3D Layout Artist job at Blue Zoo Animation Studio, UK

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is seeking a visually gifted and technically proficient 3D Layout Artist to join our team for an expansive and high-end CG TV series. This role is a perfect match for a digital cinematographer who lives for visual storytelling, camera choreography, and the art of the perfect frame. At Blue Zoo, you won’t just be placing assets; you will be the architect of the viewer’s perspective, bridging the gap between storyboards and final animation. As a B Corp certified studio, we offer a unique environment where your creative growth is balanced with a genuine commitment to ethical standards and employee well-being. This position is a UK-based opportunity, welcoming talent from across the country to join our London hub or work remotely via our flexible hybrid model.

Job Overview:

• Position: 3D Layout Artist
• Vacancy Type: Fixed Term Contract
• Location: London / Hybrid / UK Remote
• Salary Range: £35,000 – £50,000 Per Annum (Pro-rata; DOE)
• Eligibility: Must have Right to Work in the UK
• Primary Software: Autodesk Maya & Adobe Photoshop
• Studio Status: B Corp Certified & Multi-BAFTA Winning

The Mission: Visual Storytelling & Previsualisation

The 3D Layout Artist is a pivotal role in our pipeline. You are the first to translate 2D vision into 3D space. Working alongside the Director and Animation Supervisor, you will take episodic animatics and breathe life into them through rough and polished layouts. You are responsible for the staging, blocking, and cinematography that define the series’ visual language. You will navigate the intersection of technical pipeline management and high-level artistic composition. Your goal is to create scene setups that are not only visually stunning but also technically “clean” and ready for our animators to take to the finish line.

Key Responsibilities & Day-to-Day Impact:

• Scene Assembly: Build comprehensive scene setups in Maya, aligning with approved client Animatics. You will collaborate with the Art Director and CG Supervisors to ensure environments and assets are placed correctly for the camera.
• Initial Staging: Define the initial character staging and blocking. You ensure that the spatial relationships between characters and their environment support the narrative beats of the script.
• Rough to Polished Layouts: Create rough layouts for timing and composition, then refine them into polished shots that incorporate 3D assets, lighting cues, and final camera movements.
• Camera Choreography: Refine final camera movements to achieve the desired cinematic feel. This includes managing lens choices, camera depth of field, and dynamic movements (pans, tilts, tracks).
• Feedback Integration: Adapt and iterate on camera setups based on Director critiques. You must be able to translate abstract creative notes into precise technical adjustments.
• 2D/3D Integration: Assemble hybrid layouts using 2D color cards and graphics to represent background elements or special visual cues, ensuring the Director’s vision is clear even in the pre-viz stage.
• Department Liaison: Work closely with Storyboard artists to interpret their vision and with the Animation department to ensure the layouts you provide are technically sound and efficient for their workflow.
• Workflow Maintenance: Ensure all scenes function within the required pipeline setups, managing asset layers and references to prevent downstream technical issues.

Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For:

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for an artist who watches films with an eye for the “how” and “why” behind every shot. You should have a deep-rooted passion for filmmaking and a portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of the digital camera.

Core Requirements (Must Have):

• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Maya for scene setup and Adobe Photoshop for asset preparation and color-card creation.
• Cinematic Intuition: A robust understanding of cinematography, including composition, perspective, lens kits, and the “rule of thirds.” You know how to use the camera to create atmosphere and emotion.
• Animation Timing: A keen sense of pacing and timing. You understand how the rhythm of the camera interacts with character performance.
• Pipeline Knowledge: Familiarity with the CG animation pipeline. You know how data flows from Assets to Layout and finally to Animation and Lighting.
• Professionalism: The ability to work independently and manage your own schedule while remaining a proactive, communicative team player. You stay calm under pressure and respond constructively to feedback.

Bonus Points (Standing Out):

• Gaming Background: Experience in video game cinematography or real-time layout (Unreal/Unity).
• Post-Production Skills: Basic knowledge of compositing in Nuke or After Effects to help visualize final shot looks.
• Broad Interests: A genuine passion for the evolution of animation and filmmaking.

The Blue Zoo Experience: Why Join Us?

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is more than just a studio; it is a community of creators who believe that a happy artist is a productive artist. Our B Corp status means we are legally committed to social and environmental responsibility.

Our Culture of Excellence:

• Best Places to Work: We have been recognized by Broadcast as one of the Best Places to Work in TV consistently from 2019 through 2026.
• B Corp Integrity: We are independently verified by B Lab, ensuring we meet 170+ rigorous metrics regarding the treatment of our staff, our local community, and our environment.
• The Shorts Programme: Every year, we fund internal short films. This program is open to everyone—not just directors. It’s a chance to experiment with new techniques and see your name in the credits of a film that might just win an Annie or a BAFTA.
• Financial Wellbeing: Participation in our Profit Share scheme (for those with 2+ years of service) and a comprehensive benefits package with various discounts.
• Mental Health & Wellness: Access to an online wellbeing program and a supportive internal culture that values work-life balance.
• Engagement: Bi-monthly employee feedback sessions ensure that the studio evolves based on your input.
• Social Life: We host numerous fun social events, both in-person and digital, to ensure our remote and hybrid staff stay connected.

About Blue Zoo Animation Studio:

Founded in 2000, Blue Zoo has grown from a small group of friends into the UK’s leading dedicated CG animation studio. Our work spans from beloved preschool series to high-octane advertising and cinematic short films. We pride ourselves on creating “bold, fun, and characterful” animation. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we invite everyone to “bring their whole selves to work,” fostering an environment where fresh perspectives are celebrated and respected.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a link to your Layout Showreel. Your reel should clearly demonstrate your ability to handle camera movement, staging, and composition. Please include a breakdown of your work, specifying your contribution to each shot (e.g., staging, camera animation, asset placement). Note: This vacancy may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so early submission is highly encouraged. We look forward to seeing your vision!