UK Only | 3D Character Designer

About The Role

The 3D Character Designer will be creating stylised characters, working closely with the Art Director, and will be responsible for the development of the persona, appeal and design of characters that fit within the style and its story requirements. They will research and explore character through references, and work within the boundaries of a given brief. They are always striving to improve their skills and are happy to support other members of the team.

We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies.

This opportunity requires talent to be based regionally - in the UK, outside of the M25 as per client requirements. The successful candidate will require the right to work in the UK.

Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.

Day to Day:

• Designing the style, appeal and persona of characters in the production based on story requirements and given brief 
• Researching and exploring character through reference
• Working as part of a team to interpret assigned concepts and supporting other members of your team when required
• Managing your assets and time efficiently to meet deadlines
• Responding positively to notes and feedback

About You

Must Have:

• Adaptable to different styles of show
• Strong working knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop or other applicable design software
• Creative flair
• Strong perspective drawing skills
• Excellent understanding of volumes
• Excellent eye for colours and value structure
• Excellent understanding of human anatomy
• Able to convey emotional and physical traits of a character through exploratory design
• Being a team player, great collaborator and able to take direction from leads and art director
• Creative problem solving skills
• A portfolio showing competency in a variety of styles
• Established experience within the animation industry 

Bonus Points:

• Previous experience as a lead and strong management skills
• Good skills in graphic design and stylized textures
• Knowledge of 3D animation workflow
• 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 & 2026.
• Flexible and remote working policy
• Play a role in our Inclusive Blue Zoo Shorts Programme
• Many in-person and remote social events throughout the year
• Career development opportunities including training, mentoring and more.
• Quarterly employee feedback and engagement programme
• Benefits package including cycle to work scheme, gym memberships, shopping discounts and offers
• Great studio space in the heart of London
• Studio lunches plus breakfasts and healthy snacks
• Profit share (for UK 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. 

We've recently become Class Confident - an initiative by The TV Foundation designed to remove barriers for people from working-class backgrounds entering and remaining in the television industry. 

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 .