At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging thumbnail storyboards and collaborate with directors to bring narratives to life.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leading animation studio known for its fun and characterful creations.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and a vibrant studio culture.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team creating impactful animation for a feature film.
- Qualifications: Strong drawing skills, experience in animation, and a knack for comedy.
The predicted salary is between 44550 - 54450 £ per year.
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.
Storyboard Thumbnail Artist in London employer: Blue Zoo Productions
Blue Zoo is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for those passionate about animation production. With flexible working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, employees are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to award-winning projects. Join a talented team where your contributions are valued, and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth in a vibrant studio atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Storyboard Thumbnail Artist in London
✨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 Productions.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Blue Zoo Productions, 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 Storyboard Thumbnail Artist in London
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 Productions 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 Productions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Blue Zoo Productions. 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 Productions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Productions
✨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 Productions. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.