3D Character Designer

Blue Zoo; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Winner of Best Places to Work (various

Flexible working options

Diverse social events

Comprehensive benefits package

Profit sharing eligibility

Job summary

Blue Zoo is seeking a 3D Character Designer to craft stylised characters that fit story requirements. You’ll work with the Art Director to develop persona, appeal, and design, exploring references and briefs while improving skills and supporting the team.

You’ll collaborate closely with leads and the Art Director, manage assets and timelines, and adapt to multiple animation styles. A UK-based role with flexible, hybrid or remote options and a right to work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Adaptability to different show styles is essential.
• Strong understanding of perspective drawing and anatomy for character design.
• Excellent eye for colors and value structure within animation.
• Ability to convey emotional and physical traits through exploratory design.
• Proven portfolio showing competency across various styles and media.
• Established experience within the animation industry.

Responsibilities

• Design the style, appeal and persona of characters based on story requirements and briefs.
• Research and explore characters through references.
• Collaborate with the team to interpret concepts and support teammates.
• Manage assets and time to meet deadlines.
• Respond to notes and feedback constructively.

Skills

Adaptable to different styles

Strong perspective drawing

Colours and value structure

Understanding of human anatomy

Convey emotion through design

Team player

Creative problem solving

Portfolio variety

Animation industry experience

Tools

Cintiq

Photoshop

Job description

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

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.


• 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.