately out of a professional skills development program like Noble’s Motion Graphics Design certificate).

Do I Need a Degree to Become a 2D Animator?

Most 2D Animators enter the field with a college degree, with the most common majors being computer animation, media arts, illustration, or digital arts. While most 2D Animators will have a college degree in animation or another related field, like visual arts, it isn’t a strict requirement to get your motion graphics training through a four-year degree program. Many successful 2D Animators got their start without a college degree, and you shouldn’t be turned off from pursuing a career in animation if you didn’t major in it. Whether you have a degree in an unrelated field or no degree, there are still viable paths you can take to build your career in 2D animation.

Students without college degrees will need a significant amount of supplemental training to demonstrate that they have skills comparable to those of prospective candidates who graduated from a college computer animation program. This training is most commonly acquired in a career-focused skills development program, such as the career certificate programs offered through Noble Desktop. These accelerated programs will teach students how to work as 2D Animators and set them up for success on the job market with targeted professionalization seminars. Students without degrees will still lag in terms of things like networking opportunities, and they will need to do more work to build their portfolios and job materials. Still, they will be well-positioned to enter the job market as competitive candidates for 2D Animation jobs.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a 2D Animator. 

Overview of the 2D Animation Industry

The animation industry is a field that has experienced significant changes over the past few decades. From the early days of hand-drawn animations, animation as a whole has transitioned to a predominantly digital format that leverages sophisticated software to create visually impressive animations. This shift has increased the capabilities of Animators and also expanded the range of applications for 2D animation across industries.

One of the primary growth factors in the 2D animation industry is the increasing demand for animated content across multiple sectors. The entertainment industry, including television shows, movies, and video games, remains a significant employer of 2D Animators. The animated TV shows and films we watch every day captivate audiences of all ages, while video games have become more complex and visually rich, requiring skilled Animators to bring entirely new worlds and characters to life. Additionally, the rise of streaming platforms has led to a surge in animated content production, creating even more job opportunities for 2D Animators.

Looking beyond the entertainment industry, 2D animation has found applications in digital advertising, where animated ads are used to grab the audience’s attention while still communicating a clear message. Marketers and advertisers also use animations to create important campaigns, showing just how valuable 2D Animators' skills are in the advertising industry. Similarly, the growing use of digital interfaces in software and mobile applications has increased the demand for animated user interfaces. As a whole, technological advancements have played a crucial role in the evolution of the 2D animation industry. Software like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro have become fundamental tools for Animators, as they are able to create intricate content with ease. These programs offer a wide range of features compared to other software options, from motion graphics and compositing to rigging and character animation, which allows these professionals to push the boundaries of their creativity. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into animation software has also streamlined the animation process by automating tasks like in-betweening and lip-syncing.

Despite the numerous technological advancements, the core principles of animation remain unchanged. Storytelling, character development, and visual appeal are still at the heart of successful animations, no matter the content. As this industry continues to grow, Animators must balance their technical skills with a deep understanding of these fundamental principles to create impactful animations However, the 2D animation industry also faces challenges, including the need to adapt to changing technologies and the pressure to produce high-quality content within tight deadlines. Animators also work in highly competitive environments, where staying updated with the latest processes is crucial for career advancement. Continuous learning and professional development are truly vital for Animators to remain relevant in the industry.

Top Skills for 2D Animators

Becoming a successful 2D Animator requires a combination of technical skills, artistic talent, and a deep understanding of animation principles. While the tools and technologies used in the industry will continue to evolve, the core skills needed to excel in this role remain largely consistent. This means that aspiring Animators must develop a robust skill set to create animations that resonate with audiences.

Specifically, one of the most important skills for 2D Animators is in animation software. Programs like Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and others are industry standards, and mastering these tools is crucial for creating professional-grade content. These software applications offer a wide selection of features, including motion graphics, character rigging, and compositing, which allows Animators to bring their ideas to our screens. Seeking out training in these programs can help Animators become comfortable using their full range of functionalities and, overall, producing high-quality animations.

In addition to technical skills, a strong understanding of animation principles is another must. This can include anything from concepts such as timing, spacing, squash, and stretch, as these are the building blocks of animation. These principles help Animators create lifelike movements and generate emotions through their characters. Creativity and artistic vision are also paramount skills for this profession. While technical skills are baseline, the ability to conceptualize and design unique characters, environments, and storylines sets exceptional animators apart. This creative aspect involves drawing and design skills and the ability to think outside the box. 

Attention to detail is another must-master skill for Animators in any sector because smooth and fluid animations require attention to every frame. Animators must ensure that their characters' actions and expressions are consistent and believable throughout the animation. This level of detail extends to background elements and can influence the animation's coherence. Communication and collaboration skills are also vital in this industry due to the fact that Animators usually work in teams, collaborating with directors, producers, writers, and other artists. Having clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the project's vision is understood across the board. Additionally, being open to feedback and able to make revisions based on input is crucial for continuous improvement and harmonious collaboration.

