10 Digital Artists: The Art of Animation

Animation is the art of bringing still images to life, creating the illusion of movement through a series of frames. These frames, whether hand-drawn, digitally created, or crafted with models, are carefully sequenced to tell stories and capture emotions. In this article, we’re celebrating ten talented digital artists who are redefining the art of animation.

Today, animators wear many hats — they can be illustrators, directors, and often both. They use their creativity and technical skills to create captivating works for movies, video games, and digital art.

Whether it’s the charm of hand-drawn characters or the stunning realism of 3D worlds, animation allows artists to share their unique visions in ways that feel alive.

Whether you are an artist looking for inspiration, a curator working on an exhibition, or a digital arts fan looking to discover digital artists, this list is for you.

Here is 10 of the best digital artists who are making waves in the world of animation.

Scroll the learn more about them! Here’s the featured artists:
Yujin Eugene Winter
Sivan Kidron
Yukai Du
Annie Choi
Marjan Moghaddam
Seerlight
Roseoak
Tanaya Khadke
Marco Cardenas
Simon Macko

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Yujin Eugene Winter

Tokyo-based animator Yujin Eugene Winter is a talented 2D artist whose work shines across commercials, music videos, and web advertisements. A graduate of the Faculty of Design at Kyushu University, Yujin began his career at ROBOT COMMUNICATIONS INC., honing his skills in animation and illustration. He shares much of his work on social media, where his unique style and storytelling ability have gained a loyal following.

Yujin’s creative achievements have earned him recognition in several prestigious competitions. He won the Japan Competition Category at the New Chitose Airport International Animation Film Festival and received the GIFs2018 SNS Category Award. His student project also won the BOVA (Brain Online Video Award) Student Award, and he earned an honorable mention in the 73rd Chiba Tetsuya Award.

Sivan Kidron

Sivan Kidron is an award-winning animation filmmaker, illustrator, and director known for her vibrant storytelling and love of movement and color. Based in Tel Aviv, Sivan works on animated films, advertisements, and music videos, bringing her unique artistic voice to every project.

With an MA in Animation from the Royal College of Art in London and a BA in Screen-based Art from the Bezalel Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem, her education has shaped her as both a visual artist and a storyteller. Sivan’s work has been celebrated at exhibitions and festivals worldwide, including the Arad Contemporary Art Center, Pictoplasma Berlin, and the Grimdosi AR Exhibition in Seoul. Her talent has earned her multiple accolades, such as the 3x3 Illustration Magazine Award and a Vimeo Staff Pick for her project Blue Whale.

Beyond her creative work, Sivan is also a lecturer at the Cambridge School of Art, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of illustrators and animators. Whether through her pastel-hued animated worlds or her guidance in the classroom, Sivan continues to inspire with her passion for storytelling.

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Sivan Kidron (@sivankid) • Instagram photos and videos

Yukai Du

Yukai Du is a Chinese-born illustrator and animation director based in London, known for her vibrant and playful style. Her passion for digital illustration and animation began during her time at the Guang Zhou Academy of Fine Arts and was further honed when she graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2014. Yukai’s work is inspired by a unique blend of Impressionist techniques — using dashes and dots to build texture — and her love of geometric shapes and bold, colorful patterns.

Over the years, Yukai has worked with an impressive list of clients, including Adobe, Apple, WeTransfer, LUSH, The New Yorker, and TED Talks. Her ability to create visually striking and engaging animations has made her a sought-after artist across the globe. Represented by agencies like Closer & Closer for North America and Final Frontier for Asia, Yukai’s work has gained international acclaim.

Her creative achievements include prestigious awards such as the 3x3 Illustration Best of Show (Student Show), an Adobe Design Award Honorable Mention, and a D&AD New Blood Wood Pencil. Whether creating still images or animations, Yukai is an inspiration with her playful approach to visual storytelling.

Annie Choi

Annie “Ancho” Choi is an animation artist whose whimsical and imaginative creations have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Known for her playful and unexpected animations, Annie has built a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok, where her work often features surprising transformations, like her viral “bread loafers” animation.

Annie’s style draws inspiration from anime and the enchanting aesthetics of Studio Ghibli, blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist. This captivating approach earned her the incredible opportunity to work with the renowned Studio Ghibli, a dream come true for many animators. Her animations are celebrated not only for their technical brilliance but also for their ability to evoke a sense of wonder and joy.

Her unique ability to turn everyday objects into delightfully surreal stories sets her apart in the world of digital art. Through her art, Annie combines storytelling and visual magic, creating pieces that feel universally enchanting.

Marjan Moghaddam

Marjan Moghaddam is a pioneering digital artist, AR/VR creator, and animator whose work has shaped the landscape of 3D computer-generated art since the 1980s. An immigrant and political refugee from Iran, her work often reflects themes of identity, technology, and societal critique, cementing her legacy as a true innovator in the digital art world.

