Incidental Character 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 who 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 Incidental Character Artist is responsible for creating and maintaining all incidental characters and stills, including any associated props required for the production. This role reports to the Background Animation Lead and forms part of the Design/Animation department, working closely with the Rigging and Design (Cleanup) teams to ensure all incidental artwork aligns with the show’s visual style and production standards.

Skills & Other Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Review animatics, creative notes, and relevant materials before starting assignments.
• Ensure all assigned assignments are clearly understood before beginning work.
• Check all breakdowns and reuse libraries were possible.
• Draw incidental/background characters directly in Toon Boom Harmony to populate scenes.
• Provide drawn incidentals from the animatics.
• Work closely with the design and Rigging Team to provide additional artwork as needed.
• Provide drawn incidentals from animatics and develop additional poses, expressions, hands, props, and alternate views when required.
• Adhere to the design and style of the show.
• Maintain line quality throughout designs.
• Meet all deadlines as assigned/determined by the Production Manager.
• Organise and name files according to approved conventions and archive correctly on ftrack and relevant servers.
• Keep design libraries organised and updated as per Production Team instructions.
• Adapt techniques in accordance with new developments in the incidental department.
• Occasionally assist with light animation (e.g., blinks, small movements, or reuse animation).
• 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 through 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 portfolio demonstrating strong drawing skills is required.
• Basic knowledge of drawing in Toon Boom Harmony is preferable but not essential.
• A good knowledge of Photoshop.
• Strong observational skills and an excellent aptitude for drawing.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Good time management skills and an ability to work to deadlines.
• Must be flexible, willing to learn and self-motivated.
• Be able to work within weekly quotas and production schedules.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication 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.

Apply now

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