Storyboard Thumbnail Artist

Storyboard Thumbnail Artist

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Blue Zoo Animation Studio

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create engaging thumbnail storyboards and collaborate with directors on exciting animation projects.
  • Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leading UK animation studio known for its creativity and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and a fun, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive and diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a talented team creating award-winning animations that make a positive impact.
  • Qualifications: Strong drawing skills, experience in animation, and a passion for storytelling and comedy.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Our Storyboard Artists above all have excellent narrative and drawing skills, and a clear understanding of staging, character, and comedy.

Our Storyboard Artists above all have excellent narrative and drawing skills, and a clear understanding of staging, character, and comedy.

The Storyboard Thumbnail Artist will collaborate weekly with the Series Directors during boarding sessions to create thumbnailed episodes.

They will then refine these initial sketches and compile clear, cohesive storyboard packs for the storyboard team to use when producing the final boards.

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.

  • This opportunity is to work on a feature film with the role starting in Autumn 2026
  • Day To Day
  • Working with the Directors and the Head of Story to create coherent and accomplished Thumbnail storyboards.
  • Working with the writing team and Head of Story to inform the narratives and comedy of each episode.
  • Interpreting and applying comedic timing from the scripts successfully. Propose comedy set up solution and visual concept idea to support core idea of the script
  • Push the comedy style of the show by creating strong poses.
  • Brainstorm ideas to support the Directors’ vision.
  • Maintaining consistency and perspective when drawing characters throughout all boards, staying on model.
  • Working alongside the Series and Episodic Directors to ensure fixes and feedback has been incorporated into the boards.

About You

  • Must Have
  • Excellent understanding of perspective.
  • Experience boarding in a feature animation pipeline.
  • Strong experience on working on comedy feature.
  • Strong experience working in Toonboom Storyboard Pro and/or Panelforge.
  • Exceptional understanding of applying strong posing and character.
  • Knowledge of layout and composition.
  • A demonstrated and accomplished understanding of story and staging.
  • Ability to communicate emotive character and witty comedy throughout boards.
  • The ability to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure.
  • Able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback
  • Able to work collaboratively, as well as independently and communicate clearly with the team
  • Have an appreciation of accuracy and pay close attention to detail
  • Bonus Points
  • Experience working within feature animation.

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.

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Storyboard Thumbnail Artist employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and collaborative work environment, perfect for aspiring artists looking to make their mark in the animation industry. With flexible hybrid and remote working options, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while having access to continuous growth opportunities through mentorship and hands-on experience with industry professionals. Join us to be part of a vibrant team where your artistic talents can flourish and contribute to captivating animated stories.

Blue Zoo Animation Studio

Contact Details:

Blue Zoo Animation Studio Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Storyboard Thumbnail Artist

Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio

As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.

Get Involved in Design Meetups

Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Blue Zoo Animation Studio.

Tailor Your Applications

When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Blue Zoo Animation Studio, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.

Leverage Social Media

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We think you need these skills to ace Storyboard Thumbnail Artist

Narrative Skills
Drawing Skills
Understanding of Staging
Character Design
Comedic Timing
Toonboom Storyboard Pro
Panelforge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Blue Zoo Animation Studio does, so they can see you in action.

Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Blue Zoo Animation Studio.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Blue Zoo Animation Studio. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!

Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Blue Zoo Animation Studio.

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio

Get Your Portfolio Ready

Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.

Know Your Design Tools Inside Out

Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!

Prepare for Design Challenges

Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.

Passion Counts

For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Blue Zoo Animation Studio. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.