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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stylised characters and collaborate with the Art Director on exciting projects.
- Company: Blue Zoo, a leading animation studio with a world-class reputation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and profit share after 2 years.
- Why this job: Join a talented team and make a real impact in the animation industry.
- Qualifications: Strong design skills, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.
- Other info: Award-winning studio with a commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Character Designer will be creating stylised characters, working closely with the Art Director, and will be responsible for the development of the persona, appeal and design of characters that fit within the style and its story requirements. They will research and explore character through references, and work within the boundaries of a given brief. They are always striving to improve their skills and are happy to support other members of the team.
Day To Day
- Designing the style, appeal and persona of characters in the production based on story requirements and given brief
- Researching and exploring character through reference
- Working as part of a team to interpret assigned concepts and supporting other members of your team when required
- Managing your assets and time efficiently to meet deadlines
- Responding positively to notes and feedback
About You
Must Have:
- Adaptable to different styles of show
- Strong working knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop or other applicable design software
- Creative flair
- Strong perspective drawing skills
- Excellent understanding of volumes
- Excellent eye for colours and value structure
- Excellent understanding of human anatomy
- Able to convey emotional and physical traits of a character through exploratory design
- Being a team player, great collaborator and able to take direction from leads and art director
- Creative problem solving
- A portfolio showing competency in a variety of styles
Bonus Points
- Previous experience as a lead and strong management skills
- Good skills in graphic design and stylized textures
- A passion for cinematography or video games
- Knowledge of 3D animation workflow
- Passion for storytelling
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 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 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.
Character Designer - 3D employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Contact Detail:
Blue Zoo Animation Studio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Character Designer - 3D
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases a variety of styles and highlights your best work. Remember, this is your chance to show off your creative flair and perspective drawing skills!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other artists and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or even at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or collaborations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Keep honing your skills with tools like Photoshop and Cintiq. The more you experiment and push your boundaries, the better prepared you'll be to tackle any character design challenge that comes your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our amazing team at Blue Zoo!
We think you need these skills to ace Character Designer - 3D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases a variety of styles and highlights your best work. We want to see your creative flair and how you convey emotional traits through your designs.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Character Designer role. We love seeing how you fit into our story!
Be Yourself: We’re all about authenticity here at Blue Zoo. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for storytelling and character design, and don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Focus on pieces that demonstrate your ability to create stylised characters and showcase your versatility in different styles, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Research Blue Zoo
Familiarise yourself with Blue Zoo's projects and their unique animation style. Understanding their ethos and recent works will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the company during the interview.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since teamwork is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Think of examples where you supported colleagues or took direction from leads, as this will highlight your collaborative spirit.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Be prepared to talk about how you've adapted your design style to fit different briefs in the past. This will demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to grow, which are essential traits for a character designer at Blue Zoo.
