Freelance Cinematic & Comedic Layout Artist (Remote)

We are ELEMENT ANIMATION, a small but mighty studio known for creating character-driven stories packed with humour and heart. We create animated content for millions of our own audience, for commercial projects and for global events. Our videos are watched all around the world and we have grown a following in multiple countries. We’re passionate about storytelling, comedy, and pushing the boundaries of what a small team can do with big ideas. Our projects combine humour, heart, and innovation, and we’re looking for a versatile freelance CG artist to join us.

We’re currently expanding our layout pipeline and are looking for a Layout Artist to help shape the next chapter of our work. This freelance role is ideal for someone who understands that the camera isn’t just a tool, it’s a character. This role starts as a freelance opportunity but has the potential to grow into an ongoing contract, making you an integral member of our team.

We understand this role requires a unique set of skills, but above all, we’re looking for someone with a passion for learning, a collaborative spirit, and the willingness to grow alongside us.

Role Overview:

As a Cinematic & Comedic Layout Artist, you’ll be responsible for staging scenes and animating cameras in Maya to bring storyboards and scripts to life. The goal is to create layout sequences that feel entertaining, clearly communicate intent, and nail the comedic rhythm - even in rough form. You’ll be collaborating with the team to create clear, funny, and animator-ready sequences. This role isn’t a case of "just follow the boards", we’re looking for someone who thinks about timing, reveal gags, visual punchlines and the camera's performance. If you’ve ever staged a comedy scene in layout and thought that it was already funny, you’re exactly who we’re after.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate scripts, animatics, or storyboards into final camera animation and layout scenes using Maya.
• Block out character positions and performance staging to support comedic beats and shot clarity.
• Animate polished, intentional camera moves that enhance the humour and storytelling. Whip-pans, push-ins, snap-zooms, handheld reveals, and awkward holds should feel deliberate and refined.
• Collaborate closely with the team and director during reviews, bringing your own creative instincts to the table. This isn’t just about feedback, it’s about contributing ideas, making each sequence better and putting your own mark on every project!
• Work with our TD using and helping us develop our custom pre-built camera rigs, tools and scene templates, so you can focus on performance.
• Communicate clearly with the director to ensure the timing of each layout sequence feels snappy, reactive, and funny.

You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:

• See the camera as a performer, not just a lens.
• Have experience in staging and camera work for animated content - bonus points if it’s comedic.
• Can tell a joke visually - through blocking, composition, or timing alone.
• Have a good sense of humour and know what makes a shot funny (and what makes it fall flat).
• Are confident working in Maya, especially with cameras, character placement, and basic scene prep.
• Have a strong sense of shot flow, spatial logic, and comedic rhythm.
• Are collaborative, communicative, and love giving and receiving feedback.
• Are comfortable working remotely and asynchronously with a small, dedicated team.

Bonus Points:

• Experience with handheld-style layout or stylised cinematography.
• Familiarity with comedic editing, rhythm, or sketch formats.
• Comfortable doing quick pitch edits or rough timing previews (though not required).
• Familiar with working on episodic or short-form comedic content.

Perks of Working with Us:

• 100% Remote-Work.
• Flexible hours.
• Creative freedom to contribute your ideas and style.
• A chance to work on fun, character-driven projects with a comedic twist.
• A supportive, creative team that values your input.
• Your work will be seen by millions of people around the world.
• Potential for a long-term role with ongoing projects.

How to Apply:

If you’re a cinematic layout artist with a flair for comedy and camera storytelling, we’d love to hear from you! Send an email to apply@elementanimation.com and include:

• Your demo reel or portfolio (showcasing staging and camera work - bonus for comedic scenes!)
• Examples of past projects (if available).
• A brief note about your availability, interest in long-term collaboration, and hourly/project rates.
• Any tools or workflows you’re especially comfortable with.
• A quick note about yourself and any hobbies, what do you do for fun? We want to know a little about you and what interests you.
• Tell us your favourite comedy scene from anything you’ve ever seen. (Our own content doesn’t count. That’s cheating.)

If you have any questions before sending an application don’t hesitate to ask via the email above.