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I have a batch of more than ten finished character illustrations—mix of humans and animals—that now need to be broken into clean, well-named Photoshop layers so my animation team can rig them in our 2D pipeline. For each character I only require the functional rig parts: separate the head, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet (plus tail or ears where applicable) into individual layers or groups. No clothing, accessories, or facial expression passes are needed at this stage; focus purely on the core body parts so we can establish the base skeleton quickly. The source art is provided as high-resolution flattened PNGs and, where available, the original PSDs. You’ll return a neatly organised PSD per character, keeping original colours and line quality intact, with layers named clearly (e.g., Head, UpperArm_L, Forearm_R). Please avoid any extra effects or colour adjustments. Accuracy and consistency across all files are critical, as the riggers will import straight from your PSDs. If you already work with animation tools like Spine, Live2D, or Moho, you’ll know exactly how precise pivot placement and overlap cuts need to be—that experience is a plus but not mandatory. When you respond, let me know your typical turnaround time per character and share a sample of previous layer-separation work if possible. Project Overview We're producing a flat 2D animated children's series (Caribbean-set, cel-shaded illustration style). We have completed, approved flat character model sheets (single-layer PNGs) for our cast, and we now need those flat images broken apart into separated Photoshop layers so a rigger can build puppet rigs from them in Toon Boom Harmony. This is NOT an illustration or design job. No drawing, redesigning, or artistic decision-making is required. This is precise, mechanical image-editing work: selecting, masking, and cleaning up existing artwork. What You'll Be Given For each character, a flat, single-layer PNG turnaround sheet showing: Front view, 3/4 view, and side profile (full body) A 4-6 panel facial expression sheet Plain white/neutral background, no scenery What You Need to Deliver For each character, a single layered PSD file with the character's body cleanly separated into individual, clearly named layers, ready to be rigged (cut-out/puppet-style animation). Required layer breakdown (adjust based on the character's actual pose/complexity): Head (hair/ears included as one piece unless otherwise noted) Torso Upper arm — left / right Forearm — left / right (only if the pose has a bend at the elbow; otherwise combine with upper arm) Hand — left / right Upper leg — left / right Lower leg — left / right (only if the pose has a bend at the knee; otherwise combine with upper leg) Foot — left / right Any distinct props or accessories the character is holding or wearing (e.g., a bag, tool, glasses) as their own separate layer(s) Simpler, more static poses (arms at sides, standing straight) need fewer splits. More dynamic poses (bent limbs, overlapping props) need more granular splits so the rigger can articulate each joint independently. Step-by-step process we expect: Select each body part cleanly using the Lasso, Pen tool, or Quick Selection (Pen tool preferred for the cleanest edges) Copy each selected part onto its own new layer Fill in the gap left behind on the layer underneath (e.g., if you cut out an arm, the torso layer will have an arm-shaped hole where it used to be covered — that hole needs to be patched with the correct flat color/shading so nothing shows a "hole" when the rig moves) Content-Aware Fill works well for this on our flat, cel-shaded style (bold outlines, flat colors, minimal texture/gradient) — manual patching only if Content-Aware Fill leaves visible smudging or seams Clean up all seams/edges at 100–200% zoom — no white halos, no jagged selection edges Ensure every layer has a fully transparent background (not white) Name every layer clearly and consistently (e.g., head, torso, arm_L_upper, arm_R_upper, hand_L, leg_L_upper, foot_R, etc.) — no default Photoshop layer names Save/deliver as a properly organized .psd with all layers intact (do not flatten) Required Skills Strong working knowledge of Photoshop selection and masking tools (Lasso, Pen tool, Quick Selection, Select and Mask) Experience with Content-Aware Fill and/or manual clone/patch techniques for filling in removed areas Comfort working with flat, cel-shaded/vector-style illustration (not photographic retouching) Meticulous attention to clean edges and consistent, logical layer naming Ability to follow a written brief precisely and flag ambiguous cases (e.g., unclear where to split a limb) rather than guessing Not Required Illustration or drawing skill Character design or concept art experience AI image generation experience Scope & Volume Trial run: 1 character (we'll provide this first to confirm quality and process fit before further hires) Full scope: up to 17 character sheets, each with 3 body views + expression panels What "Approved" Looks Like (Quality Checklist) All body parts cleanly separated per the required layer breakdown above No visible gaps, holes, or mismatched color patches where parts were removed No white halos or jagged edges at seams All layers have transparent backgrounds Layers are clearly and consistently named File delivered as an unflattened .psd Rate Structure Please quote a flat per-character rate (rather than open-ended hourly billing) based on the sample character sheet provided, including one round of revisions if seams or gaps need touch-up.
Project ID: 40623450
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105 freelancers are bidding on average $101 USD for this job

