I am a 2D Animator – Should I Switch Fields or Continue?

digitalkrowd

digitalkrowd

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AI is changing the way we work. I am a 2D animator and also train students in my area for free, so they can have a better future. But now, with AI being able to do a lot, I’m wondering should I still teach them? And is it still worthwhile for me to continue in 2D animation?

Currently:
Except for Seedance AI, no other AI tool produces good 2D animation. Plus, the token cost is very high.

Client budgets are decreasing, so getting a perfect shot in just one prompt is almost impossible.

Because of this, I am still engaged in 2D animation and managing to get projects to meet my needs.

AI does 3D better and more accurately, so I’m not planning to move to 3D. But if I do switch fields, I might consider something completely different – like selling physical products, opening a restaurant, or a bakery .


What’s your opinion? Should I continue teaching and working in 2D animation, or consider switching to something else?
 
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digitalkrowd said:
AI is changing the way we work. I am a 2D animator and also train students in my area for free, so they can have a better future. But now, with AI being able to do a lot, I’m wondering should I still teach them? And is it still worthwhile for me to continue in 2D animation?

Currently:
Except for Seedance AI, no other AI tool produces good 2D animation. Plus, the token cost is very high.

Client budgets are decreasing, so getting a perfect shot in just one prompt is almost impossible.

Because of this, I am still engaged in 2D animation and managing to get projects to meet my needs.

AI does 3D better and more accurately, so I’m not planning to move to 3D. But if I do switch fields, I might consider something completely different – like selling physical products, opening a restaurant, or a bakery .


What’s your opinion? Should I continue teaching and working in 2D animation, or consider switching to something else?
Click to expand...
I would recommend you continue teaching and working in 2D animation. Learning this skill takes so much effort, time and creativity. You can't just throw all that away due to AI changing things.

As you already mentioned, AI has a long way to go with 2D animation and even with 3D animation.
 
I’d still teach it honestly. AI can generate stuff fast but most of it still lacks style, timing, storytelling, and actual artistic direction, especially in 2D. Feels more like the job is changing instead of fully dying, so people who understand animation fundamentals will probably still have value even if they use AI tools later.
 
SiteFame said:
I’d still teach it honestly. AI can generate stuff fast but most of it still lacks style, timing, storytelling, and actual artistic direction, especially in 2D. Feels more like the job is changing instead of fully dying, so people who understand animation fundamentals will probably still have value even if they use AI tools later.
Click to expand...
Exactly, and you mention that you are still getting projects to meet your needs. I don't see any reason for changing. I spent 2 years trying to learn 2D animation, until I gave up. And I wish I didn't.
How long did it take you to learn?
 
Stick with 2D animation for now since you're still getting paid and AI can’t replicate your exact skills yet, but definitely upgrade your toolkit to include AI assistance so you stay ahead. Keep teaching your students too, but pivot your lessons to focus on storytelling, directing, and using AI as a tool rather than just raw drawing. If the stress gets too high down the road, you can always transition to that bakery or physical business as a backup plan!
 
There is still spaces for story telling
Even with 2d
So this still works
 
Keep at it, I'd say. If you or someone you know is savvy enough, you could even use AI as a tool to help you out with some of the more tedious, technical processes (and I don't mean making them 60fps for example, that shite looks heinous. 60fps should be kept to gaming, not animation). Although, realistically go with what pays and just turn 2d animation as a side gig if it doesn't pay the bills but you're still passionate about it. Work is work, fun is fun. No shame in that.
Also, absolutely teach if you have the aptitude and option to do so.
 
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