Steve

Available to hire

I'm a freelance illustrator and 2D animator specialising in character design, digital illustration and character animation.

About

I’m a freelance illustrator and 2D animator specialising in character design, digital illustration and character animation.

I have extensive experience creating illustrated characters and bringing them to life through 2D cut-out animation, traditional animation techniques and digital workflows. I work across the entire production process, from initial character artwork and Photoshop asset preparation through to rigging, animation and final compositing.

My work includes character animation for YouTube, game-related artwork, storyboarding and animated digital content. I’ve also collaborated with CD Projekt Red on an animated feature relating to The Witcher 3, adapting characters and environments to complement the game’s established visual style.

I work with Photoshop, Moho, ToonSquid and After Effects, and enjoy tackling projects that combine strong illustration with expressive, character-driven animation.

Whether you need a character designed, an existing illustration brought to life, a complete 2D animation sequence or artwork for a game or digital project, I can help take it from concept to completion.

  • Joined November 2026

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Other

More experts in Lincoln, United Kingdom

Projects · 2

Lead Animator & Artist | SideQuestYT – Animated History: Gladiators

Created the artwork and animation for an animated history episode exploring the world of ancient Roman gladiators. Responsible for developing the visual approach, creating original character illustrations, storyboarding and producing the animation. Used Photoshop and ToonSquid to create and animate illustrated characters, bringing historical events, personalities and scenes to life through expressive 2D animation. Also contributed to the wider production process, assembling and compositing the finished sequences in After Effects. The project combined historical storytelling, character design, illustration and animation to make the subject engaging and accessible to a YouTube audience.

  • Animator
  • Art Director
  • Artist
  • +1
@AllHail animated video

Animator & Animation Producer | All Hail YouTube Channel Responsible for the complete animation production process, overseeing projects from initial planning and concept development through to final delivery. Managed all stages of production, including creative planning, storyboarding, visual development, asset creation, animation, editing, compositing and post-production. Collaborated with writer Goran Sola, who developed and wrote the episodes and contributed additional background music. I translated his scripts into finished animated videos, taking responsibility for the visual development and animation production from concept to completion.

  • Animator
  • Art Director
  • Illustrator
  • +1

Work experience· 6 roles

Lecturer in Animation · University of LincolnSep 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

Teaching and coordinating animation modules within the BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects programme. Specialising in animation principles, 2D animation, character movement, animation production and experimental techniques.

Lead Animator & Artist – SideQuestYT · SideQuestyt Animated HistoryJan 2020 – Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

Lead animator and artist for an established animated history YouTube channel. Responsible for storyboarding, character illustration, Photoshop artwork, ToonSquid animation, character animation and After Effects compositing. Worked on a range of historical and entertainment-focused animated productions, including a collaboration with CD Projekt Red relating to The Witcher 3.

Animation and illustration tutor · Bilin academyJan 2019 – Present · 7 yrs 11 mos

Deliver online animation classes to students aged 9–15 through Bilin Academy, an international online learning platform. Teach the fundamental principles of animation using digital art and animation software, including Procreate and ToonSquid. Lessons cover key animation techniques such as timing and spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, follow-through and overlapping action. Guide students through practical exercises and creative projects, helping them develop their understanding of movement, visual storytelling and the animation process.

Illustrator and Animator · RHQ ZombieJan 2019 – Nov 2021 · 2 yrs 11 mos
Teacher of Art and Creative media · North Kesteven AcademySep 2006 – Dec 2018 · 12 yrs 4 mos
Freelance Illustrator and animator · self employedJan 2000 – Present · 26 yrs 11 mos

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Illustration · Glyndwr University1998 – 2001

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Illustration

Post Graduate certificate of education in Art and Design · Manchester Metropolitan University2002 – 2003

Certifications and awards

Northern Sequential Art Competition | Thought Bubble, 20122012

Awarded first prize in the Third Northern Sequential Art Competition for Dad's Ear, an original one-page comic written and illustrated by Steve Reynolds.

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