
Bardel Entertainment is an industry leader with a legacy spanning over 35 years. From our humble beginnings to becoming one of the most prominent animation studios in North America, we have never lost sight of our creative roots. Our studio is built on the belief that the craft of animation is a collaborative journey where technology and artistry meet to create magic.
At Bardel, we don’t just “make” cartoons; we build immersive worlds and unforgettable characters. Our pursuit of fresh ideas and innovative techniques is relentless, and we are looking for a 2D Animator who shares this passion. We provide an environment that empowers artists to experiment and learn while contributing to high-profile projects that reach global audiences. If you are a specialist in Adobe Animate and have a flair for character performance, we want to hear from you.
Role Overview : 2D Animator
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Bardel Entertainment |
| Position Title | 2D Animator (Adobe Animate) |
| Office Location | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Short-Term Contract |
| Duration | 2 – 3 Months |
| Start Date | ASAP |
| Work Model | Hybrid (On-site for onboarding and “Rush Weeks”) |
| Salary Range | $1,200.00 – $1,250.00 CAD per week |
The Mission of the 2D Animator
This is a fast-paced, high-impact role designed for an animator who can hit the ground running. As a 2D Animator on this project, you will be responsible for bringing life to characters and props within a rigorous production pipeline. We are looking for an artist who understands the nuance of a performance—someone who can handle physical comedy just as effectively as subtle, emotional acting.
Because this is a short-term contract, we are looking for proficiency and speed. You will be working primarily in Adobe Animate, utilizing cut-out animation workflows to deliver polished sequences that meet our high-quality benchmarks.
1. Performance and Character Acting
Your primary goal is to ensure that the characters behave consistently with their established personalities and the director’s vision.
- Character Animation: Animate 2D characters and props with a focus on high-level polish and performance.
- Acting Nuance: Deliver strong character acting, ranging from broad physical comedy to subtle facial expressions and dynamic movements.
- Technical Quality: Ensure that all animation meets the project’s artistic standards and technical requirements before submission.
2. Iteration and Feedback
Animation is a collaborative process of refinement. You will:
- Incorporate Notes: Adjust and refine animation sequences based on specific feedback from Leads, Supervisors, and Directors.
- Complex Problem Solving: Handle sequences of varying complexity, from simple background movements to moderately difficult multi-character interactions.
- Dailies and Rounds: Actively participate in dailies and team discussions, contributing creative insights and technical suggestions to improve the overall production.
3. Pipeline and Workflow Integration
- Technical Adherence: Follow established pipeline workflows and technical requirements to ensure your work integrates seamlessly into the broader production process.
- Asset Management: Work within the studio’s file management systems to maintain organization and accessibility for downstream departments.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent level of quality across all assigned shots, ensuring that the visual language of the show is preserved.
4. Time and Communication Management
- Scheduling: Work closely with the production team to manage your time effectively and stay on schedule.
- Proactive Communication: Keep the team and production staff informed about your progress, any technical challenges you encounter, and the solutions you’ve implemented.
To be successful in this role, you must be a specialist in the 2D digital medium with a strong portfolio that speaks to your expertise.
Professional Experience
- Production Background: Previous experience working as a 2D Animator or in a similar professional role within a television or film animation pipeline.
- Software Mastery: Extensive experience using Adobe Animate is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. You should be comfortable with its rigging, timeline, and symbol-based workflows.
Technical and Artistic Skills
- Animation Principles: A rock-solid understanding of traditional 2D animation principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, timing, staging, etc.).
- Cut-Out Workflow: High proficiency in 2D cut-out animation techniques, knowing how to manipulate rigs to achieve a “hand-drawn” level of fluidity.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. You should be able to share knowledge with the team and effectively promote creative solutions.
Portfolio Requirements
Your portfolio/demo reel must demonstrate:
- High-level polish in character animation.
- Clear examples of character acting (comedy and drama).
- Professional-grade work specifically created in Adobe Animate.
At Bardel, we recognize that flexibility is key to doing great work. Our hybrid work environment is a valued perk designed to support individual accountability and empower our teams to work where they’re most productive.
What “Hybrid” Means for This Role:
- Remote Flexibility: Much of the 2-3 month contract can be performed remotely.
- On-Site Requirements: This role requires in-person attendance at our Vancouver studio during the initial onboarding period to get you up to speed with our pipeline and team.
- Rush Weeks: There will be predetermined “Rush Weeks” where the team gathers in-person for intensive collaboration, creativity, and team building to push through production milestones.
Compensation and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $1,200 – $1,250 CAD per week. This range reflects our current expectations and may be adjusted based on the candidate’s specific education, qualifications, and experience level.
Why Join Bardel?
- Dynamic Projects: Work on exciting, high-visibility content for major global platforms.
- Collaborative Culture: Be part of a team that values your voice and encourages you to share insights.
- Reputation: Add one of the industry’s most respected studio names to your resume.
Application Instructions
We are looking to fill this position immediately. If you have the required Adobe Animate skills and are located in (or able to work in) British Columbia, we want to see your application.
Note: Please ensure your portfolio link is clearly visible in your application and that any passwords required to view your reel are provided.
Bardel Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to seeing your work and potentially welcoming you to the team!