Junior Designer/Concept Artist (On-Site)

ICON Creative Studio; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ICON Creative Studio in Vancouver is seeking a Junior Designer/Concept Artist to contribute to the visual identity of our groundbreaking series. You will conceptualize and design characters, environments, and storyboards, working closely with the animation and art teams to integrate design with the narrative.

The role offers the opportunity to learn from senior artists, develop your portfolio, and grow within a union shop under a collective agreement.

Qualifications

• Strong drawing, painting, colour theory and composition fundamentals.
• Portfolio demonstrating character, environment or visual development work.
• Ability to take direction, iterate quickly and incorporate feedback.
• Excellent communication and collaboration within a creative team.
• Solid time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of animation pipelines is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop visually compelling character designs aligned with the show's aesthetic.
• Collaborate with animation and art teams to ensure feasibility for animation.
• Design environments that integrate with the show's visual style.
• Establish mood and atmosphere across settings.
• Create visual development art to communicate the narrative.
• Contribute ideas to enhance visual storytelling.
• Collaborate with directors, animators, and artists for cohesive style.
• Present concepts clearly and adapt based on feedback.
• Stay informed on industry trends and new techniques.

Skills

Drawing

Painting

Colour theory

Composition

Take direction

Team collaboration

Time management

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Job description

Company Overview

ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.
• We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive extended health, dental, vision, prescription drug, and paramedical coverage, and access to mental health and wellness resources. Employees also enjoy a pet-friendly studio, an onsite gym, and regular social events that bring teams together both virtually and in person.

Junior Designer / Concept Artist

Job Overview

As a Junior Designer/Concept Artist, you will be an integral part of the creative team, contributing significantly to the visual identity of our groundbreaking series. Your role will involve conceptualizing and designing captivating characters, visually stunning environments, and compelling storyboards. Working closely with the animation and art teams, you will bring imaginative worlds to life, ensuring a seamless integration of design elements with the overall narrative.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop visually compelling and unique character designs that align with the show’s aesthetic and narrative.
• Collaborate with the animation and art teams to ensure character designs are feasible for animation while maintaining visual appeal.
• Design and illustrate environments that seamlessly integrate with the overall visual style of the show.
• Establish and communicate the mood, tone, and atmosphere of different settings within the series.
• Work closely with the creative team to create visual development art that effectively communicates the narrative.
• Contribute ideas and concepts to enhance the overall visual storytelling of the series.
• Collaborate with directors, animators, and other artists to ensure a cohesive and unified visual style throughout the show.
• Communicate and present design concepts effectively, incorporating feedback to refine and improve designs.
• Keep informed of industry trends, new techniques, and emerging technologies in animation and concept art.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong foundational skills in drawing, painting, colour theory, and composition.
• Proficiency with industry-standard digital art tools (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to develop character, environment, or visual development artwork through a portfolio.
• Basic understanding of colour scripting principles, mood exploration, and visual storytelling.
• Ability to take direction, iterate quickly, and integrate feedback effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills within a creative team environment.
• Solid organizational skills, with the ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of animation pipelines or prior experience in an animation/entertainment environment is an asset but not required.
• A proactive, curious mindset with a desire to learn and grow under senior artistic guidance.

This is a Union position and the terms and conditions of employment are covered by a collective agreement.

In accordance with British Columbia's pay transparency legislation, the wage displayed reflects the minimum rate established under ICON's collective agreement. Additional compensation may be considered based on experience, qualifications, and project needs, where permitted by the collective agreement.

ICON Creative Studio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual