2D Background Artist

About us

Established in 2000, Boulder Media has become one of Ireland's largest animation studios. Combining our passion, expertise, and experience, we believe in the power of our creativity and our ability to deliver world-class animated entertainment experiences. Boulder has produced many great shows, including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, The Amazing World of Gumball, El Tigre, Wander Over Yonder, My Little Pony: Pony Life, DC Super Hero Girls, Transformers Cyberverse, Danger Mouse, Cat Burglar, and the Netflix hit feature film – My Little Pony: A New Generation.

About our culture

Boulder Media is not only a very hard-working creative studio, but we also have a jam-packed social calendar. From celebrating the end of each show with wrap parties to our famous Halloween fancy dress and Christmas celebrations to bake-offs, table quizzes, dungeons & dragons, online and offline meet-ups, and sketch-ups. We put on cultural events to celebrate our international staff and make them feel at home, away from home. What makes Boulder Media special is the people that fill the studio and bring life to everything we do. Boulder is a family, a very nurturing and open space for all to come and be themselves and express who they are through creativity. We would love you to be part of our animation adventure!

About the role

The 2D Background Artist will work closely with the Background Lead, producing all levels of basic and complex background sequences, consistent with the style of the show. The Background artist will also be responsible for establishing the particular colour palette, mood, or style of a particular scene using traditional methods and digital tools to create the backgrounds.

Skills & Other Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Review the scenes/animatics that are assigned to you with your team members.
• Go through your assignment and use all the provided material that is both in visual and note form to get an overview of what is expected of you from your workload.
• Produce a defined level of output per week as set out in the schedule for any given work assigned to you; all backgrounds produced must be of a consistently high standard and adhere to the style of the show and direction given.
• Ensure that all necessary materials are present (e.g., sketches, layouts, keys, props, character layout prior) to starting a scene.
• Communicate with the Background Lead and the production management, and the Director if materials are not available prior to starting a scene.
• Request that the Background Lead review and approve each background before saving a scene, and where changes are called for, make these changes as quickly as possible.
• Create all levels of basic and complex background sequences as assigned by the Background Lead or Director.
• Ensure work files and folders are organised efficiently, back up your work as often as possible, preferably before lunch and at the end of each day.
• Ensure that all naming conventions are followed and that all backgrounds are set up correctly and in line with the established Boulder Media 2D TV pipeline system and requirements of the Compositing Department.
• Ensure that backgrounds and layouts saved on the server are the latest and only version of that file on the server.
• Prioritise retakes when these are required and complete on the day they are received.
• Ensure to remain current and up to date in background techniques and software.
• As part of your continuous development, you are expected to keep up to date with the latest initiatives and developments in your area of expertise/role, such as (but not limited to) training, learning and development initiatives, and mentoring.
• Any other duties company management may, from time to time, deem necessary and reasonably require.

What would we look for?

• No prior experience necessary; however, a showreel and portfolio that demonstrate your skills in animation will be required.
• A working knowledge of Photoshop is essential.
• You must have excellent drawing skills with a great sense of colour, design, perspective, staging, camera placement, and composition.
• Great aptitude for drawing and observation.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Willing to take direction and learn from others.
• Must have excellent organisational skills.
• Must be flexible, willing to learn, and self-motivated.
• Be able to work within a weekly quota and production schedule.
• Must have good interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary, depending on skills and experience.
• 21 days' holiday per annum (pro rata).
• An extra day off for Good Friday each year.
• Time off for Christmas.
• Paid sick leave.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity package.
• Death-In-Service Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Vision/Eye Care.
• Temporary Remote Work Abroad.
• Various in-house social events such as Cake & Fruit Day, Screening nights, Games nights, to name a few.

Boulder Media is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our work environment. All applicants, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling Community, will be given equal consideration for employment based on their skills, experience, and potential.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at jobs@bouldermedia.tv to request accommodation.