At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain character rigs in Blender for exciting animation projects.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leading UK animation studio with a fun and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and profit sharing after 2 years.
- Other info: Enjoy social events, employee feedback programmes, and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of award-winning projects and make your mark in the animation industry.
- Qualifications: Strong Blender skills, experience in rigging, and a keen eye for detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Blender Character TD to take full ownership of the rigging, deformation, and puppeteering systems on an exciting new project! 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.
Day To Day
- Designing, creating, testing, and maintaining a broad variety of asset rigs.
- Collaborating with animators to design user-friendly rigs and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Collaborating with animators to design performance capture and digital puppetry workflows.
- Providing technical feedback to other departments and working with production management to prioritise tasks.
- Strong technical testing, troubleshooting, and debugging to keep the rigging and puppeteering systems reliable.
About You
Must Have
- Strong knowledge of Blender’s deformation systems and 3D principles.
- Previous experience in animation as a rigger or character TD.
- Experience with modular rigging systems.
- Comfortable with Python and the Blender Python API, able to read, debug, and extend existing tools as well as write new ones.
- Experience in modular programming and collaborating in group repositories.
- A thorough and keen eye for detail, and the ability to produce consistent, quality-assured rigs across projects.
- Strong version control habits and good file hygiene.
- Proficiency with CloudRig or Rigify.
- Proficiency with Geometry Nodes.
- Self‑motivated and able to work collaboratively, as well as independently.
- Able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback.
- Able to communicate clearly with colleagues.
- Able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure.
Bonus Points
- Previous experience in feature animation as a rigger.
- Previous experience with live capture workflows like facial and/or motion capture and digital puppetry.
- Familiarity with rez and/or pyblish.
- Previous Blender add‑on/extension development experience.
About Us
Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, known for creating bold, fun, and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, it is the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, having received awards including BAFTAs, an Annie, and an Emmy. Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio to receive B Corp certification, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. We offer flexible working to support a healthy work–life balance and foster a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual’s perspective.
What We’ve Got For You
- Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 & 2026.
- 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 discounts and offers.
- Online wellbeing programme.
- Profit share for employees who have been with us for 2+ years.
Blender Character TD employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Blue Zoo is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee wellbeing and a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. With flexible working options, a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to award-winning animation projects. The studio's B Corp certification and recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in TV further highlight its dedication to improving the lives of its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Blender Character TD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow Blender enthusiasts and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and forums where you can share your work and get noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio showcasing your rigging and puppeteering projects. Make sure to include breakdowns of your work to highlight your process and technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to rigging and character TD roles. Be ready to discuss your experience with Blender’s deformation systems and any challenges you've overcome in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Blender Character TD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Blender’s deformation systems and any previous rigging work you've done. We want to see what you can bring to the table, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate directly to the job description. It shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps convey your skills and experiences better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
✨Know Your Blender Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Blender’s deformation systems and 3D principles. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous projects, especially around rigging and modular systems. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the software, but that you can truly leverage it to create amazing rigs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with animators, prepare examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Think about times when you’ve designed user-friendly rigs or tackled troubleshooting together. Highlighting your ability to communicate clearly and take constructive feedback will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Prowess
Be ready to talk about your experience with Python and the Blender Python API. If you’ve developed any add-ons or extensions, bring those up! Showing that you can read, debug, and extend existing tools will demonstrate your technical depth and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Pressure
The job requires delivering on schedule while working calmly under pressure. Think of examples from your past where you successfully managed tight deadlines or high-pressure situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role without compromising on quality.
