Experienced 2D Character Designer

We are looking for a talented and experienced 2D Character Designer to join our brand new 2.5D production. You will hold good experience within 2D, though 3D knowledge is welcome. You will be designing characters based on the style of the show, from concept through to final approved artwork, working under the supervision of the Art Director and Directors. This is an exciting role that involves being at the forefront of visual idea development. We’re looking for a passionate individual who loves animation, exploring design, composition and conveying story through their artwork. You will be creating stylised characters, working closely with the Art Director and a team of designers. You are responsible for the development of the persona, appeal and design of characters that fit within the style of the production and story requirements. The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies.

Day to Day:

• Developing the style, appeal and persona of characters in the production and story requirements.
• Working collaboratively with other designers to research and explore design solutions and lead conversations to develop a series cast of characters.
• Bring creative ideas to the table in line with the specified brief.
• Contribute to the creative briefing process with the Art Director.
• Responding positively to and providing positive notes and feedback.
• Work with designers and the Art Director, to help elevate the aesthetic and visual development process.
• Producing detailed drawings at correct scale with prop callouts detailing any prop specifications within the set.
• Provide detailed technical-design sheets, including turnarounds and functionality explanations of the subject matter.
• Clearly communicating with the Directors to understand and represent design options in order to meet their vision for sets and need for story.

Must Have:

• Excellent aesthetic judgement with strong skills in drawing, painting and attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of volumetric drawing with a firm understanding of human anatomy.
• High level of skill in the digital medium (Photoshop).
• Strong understanding of the scope required for a 2D TV show.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Be able to present work in a clear and concise manner that demonstrates thought process and purpose.
• Strong knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop, or other applicable design software.
• Creative flair.
• Good eye for colours and value structure.
• Able to visually develop and design a character’s personality, mood and tone through exploratory designs.
• Being a team player and great collaborator, leading by example.
• Creative problem solving.
• Able to give and receive design related feedback.
• Excellent time management skills in meeting design deadlines from concept to final deliverables.
• Good drawing skills including perspective and understanding of volumes.
• Able to take creative direction and constructive feedback from the Director and Art Director, and able to make changes to the work.

Bonus Points:

• Understanding of 3D design and modelling workflow.
• Good skills in graphic design and stylized textures.
• Knowledge of the animation pipeline and process beyond the Art Department, to be able to communicate and collaborate with other artists within the team.
• Experience using Ftrack.
• 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.
• 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.