Subject: Expertise in Detailed Character Illustration Layer Separation for Animation Dear Client, With [X years] of experience in image editing and animation tools like Spine, I specialize in breaking down character illustrations into meticulously named Photoshop layers for seamless rigging. Do you have specific preferences for pivot points or foresee future facial expressions/accessories in layers? I guarantee maintaining original colors and line quality while focusing on precise body part separation. My track record of accurately naming layers ensures high-quality results. Turnaround time varies based on complexity; insights on expected frequency of additions/revisions would streamline ongoing projects. I look forward to establishing a long-term partnership and delivering quality and timely results. Please let me know of any specific requirements or details for further discussion. Best, Ahmad Ayaz
$225 USD in 5 days
8.4
8.4

Hey, You are looking for Photoshop 2D Rig Layering. "Lets Gets Started, I know you have several tempting proposals here, but I guarantee you to be impressed by my work. I have various skills in design, Illustration, Photoshop, Graphic Design, Logo Design and Illustrator. If you give me this chance you will be impressed, because I guarantee that I will meet your expectations. I invite you to get a look at my portfolio You Can see it from here : https://www.freelancer.com/u/sahildogra222 If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to contact me. I hope to start working with you. With regards! SAHIL
$30 USD in 1 day
8.5
8.5

As an accomplished graphic designer with a specialization in Adobe Photoshop, I am well-versed in performing the precise, mechanical image-editing work essential for this project. Over the past 10 years, I've honed my skills in meticulous hand-tracing and precise digital layer separation ー exactly what your flat character illustrations need to be easily rigged by your animation team. As a result, my turnaround time of around two characters per day is one of the swiftest in the industry. My extensive background in design extends beyond just image-editing. I'm also highly proficient in various animation tools such as Live2D and Moho. This proficiency means I understand not only how crucial pivot placements and overlap cuts are but why they are needed. And while I have no specific experience with Toon Boom Harmony, my adaptability, efficiency and attention to detail will ensure that your PSDs are intelligently structured and future-proofed for any other animation tool that may be used.
$64 USD in 1 day
8.0
8.0

✔️Photoshop 2D Rig Layering✔️ Hello There, As a skilled freelancer, I have extensive experience crafting compelling narratives and developing unique ⚡characters that resonate with audiences⚡. ➡️ My expertise lies in creating dynamic backstories, defining distinct personalities, and ensuring each character serves a meaningful purpose within the story. I'm adept at collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life, and I'm confident I can meet your needs with precision and creativity. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your specific requirements further. ==> Could you please clarify the target audience and the desired tone for the characters? I'm eager to get started and deliver high-quality work for you. I’m highly skilled with top design tools like Photoshop Illustrator, Canava, and many more. ✨ What you’ll get: ✅ Fast turnaround ✅ Professional, high-quality designs ✅ Clear communication and collaboration ✅ Attention to detail and creativity Thank you.
$33 USD in 7 days
8.1
8.1

