2D Animator with Spine (Project Based)

About us:

At Amber, we're always on the hunt for the most talented individuals in the industry to join our team. We're dedicated to delivering top-notch service to our customers and know that our employees are key to making that happen. We offer attractive compensation packages and plenty of chances to grow with us, and we're always on the lookout for ways to do things better. Our team works together towards common goals and we value each member's contributions to our mission of continuous improvement and innovation. 

About the role: 

We are seeking a skilled and creative Spine Animator to join our dynamic team and help bring our game characters and creatures to life through fluid and engaging animations. 

As a Spine Animator at you will be a key contributor to the animation team, responsible for creating high-quality, dynamic 2D character and creature animations using the Spine animation software. You will work closely with the art and design teams to ensure that animations meet the artistic vision of our games while also adhering to technical requirements. This role presents an exciting opportunity to play a crucial part in crafting the visual appeal and gameplay experience of our games. 

The Quest:  

• Collaborate with the art and design teams to understand character and creature animation requirements. 
• Create and implement 2D animations using Spine, focusing on character movements, combat actions, and special effects. 
• Ensure that animations are visually compelling, smooth, and consistent with the game's art style. 
• Rig and skin characters and creatures for animation in Spine. 
• Collaborate with other animators, artists, and designers to iterate on animation assets based on feedback. 
• Optimize animations for performance, ensuring efficient use of resources on various gaming platforms. 
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving related to animations and character behaviors. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in character animation. 
• Contribute to maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment within the animation team. 
• Preparing presentations of rough sketches for clients 
• Creating models, drawings, and illustrations 
• Designing frames and characters 
• Drawing rough sketches and animate  
• Illustrating keyframes and producing inbetweening 
• Inking, coloring, and clean ups 
• Integrating images, characters, etc into background graphics 
• Preparing all animation elements for compositing, including delivering in set formats 
• Enhancing animation with special effects at the post-production stage 

 The Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 
• Proven experience as a Spine Animator or 2D Animator in the game industry. 
• Proficiency in using the Spine animation software, including rigging and skinning characters. 
• Strong understanding of animation principles, timing, and storytelling through motion. 
• Knowledge of 2D art and design fundamentals, including character design and anatomy. 
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and their animation pipelines is a plus. 
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills. 
• Ability to visualize abstract concepts and to draw in a variety of styles & genres / Drawing ability, artistic mindset. 
• Ability to adapt to different art styles and work within established artistic guidelines. 
• Passion for gaming and a deep appreciation for the role of animation in enhancing player experiences. 
• 2D animators may need knowledge of a combination of the following software: 
• Spine, Toon Boom Harmony, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects 

 The Reward:    

• Competitive project-based compensation
• Opportunity to work on exciting and diverse projects
• Clear communication and support throughout the project duration.
• Flexibility in project timelines and deadlines.
• Potential for long-term collaboration on future projects.
• Transparent and fair evaluation of your work.