At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning 3D models and props that bring stories to life.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a top UK animation studio with a fun and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and a vibrant social scene.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making award-winning animations that inspire.
- Qualifications: Experience in animation production and proficiency in Maya or Zbrush.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Modelling artists are incredible world builders. They build the environments, props and add the charming details that make our stories believable. They are always keen and constantly striving to improve their skills and assets. Your day-to-day will focus on creating detailed, stylised environment and prop assets based on informative concept designs, whilst meeting production deadlines and that all important brief from our Directors, Art Director and Clients. Please note; this is a part time role, working 2.5 days per week. Contracted dates are late June 2026 - Early January 2027. This vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day To Day
- Modelling and UV mapping stylised environment and prop assets.
- Effectively realising a 2D concept through to 3D, as well as being able to work with minimal design.
- Providing UV Mapping and baking out displacement maps for our Surfacing Department.
- Producing render tests for the approval process.
- Working within a team of modelling artists and regularly communicating between your Team Lead, Directors and Art Director.
- Managing your assets and time efficiently to meet deadlines.
- Responding positively, acting on notes and feedback from our Rigging Department, CG Supervisor, Art Director and Directors.
- Reporting to your Team Lead and Production Manager if there are any issues to flag that affect the schedule.
About You
Must Have
- Demonstrating excellent Animation Production experience.
- Interpreting volume and form when creating models from concept designs.
- Working with modelling tools both in Maya and Zbrush.
- Knowledge of clean topology UV mapping with either Maya or UVLayout.
- Knowledge of texturing assets using either Substance Painter, MARI or Photoshop.
- Team player and great collaborator.
- Creative problem solving.
Bonus Points
- Knowledge of Substance Painter.
- Knowledge of Substance Designer.
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.
Mid Prop Modeller (Part Time - 2.5 days per week) employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Blue Zoo is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a flexible working environment, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. As the first major animation studio globally to achieve B Corp certification, Blue Zoo not only prioritises ethical practices but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere where creativity flourishes, making it an ideal place for talented artists to contribute to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mid Prop Modeller (Part Time - 2.5 days per week)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Showcase your best modelling work, especially pieces that highlight your skills in creating stylised environments and props. Make sure to include a variety of projects that demonstrate your ability to interpret 2D concepts into 3D models.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other artists and professionals in the animation industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on social media. You never know who might have a lead on a part-time role or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with a team, being able to articulate your ideas and respond positively to feedback is crucial. Try mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your work and collaborating.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Blue Zoo. Tailor your application to reflect your passion for animation and how you can contribute to our creative community.
We think you need these skills to ace Mid Prop Modeller (Part Time - 2.5 days per week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with modelling tools like Maya and Zbrush. We want to see how you interpret concepts into 3D models, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Mention specific skills like UV mapping and texturing, and how they relate to the role. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Yourself:We love creativity and individuality! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for animation and any unique experiences that have shaped your skills. We’re all about embracing fresh perspectives!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the modelling tools mentioned in the job description, like Maya and Zbrush. Brush up on your UV mapping skills too, as this will be crucial for the role. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these tools during the interview will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with stylised environments and props. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you interpreted 2D concepts into 3D models. This will give the interviewers insight into your skills and thought process.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since teamwork is key in this role, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and collaborate with others, especially with departments like Rigging and Surfacing. Showing that you can communicate well will make you stand out as a team player.
✨Research Blue Zoo's Culture
Familiarise yourself with Blue Zoo’s values and recent projects. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and ethical practices will help you connect with the interviewers. You can even mention how your own values align with theirs, which will demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.