Experienced Set Designer

About The Role

As Senior Set Designer you will be designing sets based on the style of the show, from concept through to final approved artwork, working under the supervision of the Art Director. You will carry out research and explorations through references and spatial planning, with story and 3D needs in mind, and work within the boundaries of a given brief. You will always be striving to improve your skills and support other members of the team.

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. The successful candidates will need to be based in the UK and ideally within commutable distance to our Brighton Zoo studio, though this is not essential. We are unable to consider VISA sponsorship at this time.

Day to Day:

• Researching and providing exploratory sketches, thumbnails and/ 3D blocking where needed for interior and exterior sets based on the approved brief.
• Producing detailed drawings at correct scale with prop callouts detailing any prop specifications within the set.
• Clearly communicating with the Art Director to understand and represent design options in order to meet their vision for sets and need for story.
• Understanding of scope and resources needed for design and modelling and constant communication with the production to ensure deadlines are met.
• Collaborating with other departments to ensure designs are workable throughout the production pipeline.
• Working as part of a team to interpret assigned concepts and supporting other members of the team.
• Responding positively to notes and feedback.
• Providing Colour Keys and Digital Paintings which are going to be translated into a 3D world.

About You

Must Have

• Excellent aesthetic judgement with strong drawing and painting skills and attention to detail
• Able to visually develop and design sets and environments for 3D production through sophisticated exploratory designs.
• Able to present work in a clear and concise manner that demonstrates thought process and purpose.
• Strong creative flair and be able to adapt to different styles of show.
• A portfolio that demonstrates a variety of set and environment design options that fit into a story / world.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop, or other applicable design software.
• Excellent understanding of colours, lighting and value structure.
• Excellent understanding of volumes, turnarounds and spatial planning.
• A collaborative and supportive team player, able to give clear direction and feedback, as well as responding positively to design related feedback.
• Creative problem solving.
• Excellent time management skills to meet design deadlines from concept to final deliverables

Bonus Points:

• Understanding of 3D design and modelling workflow.
• 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.