2D Ninja Character Animator (Unity / Spine)Urgent

I am developing a stylized 2D ninja-themed game interface in Unity and need a skilled animator to bring a ninja character to life using a reusable skeletal rig. The animation style should feel dynamic, fast, and readable, inspired by stylized martial arts action, with animations designed specifically for gameplay loops and not cinematic scenes. The character artwork is already provided; the focus is on rigging and animating, including an initial set such as idle stance, strike or attack, victory pose, hit reaction, and focus or meditation. Simple stylized effects like energy auras, motion trails, and impact flashes should enhance the action without obscuring the character. Preferred experience includes working with Spine 2D or similar tools, Unity animation workflows, and building reusable animation systems. Before proceeding, selected applicants will complete a short paid test (a 2–3 second ninja strike animation with anticipation and simple effects) to demonstrate their style and motion quality. We are looking for animators experienced in game character animation and looped gameplay animation, who can create energetic martial arts motion and add simple stylized effects. Please include character animation work and relevant game or Spine samples in your portfolio.

Budget range:
Up to $700

Examples:
Animation style references:

Epic Stickman: Idle RPG War

Stickman Master: Shadow Ninja

These games demonstrate the type of fast, readable combat animation style I’m aiming for.

Key characteristics:
• strong anticipation before attacks
• fast striking motion
• exaggerated impact frames
• short loopable gameplay animations
• stylized energy / aura effects

The character design is a stylized ninja and will be used inside a game UI environment.

The goal is energetic gameplay animation rather than cinematic animation.

About the client
Cemitone Studios is an independent game development studio focused on stylized interactive experiences. We are currently developing a ninja-themed application interface and are building a reusable character animation system for the project. The goal is to work with a skilled animator who can create energetic, readable gameplay animations and potentially collaborate on future characters and animation work. This project involves animating a stylized ninja character using a skeletal rig for use inside a game environment.