Hello, there! As an architectural and 3D design expert, I may not have direct experience in character animation, but I am adept at meticulous image editing, precisely the kind of task your project demands. I have a keen eye for detail and can ensure accuracy and consistency across all the files you need. Cleanly selecting each body part using the Pen tool and naming every layer with clarity is essential in reflecting my meticulous work style that lines up perfectly with your requirements. Efficiency is as crucial as precision in projects like these. With an extensive background in engineering and architectural design, I am no stranger to meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality. My proficiency in various softwares including Adobe Photoshop has equipped me with essential skills to perform this precise mechanical task to optimize our overall workflow. I may not have worked with animation tools like Spine or Live2D, but this should not be a deterrent. I am very comfortable learning new software and platforms, which makes me confident that I can adapt to your workflow quickly. Let us embrace this chance to synergize our respective skill sets - my knack for organising PSDs and your team's animation expertise - to deliver rigging-friendly PSD files within your timeline.
$140 USD in 3 days
7.8
7.8

Hi there, I’m ready to work on your project “Photoshop 2D Rig Layering.” as per your requirements, I’m a professional graphic designer with a lots of experience in Graphic Design, Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop, 2D Animation Let’s connect to discuss your ideas in detail and bring your vision to life. You can view my portfolio and client reviews here: ✨ https://www.freelancer.com/u/KomalShaikh9200 Looking forward to collaborating with you! Thank you, Komal S
$60 USD in 3 days
7.6
7.6

Hi, I read your brief carefully, and I appreciate how clearly you've defined the workflow. This isn't a character design project—it's production-ready Photoshop preparation for a Toon Boom Harmony pipeline, where clean separations, accurate overlap reconstruction, and consistent layer naming are essential for smooth rigging. I can separate each character into logically organized PSD layers with transparent backgrounds, clean edges, patched hidden areas, and consistent naming conventions exactly as required. I'm comfortable preparing artwork for cut-out animation and understand how overlap, pivots, and clean silhouettes affect the rigging stage. I'm happy to begin with the paid trial character and provide one revision if any seam adjustments are needed. My turnaround is typically 1 character per day, depending on complexity. Portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/Humaumair12 Do you want every turnaround view and expression sheet delivered inside one organized PSD per character, or would you prefer the body views and expression panels separated into individual PSD files for your rigging team? Warm Regards, Huma
$500 USD in 7 days
7.8
7.8

As a multidisciplinary creative, I have hands-on experience in various aspects of design and animation work that perfectly align with your 2D rig layering project. I completely grasp the technical nature of this job and the importance of accuracy and consistency, which I consistently maintain in my work. My proficiency in Adobe Photoshop combined with a meticulous approach to detail ensures a clean, transparent workflow that will make your rigging process smooth. Beyond just delivering divided layers, I have a deep comprehension of how every piece connects and affects the overall character animation. My skills include selecting, masking, and cleaning up existing artwork to precision which is critical for pivot placement and overlap cuts in generating functional rig parts. Moreover, my knowledge and experience in working with various animation tools including Spine and Live2D adds an extra layer of understanding to what you need. In terms of turnaround time, you can expect unwavering commitment to quality without any compromise on speed. I am accustomed to meeting deadlines without sacrificing the quality of the deliverables. Though not mandatory for this project, my 3D background also enables me to visualize characters from different angles and ensures meticulous layer separation for complex poses. I am ready to bring this ability into play for your Caribbean-set animated series. Let’s bring these characters to life together!
$60 USD in 1 day
7.8
7.8

Hi I can professionally separate and organize your Photoshop artwork into clean, well-labeled rig-ready layers, ensuring smooth animation compatibility and a neatly structured PSD delivery. Kundan
$30 USD in 1 day
7.6
7.6

Hi there, I can manage clean Photoshop layer separation for your children's series characters from flattened PNGs and PSDs. I will separate head, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet, props, patch hidden areas, ensure transparent backgrounds, and deliver organized PSD files with consistent layer naming. I'm an expert and have a very strong grip on Photoshop & Illustrator. I also offer unlimited revisions and at the end, all the vector formats for future use. Visit my portfolio at https://www.freelancer.com/u/allanashan99. Thanks & Regards, Shan.
$50 USD in 2 days
7.3
7.3

