Lead 2D Background Artist

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Background Artist to work on a brand 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.

Leading the background artists you will be required to work in the style of the show, providing the environment art pack for the team to work off of. Painters will be working directly from Layout 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 early November 2024.

We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies.

Day To Day

• Set up Photoshop files directly from Layout.
• Review paint “blocking” created by the Background Paint team and give clear and constructive feedback & fixes.
• Painters are 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.
• 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.
• Merge and export background files ready for scene build.
• Communicate with the scene build team to help them with any fixes they need for ongoing episodes.
• All team members will be required to organise their work flow using the work trackers provided and keeping the tracker updated on the progress of each background will be essential for working together smoothly.
  
  

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 understanding of painting with colour and light.
• Strong communication skills and the desire to work closely with team members.
• Work fast and efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organisation skills to maintain clean, manageable photoshop files and work tightly with the production tracker.
• Ability to provide written and visual feedback to the team.
• Able to meet deadlines and the production schedule.
  
  

Bonus Points

• Previous experience working on a 2D animated show.
• Experience with composition and staging.
• Experience using Shotgrid.
  
  

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, 2022 and 2024.
• 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.

Desired Skills and Experience

Series

• TV, Levels
• Lead, Layout
• Scene Build, Background
• Photoshop, Background
• Adobe Photoshop