Junior 2D Background Artist

About The Role

We are looking for some talented and creative Junior Background Paint Artists to join our studio for an exciting new 2D production.

As part of the Background Paint team, artists will provide background art and any additional assets needed for an episode. Painters will require in-depth knowledge of Photoshop, have strong organisational skills and be able to work to tight deadlines.

Working closely with the Lead Painter, background artists will be required to work in the style of the show, following the environment art pack provided for them. Painters will be working directly from a storyboard and will be responsible for preparing and completing background files ready for the scene build team.

Please note: this role requires the hired candidate to be based in the UK and is due to start mid November 2024.

Day To Day

• Set up Photoshop files directly from a Storyboard panel.
• Painters will be responsible for ensuring background files are HD and are large enough for any cut-ins required, providing character scale reference in preparation for scene build.
• Complete a comprehensive paint “blocking” for each assigned shot and review with the Lead Painter. Implement any feedback or fixes given.
• Following the environment artpack, painters will take their backgrounds to a finish, utilising reuse assets where possible to maintain consistency of design.
• Work to tight deadlines.
• Complete and implement any additional retakes passed down by the Art Director.
• Merge and export background files ready for scene build.
• Communicate with the scene build team to assist with any fixes needed for ongoing episodes.
• All team members will be required to organise their work flow using ftrack & will be responsible for keeping ftrack updated with the progress of each background.
  
  

About You

Must Have:

• In depth technical knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
• Experience with background painting including a comprehensive understanding of the stages required to take a background painting from start to finish.
• Strong communication skills and the desire to work closely with team members.
• Work fast and efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organisational skills to maintain clean, manageable photoshop files
• Be able to review and implement feedback from the Lead Painter.
  
  

Bonus Points

• Previous experience working on a 2D animated show.
• Experience with composition and staging.
• Strong understanding of painting with colour and light.
• Experience using Ftrack.
  
  

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 Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020 and 2022
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme
• Many fun social events throughout the year - even though some of them have to be remote for the foreseeable!
• Bi-monthly staff feedback and engagement programme
• Friday "beer o'clock" and talks programme!
• Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers
• Online wellbeing programme
• Profit share (for staff 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.

Desired Skills and Experience

Series

• Episodic, Series
• TV, Key Personnel Titles
• Director, Levels
• Lead, Levels
• Junior, Layout
• Scene Build, Background
• Photoshop, Background
• Adobe Photoshop