Adaptability and an eagerness to learn are also helpful traits for 2D Animators. With how fast the animation industry is evolving, specifically with new tools, techniques, and trends emerging regularly, it’s clear that staying updated with the latest developments is vital for career longevity. This can look like taking advanced courses, attending workshops, or participating in online communities where animators communicate, though this will differ between individuals. Finally, a strong portfolio and demo reel are indispensable for aspiring Animators. These unique materials showcase an Animator's skills, creativity, and history of work, making them important for those seeking traditional employment as well as freelancers.

Steps to Become a 2D Animator in Three Months

Once you have decided to set off on the path to becoming a 2D Animator, there are a few different steps you may want to take to ensure you are successful in the long term. You’ll need to ensure that you have the proper training, build your job materials correctly, and position yourself to be as competitive on the job market as possible. While the actual path will vary greatly for everyone, there are a few key steps you will need to take to ensure you have the best chance of becoming a successful professional 2D Animator. 

Choose a Training Method

While most animators access training as part of a four-year degree program, there are viable alternatives for students who want to accelerate their learning. Noble Desktop offers comprehensive animation training in their Motion Graphics Certificate program, which aims to take students from relative novices (some knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop is required) to professional 2D Animators in only a few months of study. This course will provide students with immersive, hands-on training in tools like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Adobe Cinema 4D, and the projects that students build in this course will be ideally suited for their design portfolio once they enter the market since the hands-on instruction mirrors the kinds of projects that you can expect to work on in a professional capacity.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you’re enrolled in an accelerated course of study, you’ll need to devote time and brainpower to learning 2D animation. One of the best ways to learn is by diving right into projects and working through the steps to learn the software. By starting with simple projects, perfecting your methods, and gradually working your way to more extensive projects, you’ll get to know the essential tools for 2D animation.

Learn About the Job Market

Accelerated courses are also excellent places to prepare for the job market because they are career-focused and aim to tailor their pedagogy to students aiming to start a new job in the field of 2D animation. They also include professional development training, including one-on-one career mentorship sessions and industry-focused workshops. In these seminars and meetings, students can receive tailored feedback on their job materials, ask questions about the pitfalls they may encounter on the job market, and build connections with a cohort of like-minded students and professionals. These training seminars offer invaluable assistance for students looking to shift their careers, and they complement the professional skills development associated with the rest of the program.

Next Steps

After you are comfortable with the training you’ve received, you’ll want to start refining your skills and preparing your job materials. Even in a professional training program, guided hands-on work is still going to be somewhat limited to shaping your creative voice, so you’ll want to find projects that you are proud of or that you think can be easily revised and start working to deepen your portfolio. Alongside this, you are going to want to work on your cover letter and your resume, both of which are documents that you may be able to receive assistance on during your professional development training.

You may also want to consider whether or not freelance work is right for you. Working as a freelancer comes with its own set of challenges, but it is work you will be prepared to do the moment you leave a training program. You’ll need to do a sizable amount of networking, but you will also be preparing yourself for a new career without needing to rely upon a hiring manager liking your work.

Real-World Applications of 2D Animation

2D animation is a powerful medium used in many different industries to create visual content. While traditionally associated with entertainment, 2D Animation's applications have expanded and are now influencing numerous fields. This growth has provided animators with diverse career opportunities.

As mentioned above, one of the most prominent applications of 2D Animation is in the entertainment industry. Animated television shows and movies have always and still continue to captivate audiences of all ages. These shows rely on the creative talents of 2D animators to bring characters and stories to life, sometimes in over one hour's time, making animation a cornerstone of the entertainment sector. Additionally, feature-length animated films, whether traditionally hand-drawn or digitally animated, remain a staple in the film industry, with studios like Disney and Studio Ghibli producing classics that are still well-respected today. Video games are another significant area where animation plays a crucial role. While 3D graphics have become increasingly prevalent, many games still rely on 2D animation for character design, environmental elements, and some user interface components. Even modern games like Cuphead and Hollow Knight have gained acclaim for their stunning 2D animation and do an excellent job of demonstrating the medium's appeal. 

Corporate training and internal company communications also benefit from 2D animation. Companies use animated videos to train employees on new procedures being implemented or explain company policies. These videos are usually more engaging than traditional training materials, as they are meant to help employees retain information and apply it in their everyday tasks. Lastly, the healthcare industry has embraced all forms of animation for patient education and different types of medical training. This is because animated videos can demonstrate how surgical procedures are executed, explain medical conditions, and guide patients through complex treatment plans. These visual aids are invaluable in helping patients understand their health and make informed decisions. Medical professionals also benefit from animation in their training, as they can use it to study anatomy, practice surgical techniques, or learn about new technologies.

