The octopus has to wave, point and hold a cup at the same time. You make all eight arms move like one happy thought.
Tatako is booking 2D Animators to bring the octopus and the lesson pictures to life in our flat 2D style. You animate song videos, shorts and small moments for tatako.com and the apps, with clean timing and big feelings in simple shapes. The Series Animator works on the felt series and the Animation Engineer builds the interactive character; you own 2D animation.
About Tatako
Tatako is a first-words app for parents raising a child with two languages. Parent and child do each lesson together: it takes about five minutes, there is nothing to read, and a small round octopus keeps them both company. He has eight arms, no socks, and usually loses count at seven.
The language of home stays the language of home. Tatako adds a second one on top, at a child’s pace, from the very first words. A guide voice tells the parent what to do next and can be switched off at any time. The parent leads the child through three small steps: Hear it, say it. Touch it. Name it. In the last step the picture comes back without the word, and the child names it first.
We started with English: first words and phrases, from “hello” and “mommy” to colors, animals and what the teacher says in class. Your child learns English, and the prompts, the menus and every step of guidance are in your family’s own language. Tatako works on the web, on Apple and on Android.
The role
- Remote project work, open to candidates anywhere in the world
- Fluent English
- An agreement signed before you start: your work is made for Tatako, Inc. and its rights go to the company in writing
By the end of your first project, a song video or a set of shorts runs on your animation, the octopus moves like himself in 2D, and your files are ready for the editor.
What you will do
- Animate the octopus and the other 2D characters for song videos and shorts, from rough poses to final frames.
- Create small moments for tatako.com and the apps: greetings, celebrations and transitions, light and loopable.
- Keep every character on model: shapes, proportions, colors and personality held across every shot.
- Time the animation to music and voice, with actions a child can read at a glance.
- Work from storyboards and animatics with the Storyboard Artist and the Video Editor.
- Deliver clean, organized project files and exports in the formats each platform needs.
- Take notes well and turn revisions around quickly, without losing the life in the shot.
What you bring
- 4+ years in 2D animation for series, music videos, ads or apps.
- Strong skills in Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate or After Effects with character rigs.
- A reel with character acting, timing and appeal.
- A command of animation principles inside simple flat styles, where every frame shows.
- Comfort with remote reviews in Frame.io or a similar tool.
- A love for clear, gentle animation for kids.
Bonus points
- You have animated content for kids.
- You can also design or clean up characters.
Why you will love it
- A character with eight arms and endless ways to use them.
- Projects with clear briefs and a studio that respects animators.
- Animation families watch again and again.
How to apply
Meet the octopus at tatako.com, then email join@tatako.com with your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. Make sure it shows a 2D animation reel with character work.
If your experience matches the role, our team will get in touch to discuss next steps.