As a seasoned graphic designer and 2D animator with over a decade of experience, I am more than equipped to handle the complexity of your project. My mastery of Adobe Photoshop, coupled with my precise attention to detail, aligns perfectly with your need to separate body parts meticulously. You see, precision is paramount in 2D animation, and I understand the importance of well-named layers that align with the established base skeleton for smooth rigging. Additionally, my familiarity with various animation tools including Spine and Moho means I know just how meticulously pivot placements and overlap cuts must be done. I have worked on numerous projects that demanded mechanical image-editing proficiency where selecting, masking, and cleaning up are key elements, just as they are for this task. During my previous projects, I have consistently delivered high-quality works free of visible smudging or seams – qualities that will make me an excellent fit for your project. Not only will you receive PSDs with precisely edited layers keeping original colors and line quality intact, but you’ll also appreciate my fast turnaround time per character. Please take a moment to explore my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/sadian4 If my style and expertise align with your vision, I’d love to discuss how I can bring your project to life. Let’s connect budget and deadline can be finalized during our chat. Best regards, Sadia Y.
$50 USD in 1 day
7.0
7.0

Hi there, Do you need to create clean layered Photoshop PSD files from flattened character artwork by separating heads, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet, tails, ears, props, and accessories with transparent backgrounds, patched artwork, consistent layer naming, and rig-ready organization for Toon Boom Harmony. I have strong skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other design tools, And the best part is that I keep working until my clients are fully happy with the results. You can view a similar project in my portfolio here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/humartist101 Thanks & Regards, Humayo.
$35 USD in 1 day
6.9
6.9

As a seasoned Photoshop expert with over 5 years of experience in the graphics design and image editing field, I feel confident in my ability to excel at your project. I have an artistic eye for detail and believe in producing accurate, consistent work. I've successfully completed similar layer separation projects in the past that required meticulousness similar to what you're after. These experiences mean I'm intimately familiar with working at sub-pixel precision. An important aspect of your project is maintaining the original color scheme and line quality while separating the characters into their respective parts. It's very much in line with my skills to organize PSDs neatly and name layers accurately. I usually employ the Pen tool (as you've already mentioned) and Content-Aware Fill for a clean result (manual touching needed only when necessary). Seamlessness is my motto; I'll ensure each body part fits naturally and every layer has 100% transparency in regard to background. Finally, regarding your turnaround time concerns, I understand that speed without compromising on quality is crucial for your production deadline. In light of this, I would be able to deliver each character's PSD file within 24 hours of receiving it - fully layered and ready to be rigged. I assure you that by choosing me for this task, you'll have all your characters precisely prepared for animation while enjoying a smooth, professional experience along the way.
$140 USD in 2 days
6.4
6.4

Hi, You've mentioned the need to separate finished character illustrations into clean, well-named Photoshop layers for rigging in a 2D animation pipeline. My experience in Graphic Design and Adobe Photoshop makes me well-equipped for this task. For your project, my approach would be to meticulously separate the core body parts of each character into individual layers or groups, following the provided guidelines. I will ensure accuracy and consistency across all files to facilitate seamless rigging for your animation team. Additionally, I can provide a quick turnaround time per character and share previous layer-separation work samples upon request. To get a better sense of my skills, please visit my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com.au/SajidaSaqira Best regards, Sajida
$80 USD in 7 days
6.5
6.5

Hey, Your need for precise layer separation in character illustrations is crucial for a smooth animation process. With extensive experience in Photoshop, I specialize in using tools like the Pen and Lasso for clean selections. This ensures that each character is accurately dissected into well-defined layers. I will separate heads, torsos, limbs, and any specific props as outlined, maintaining original colors and quality. Additionally, I’ll optimize layer names for clarity, ensuring efficiency for your animation team. You'll receive organized PSD files ready for rigging, improving workflow efficiency and reducing revision time. Let’s discuss how I can help streamline your project. Regards Desmond
$100 USD in 14 days
6.5
6.5

