At a Glance
- Tasks: Create captivating 3D animations that tell engaging stories and meet production deadlines.
- Company: Award-winning animation studio known for its inclusive culture and creativity.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and fun social events.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a team pushing the boundaries of TV animation and showcase your creative talent.
- Qualifications: Advanced skills in animation software and a passion for storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About The Role
Our character animators are fantastic storytellers. Their day-to-day focuses on punchy comedic timing, charming acting choices, and production deadlines, whilst meeting that all important brief from our Directors and Clients. How we animate is an essential part of what makes us Blue Zoo, so we’re looking for animators who can work productively, take direction and feedback, and join us in pushing the boundaries of what TV animation is capable of. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK. This opportunity is due to start late Summer 2026, going through to late Spring 2027. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day To Day
- Working as part of a team of animators, and regularly communicating with your Team Lead and Animation Director.
- Managing your time efficiently to meet the deadlines of your assigned shots.
- Making sure your work is communicating the story, ideas and acting choices clearly from blocking through to the final animation.
- Responding positively to, and acting on, notes and feedback from your Director and Animation Director.
- Supporting the Team Lead when under pressure or the Lead is absent.
- Mentoring and coaching less experienced members of the team.
- Achieving the highest quality work in the time given, as well as responding well to fixes.
About You
Must Have
- Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance possible out of a character.
- An advanced understanding of Maya or similar software.
- Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction.
- Excellent time management and prioritising skills.
- Ability and drive to share your knowledge and skills with other team members.
- Demonstrable experience of being a team player and great collaborator.
- Excellent creative problem solving skills.
Bonus Points
- Python or Mel script knowledge.
- Good at drawing/additional creative skills (acting/dance).
- Shotgun or ftrack experience.
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).
UK Only | 3D Character Animator - Experienced employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
At Blue Zoo, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the animation industry, recognised as one of the Best Places to Work in TV multiple times. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, offering flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package that includes profit sharing for long-term employees. With opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, we empower our animators to push the boundaries of storytelling while enjoying a vibrant social atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Only | 3D Character Animator - Experienced
✨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
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Only | 3D Character Animator - Experienced
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.
