Are you a visual storyteller with a passion for traditional and digital 2D craftsmanship? Do you dream of seeing your work on the big screen as part of a major animated feature film? Happy Camper Media, Quebec City’s premier boutique animation studio, is expanding its “campsite.” We are looking for talented, driven, and collaborative 2D Animators to join us for an ambitious multi-month production.
At Happy Camper Media, we believe the best work happens when local talent comes together in an environment that feels like home. Our studio culture is built on the warmth of a campfire—where every voice matters, creativity is the fuel, and the results are nothing short of magical. If you are a resident of Quebec City (or looking to relocate to this beautiful creative hub) and want to contribute to a legacy-defining project, we want to meet you.
Job Overview: 2D Animator
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Happy Camper Media |
| Job Title | 2D Animator / Character & Prop Designer |
| Work Model / Location | Studio-Based (Quebec City, QC) |
| Job Type | Multi-Month Contract (Project-Based) |
| Hiring Windows | Waves starting May, June, July, and August 2026 |
| Primary Software | Toon Boom Harmony, Photoshop, Procreate |
| Industry | 2D Animated Feature Film |
Happy Camper Media provides competitive compensation that reflects the high level of artistry required for feature film production. We value our “campers” and ensure that our contract terms support a healthy and creative lifestyle.
| Metric | Details |
| Estimated Salary | $55,000 – $82,000 CAD (Annualized / Based on experience) |
| Contract Duration | 6 to 12 months (With possibility of extension) |
| Overtime | Compensated according to Quebec labor standards |
| Equipment | State-of-the-art workstations and Cintiq displays provided |
| Studio Culture | Collaborative “Campfire” atmosphere with frequent social events |
As a 2D Animator at Happy Camper Media, you are much more than a technician; you are a vital contributor to the visual identity of our film. Your role sits at the intersection of pure artistic imagination and technical execution. You will be responsible for transforming the Director’s vision into tangible, “animate-able” assets that maintain the highest standards of quality.
This role requires a unique hybrid of skills: the soul of an illustrator and the brain of a technical director. You will be tasked with creating characters, sets, and props that are not only beautiful to look at but are also perfectly optimized for our production pipeline in Toon Boom Harmony.
1. Visual Development & Character Design You will develop visual concepts that push the boundaries of the established art direction. This includes:
- Creating character variations that explore personality, silhouette, and movement potential.
- Designing intricate sets and props that fit the narrative world of the film.
- Adhering strictly to the Art Director’s guidelines while finding room for creative flair within those boundaries.
2. Technical Specification & Style Guides Consistency is the hallmark of a feature film. You will be responsible for creating the “Bible” for your designs:
- Producing detailed character models and rotations (turnarounds).
- Establishing mouth charts, expression sheets, and hand-pose libraries.
- Defining color palettes that work across various lighting scenarios in the film.
3. Optimization for the Pipeline (Rigging Readiness) An animator’s work is only as good as the file they receive. You will:
- Prepare and optimize graphic elements specifically for “skeletonization” (rigging) within Toon Boom Harmony.
- Ensure all layers, pegs, and pivot points are logically organized to minimize friction for the rigging and animation teams.
- Solve “design puzzles”—identifying early on if a character design will be too difficult to animate and proposing visual alternatives that maintain the aesthetic while ensuring feasibility.
4. Collaborative Refinement You will work in a tight-knit loop with the Art Direction team to stabilize the visual style. This involves:
- Participating in feedback loops where designs are refined based on technical constraints or narrative changes.
- Maintaining smooth, proactive communication with the editing and animation departments to ensure that every asset delivered is “plug-and-play” ready.
Candidate Qualifications & Skills
We are looking for artists who have a deep respect for the craft of 2D animation and the discipline required for long-form storytelling.
Required Technical Skills
- Illustration Mastery: Exceptional skills in drawing, color theory, and composition. You should be able to draw anything—from a coffee mug to a dragon—with consistent line quality.
- Style Adaptability: A “chameleon” like ability to adapt your personal drawing style to match the film’s specific aesthetic requirements.
- Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Photoshop, and/or Procreate.
- Workflow Understanding: A solid grasp of 2D production pipelines, particularly the constraints of cut-out vs. traditional animation in a feature film context.
Professional Attributes
- Autonomy: While we are a team, we value “campers” who can take a brief and run with it, managing their own priorities and deadlines.
- Rigor: Your files must be clean. We pride ourselves on an efficient pipeline, which means delivered assets must be organized, labeled, and technically sound.
- Communication: The ability to explain why a design choice was made and the openness to accept constructive criticism to improve the final product.
The “Bonus” Assets
- Prior experience on a shipped 2D feature film or high-end television series.
- Skills in 2D animation (rough or clean-up) are a significant asset, as it helps you design better rigs for your peers.
- A deep love for the Quebec City creative scene!
Why Work With Happy Camper Media?
We offer a professional environment that is both stimulating and enriching. We know that the best animation comes from a place of joy and focus. By joining us, you aren’t just taking a contract; you are joining a community of local talent dedicated to proving that world-class feature films can be made right here in Quebec.
Our hiring waves start just in time for the beautiful Quebec summer. Whether you join us in May or August, you will find a studio that values your growth, respects your time, and celebrates your creativity.
Application Process
Does this sound like your next adventure? We want to see what you can do.
Please submit the following:
1. Resume (CV): Highlighting your professional experience in 2D production.
2. Portfolio/Demo Reel: A link to your best work. We are specifically looking for “concrete” examples of professional designs, character sheets, and any 2D animation you have performed.
3. A Short Note: Tell us why you’re excited about 2D feature animation and which hiring wave (May–August) fits your schedule best.
Happy Camper Media is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive “campsite” for all our employees.
Pull up a log. Let’s make something amazing together.