Challenges and Solutions in 2D Animation

While the field of animation offers numerous opportunities, it also presents several challenges that Animators must navigate to succeed. These challenges range from technical issues to creative hurdles and pressures. Understanding these challenges and finding solutions is crucial for Animators looking to reach their professional goals.

One of the primary challenges in 2D animation is keeping up with new technology. The animation software landscape is constantly changing, with new tools and updates being released regularly. Animators must stay current with these developments to maintain their technical proficiency and take advantage of the latest features. Continuous learning and professional development are an excellent way to overcome this challenge. Attending workshops, taking advanced courses, and participating in online communities can help animators stay updated and refine their skills.

Another significant challenge is the pressure to produce high-quality content within tight deadlines. The animation industry is known for its demanding schedules, requiring Animators to balance speed with high-quality content. This pressure can lead to burnout and affect the overall quality of work. To manage this, Animators need to develop workflows and time management skills. This can include breaking down projects into manageable tasks, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing work to meet deadlines without compromising quality. Additionally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking breaks to recharge is crucial for long-term productivity.

Creativity itself can sometimes be a challenge, especially when working on repetitive or less inspiring projects. Animators must continually find ways to keep their work fresh, which many professionals achieve by working on personal projects, exploring new animation styles, and finding inspiration from different sources. Collaborating with other artists and participating in creative communities can also provide fresh perspectives one might not have gained otherwise. Technical issues, such as software bugs and hardware limitations, can disrupt the animation process and cause delays. Animators must be prepared to troubleshoot these problems and find workarounds that won’t affect deadlines. Some practices to adopt can look like keeping software and hardware updated, maintaining backups of work, and having a reliable technical support system to mitigate the impact of these issues.

The competitive nature of this industry can also pose a challenge, especially for new Animators. Building a strong portfolio and demo reel is crucial for standing out in a crowded job market, so Animators should focus on showcasing their best work and highlighting their unique skills. Networking and building connections within the industry are also vital for finding job opportunities and gaining exposure. This can be achieved through small steps like attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums to connect with other creatives.

Learn the Skills to Become a 2D Animator at Noble Desktop

Once you’ve committed to learning the skills necessary to become a 2D Animator, Noble Desktop is available to make that dream a reality through professional skills instruction. Noble offers a wide array of 2D animation classes, available in person or online, and all of these classes are taught by expert instructors with years of on-the-job experience. This structure means that regardless of how your course is delivered, you’ll receive real-time instruction, be able to ask questions and receive personalized feedback on your work. Similarly, no matter whether you take the course in person or online, you’ll benefit from small class sizes and all of the professionalization support options, including one-on-one career mentoring in the career certificate programs. Finally, every Noble class comes with the option for a free retake within one year, meaning that you’ll have the chance to build your portfolio and get even more hands-on experience in preparation for entering the job market.

Students interested in a career change may consider enrolling in Noble’s Motion Graphics Certificate program. This class aims to teach students how to use tools like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to create evocative 2D and 3D animated assets for many practical projects. In this class, students will be guided through the process of using After Effects to animate text, photos, and videos, and they will learn how to modify these animations in subtle but perceptible ways. Students will also learn how to create animated images using layered Photoshop and Illustrator files (this course does not include instruction in either of these tools; they are prerequisites for taking the course). Finally, students will learn how to use Premiere Pro to edit their animated assets into video files. All this work will culminate in a series of professionalization seminars, including a portfolio-building workshop and a one-on-one mentorship session, intended to prepare students for a career as a 2D or 3D Animator.

Students who aren’t ready to make a significant career shift but do want to learn 2D animation skills may want to consider one of Noble’s many motion graphics bootcamps. These classes include the Adobe After Effects Bootcamp, which provides students with guided instruction in the use of After Effects for creating animated digital assets, and the Adobe Premiere Pro Bootcamp, which teaches students how to use that program to compile their animated assets into a completed project. These courses are excellent starting points for new animators looking to learn the trade. However, they don’t provide students with any of the professionalization services offered through Noble’s career certificate programs.

Finally, students who aren’t sure that they want to start learning 2D animation but are intrigued by the possibility should consult some of Noble’s free training resources to learn more. Noble’s Learn 2D Animation page, as well as their Learn After Effects and Learn Premiere Pro page, compiles a weird range of articles, free seminars, and resources that students can use to help them on their 2D Animation career path. Noble also provides prospective 2D Animators with a career information hub to help them decide if a career change is right for them.