Known for her distinct aesthetic and critical discourse, Marjan’s animations and #arthacks have earned her widespread acclaim, going viral and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.  Her trailblazing contributions to digital art have been recognized with numerous accolades, including Rockefeller grants, a spot on Forbes’ Best of AR Art list, and four official selections at Siggraph. She has also been an Adobe Artist-in-Residence and the only female artist featured in the BBC’s When Art Goes Digital documentary.

Marjan’s career spans decades of innovation, from exhibiting at major institutions like the Smithsonian to creating large-scale public art across the U.S. and Europe. Her works are held in private and institutional collections, with her NFT art gaining significant attention since 2020. As a highly influential figure in both traditional digital art and the crypto art scene, Marjan is currently a tenured professor of digital art at LIU Brooklyn, where she inspires the next generation of artists.

Seerlight

Seerlight is a talented artist, 2D animator, and game developer whose work combines nostalgia with a modern twist. Known for his vibrant digital illustrations and mesmerizing GIF-style live wallpapers, Seerlight captures the beauty of the past and reimagines it through a contemporary lens. His art often features dreamlike atmospheres and intricate details, drawing viewers into enchanting, otherworldly scenes.

In addition to creating monthly artworks for his Patreon supporters, Seerlight shares his creations through prints, phone cases, and other merchandise, allowing fans to bring his art into their everyday lives. With artist-branded clothing also on the horizon, his work continues to expand its reach and inspire his growing community of followers.

Seerlight’s unique blend of artistry and storytelling has made him a standout figure in the digital art world. His creations offer a perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience them.

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seerlight (@seerlight) • Instagram photos and videos

Roseoak

Roseoak is a Denver-based comic artist, visual developer, and storyboard artist with a passion for bringing stories to life. By day, she works on visual development and character design, and by night, she dives into storyboarding and crafting her webtoon, Not So Silent. Known for her vibrant storytelling and engaging visuals, Roseoak has built a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok, where fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process.

As the creator of Not So Silent, Roseoak explores heartfelt themes of self-discovery and personal growth through the story of Lewis Walker, a perfectionist high school student learning to balance his responsibilities, emotions, and relationships. The webtoon’s relatable characters and touching narrative have resonated with readers, with new episodes released every Wednesday.

A proud illustration major and self-proclaimed amateur animator, Roseoak is constantly honing her craft and sharing her journey with her audience.

Tanaya Khadke

Tanaya Khadke is a talented 2D/3D motion designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York, originally from India. Known for her vibrant, playful style, Tanaya blends motion and illustration to create dynamic, imaginative works that captivate audiences. 

Her creative journey spans advertising agencies, branding studios, children’s book publications, and freelance collaborations, where she tailors unique, conceptual designs to meet diverse project needs. Tanaya’s ability to fuse storytelling, branding, and design has earned her recognition for creating delightful, memorable animations and visuals.

With a love for exploring a variety of mediums — 2D, 3D, generative art, and AR/VR — Tanaya brings a fresh perspective to motion design and animation. Her expertise includes crafting title sequences, directing branding campaigns, and exploring the intersection of technology and design. Her quirky, eye-catching creations add a sprinkle of magic to every project, making her work stand out in the global design industry.

Marco Cardenas

Marco Cárdenas is an indie 2D animator based in Mexico, celebrated for his unique, high-energy animations and vibrant storytelling. Marco has built a loyal following for his original indie animations, showcasing his passion for creating bold, visually striking films. His short animated film PxAY OFF! went viral, amassing over 1.2 million views in just a few months, earning him widespread recognition in the animation community.

Known for his cartoonish and dynamic style, Marco’s work is packed with action, humor, and unforgettable characters. His film PxAY OFF! follows Liv, a cheerful yet mischievous debt collector working for a shady money lender, as she dives into wild and chaotic situations. Marco's ability to balance extreme comedy with engaging storytelling has made his animations stand out among fans and peers alike.

As an independent creator, Marco thrives on bringing his imaginative worlds to life. Whether it's crafting a thrilling action sequence or designing a quirky character, Marco’s work reflects his passion for the art of animation and his dedication to entertaining audiences with original, out-of-the-box stories.

Simon Macko

Simon Macko, also known as "Shoocharu," is an award-winning animator and director from Denmark, recognized for his dynamic and humorous animations. Since 2014, Simon has made a name for himself by creating animated content for popular YouTube channels such as Game Grumps, Ninja Sex Party, and Jacksepticeye. His standout work includes music videos for Ninja Sex Party’s albums and tracks like Mansion Party, Parents House, and I Own a Car, as well as Starbomb’s third album.

Simon’s creative style blends sharp humor with expressive animation, making his work a fan favorite in the online animation community. Beyond YouTube, Simon also channels his artistry into selling merch, including mugs, t-shirts, and stickers, giving fans a chance to bring a piece of his creations into their daily lives.

Currently, Simon dedicates his time to collaborating with other creators while sharing his art and updates on platforms like Twitter. Whether it’s crafting hilarious animations for beloved internet personalities or working on personal projects, Simon continues to inspire audiences with his passion and creativity.

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Simon Macko (@shoocharu) • Instagram photos and videos

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