Experienced Character Designer

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced Character Designer to join our team. The Character Designer will be creating stylised characters, working closely with the Art/Creative Director, and will be responsible for the development of the persona, appeal and design of characters that fit within the style and it's story requirements.

We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications. This opportunity offers a short term contract.

Day to Day:

• Developing the style, appeal and persona of characters in the production and story requirements.
• Working collaboratively with other members of Zoo Lab to research and explore design solutions
• Researching and exploring character through reference
• Working as part of a team to interpret assigned concepts and supporting other members of your team when required
• Responding positively to notes and feedback
• Managing your assets and time efficiently to meet deadlines

About You

Must Have:

• Excellent aesthetic judgement with strong skills in drawing, painting and attention to detail
• Adaptable to different styles of show
• A portfolio that demonstrates a variety of character design options that fit into a story/world
• Be able to present work in a clear and concise manner that demonstrates thought process and purpose
• Strong knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop, or other applicable design software
• Creative flair
• Excel in draftsmanship with a working knowledge of volumetric drawing with a firm understanding of human anatomy
• Good eye for colours and value structure
• Able to visually develop and design a character’s personality, mood and tone through exploratory designs.
• Being a team player, great collaborator and manager, leading by example
• Ability to creative problem solving
• Ability to give and receive design related feedback
• Excellent time management skills in meeting design deadlines from concept to final deliverables for the entire team
• Be called upon if the need arises to work on production prop design

Bonus Points:

• Previous experience as a lead and strong management skills
• Good skills in graphic design and stylized textures is a plus
• A passion for cinematography or video games
• Knowledge of 3D animation workflow
• Passion for storytelling

About Us

Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, with a world-class reputation as the go-to place for creating bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way!

We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it.

We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this.

We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other's differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives.

What we’ve got for you:

• Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).

Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We believe that companies that truly embrace and value diversity, and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, are better companies.

To be engaged our people have to feel included and valued. We work hard to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work, not just an initiative. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.