As a seasoned graphic designer with an emphasis on 2D animation, I know the importance of precision and consistency in image-editing. Your project requires meticulous separation of characters into layer-specific PSD files and not only do I understand this task but I've successfully executed it numerous times before. My familiarity with software tools such as Spine, Live2D, and Moho further ensures that your rigging team will be able to import seamlessly from my PSDs. I'm confident in my ability to provide you with ready-to-use PSD files that retain your characters' original colors and line quality while being cleanly organized with clearly-named layers. Within our timetable, we aim for optimum accuracy given the nature of the task. Turnaround time per character will take around a day, ensuring every layer breaks down consistently. For consistency practices, we implement a step-by-step process. From using the Lasso, Pen tool, or Quick Selection to selecting body parts cleanly onto their own separate layers to meticulously filling gaps so that your characters' movement never shows 'holes', we'll ensure everything is done to your specifications. Please take a moment to explore my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/ehsankz If my style aligns with what you’re looking for, let’s connect and discuss your project in detail. Budget and deadline can be finalised during our chat. Best regards, Ehsan Y
$50 USD in 1 day
6.4
6.4

Hey there, I understand exactly what you're after — flat, single-layer character PNGs broken into clean, transparent, well-named PSD layers (head, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet, tail/ears) ready for rigging in Toon Boom Harmony, with seamless Content-Aware/manual patching and no stray halos or jagged edges. I can deliver precisely that: pen-tool-cut selections, properly filled gaps, and a consistent naming convention your riggers can drop straight into the pipeline, starting with the trial character to lock in quality before the full 17-character batch. I can turn around the trial character in 2-3 days and share a sample of prior layer-separation work for your review. - Abdul Basit Ali
$140 USD in 7 days
6.4
6.4

Hi, Nice to meet you. I've really liked your project ⭐ Photoshop 2D Rig layering ⭐and it matches one of my top skills . I'd love to work on it and provide you with the best quality in the shortest term. I'm asking to pay your attention to my portfolio↪️ https://www.freelancer.com//CreativeVision04 (You'll find some examples of my previous works for similar projects and contact me for more information and details). SOFTWARE EXPERTISE: - ✅ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ✅PHOTOSHOP ✅PPT ✅CANVA✅AFTER EFFECTS✅ADOBE INDESIGN I work very closely with my clients to create design concepts that fit their vision and am always in constant communication to make sure the project flows smoothly. I'm very dedicated to the details and always open for suggestions and discussion. Kind regards, SAPNA ( Senior Graphic Designer)
$32 USD in 1 day
6.2
6.2

As a seasoned 2D animator and visual designer, I have honed my skills in clean and precise Photoshop layering that aligns perfectly with the needs of rigging for animated projects. My experience in creating explainer videos, motion graphics, and character animations has enabled me to develop an in-depth understanding of the technicalities involved in animating complex parts of characters, making me no stranger to separation work. My familiarity with leading animation tools such as Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe framework makes me a versatile match for your project. Please take a moment to explore my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/gfxdesign11 If my style aligns with your vision, let’s start a chat and discuss the details further. Budget and deadline can be tailored to fit your needs we can finalize those during our conversation. Looking forward to connecting with you! Best regards, Core Creatives Y.
$50 USD in 1 day
6.1
6.1

Hi, I can professionally separate your character illustrations into clean, well-organized Photoshop layers ready for 2D rigging in Toon Boom Harmony, Spine, or similar pipelines. I’ll ensure precise masking, seamless patching, transparent backgrounds, consistent layer naming, and production-ready PSDs that meet your rigging requirements. I’m happy to start with the trial character and provide a flat per-character rate with one revision included. Please have a look at my previous work: https://www.freelancer.com/u/abduldesigner322 Let's open a chat to discuss the project timeline and cost. Best regards, Zenre Designs S
$100 USD in 1 day
6.3
6.3

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