2D Fx Animator

Company: shortart.co Location: Remote/On-site/Hybrid Eligibility: Available to students pursuing academic credit or mentorship; applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid U.S. visa (please note that we are currently unable to accept OPT or STEM extension candidates).

About the Role

Join shortart.co as a Junior 2D FX Animator and help define the atmosphere and impact of our storytelling. This role focuses on the visual phenomena that bring a world to life: from the fluid motion of water and the flicker of fire to the subtle physics of dust and magic. You will work within our production pipeline to integrate hand-drawn effects that enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene. Strict Requirements

• Generalist Focus: We are looking for a 2D Generalist. While this role focuses on FX animation and environmental physics, you must possess a versatile skill set across the 2D pipeline. Please do not apply if you are not a 2D Generalist.
• Entry-Level/Unpaid: This is an entry-level position designed for educational value and professional development. Please do not apply if you are seeking a wage or financial compensation.

This unpaid internship is designed to provide mentorship and portfolio growth. You will work under the supervision of experienced artists to learn the nuances of frame-by-frame movement, weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative production.

Key Responsibilities

• Generalist Execution: Handle various stages of the 2D pipeline, from initial rough FX animation and tie-downs to clean-up and final polish.
• FX Performance: Translate storyboards into expressive hand-drawn effects (fire, water, smoke, energy) that capture the intended personality and emotional weight of a scene.
• Timing & Spacing: Apply the principles of animation to ensure fluid, believable physical motion and clear silhouettes for all environmental elements.
• Iterative Learning: Receive direct mentorship and feedback on physics-based movement, secondary animation, and technical execution within the animation software.
• Collaborative Reviews: Participate in production meetings to understand how FX and atmospheric motion contribute to the overall pacing and storytelling of the project.

Requirements

• 2D Generalist Skillset: A portfolio demonstrating proficiency across multiple 2D disciplines (drawing, layout, painting, and 2D animation). This is a strict requirement.
• Strong Animation Foundations: A solid understanding of weight, timing, and the physical properties of different elements (liquids, gases, solids).
• Education: Currently enrolled in (or recently graduated from) an Animation, Illustration, or related Fine Arts program.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in industry-standard 2D animation tools.
• Learning Mindset: Seeking academic credit or mentorship to bridge the gap between student assignments and professional-grade production FX animation.

Additional Notes Schedules are flexible to accommodate academic calendars and learning goals. All work is educational, supervised, and structured around skill development rather than production quotas. This is an unpaid internship focused on professional growth and portfolio development.

• SCAD Alumni preferred, but all are welcome to apply!