Blue Zoo Animation | Senior Blender Lighting & Compositing Artist

Festybay; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive shorts programme

Profit sharing after 2+ years

Online wellbeing support

Job summary

A leading animation studio in the UK is seeking a Senior Lighting & Compositing Artist to enhance their award-winning team. This short-term contract role emphasizes visual storytelling through expert lighting setups in Blender. Candidates must have a significant background in animation and a deep understanding of color and composition. The position allows for hybrid working arrangements, making it suitable for UK talent with the right to work. Join a prestigious studio to work in a creative and ethical environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an L&C Artist on professional animation productions.
• Strong artistic background in color and composition.
• In-depth technical understanding related to rendering techniques.

Responsibilities

• Create and adjust lighting setups in Blender according to briefs.
• Utilize compositing templates for polished shots.
• Monitor renders for budget compliance and optimize techniques.

Skills

Expert-level knowledge of Blender

Understanding of color theory

Technical problem solving

Ability to collaborate effectively

Tools

Blender

Flow / ShotGrid

Job description

Job Overview

Blue Zoo—the UK’s leading B Corp-certified animation studio—is looking for a Senior Lighting & Compositing Artist to join our award‑winning team. We are visual storytellers who use light and color to define the mood, atmosphere, and charm of our narratives.

We are seeking a “savant of light” who can balance high‑end aesthetic quality with technical efficiency in a Blender-based pipeline. This is a short‑term contract starting in late January 2026.

Job Summary: Senior Blender L&C Artist

• Studio: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
• Location: London / Hybrid (Remote available for UK-based talent)
• Position Type: Short‑Term Contract
• Start Date: Late January 2026
• Primary Tool: Blender (Lighting, Rendering & Compositing)
• Studio Prestige: B Corp Certified; Multi‑BAFTA, Emmy & Annie Winner
• Legal Status: Mandatory: Right to Work in the UK required

Key Responsibilities

• Visual Storytelling: Create and finesse lighting setups in Blender to match creative briefs, adjusting intensities, color, and mood.
• Shot Finessing: Utilize compositing templates to achieve a polished, stylized look for every shot.
• Technical Optimization: Monitor renders to stay within budget; utilize biased rendering techniques to eliminate noise and artifacts while maintaining efficiency.
• Problem Solving: Troubleshoot glitches and errors independently, ensuring all technical hurdles are cleared before deadlines.
• Collaboration: Work across departments to address production challenges and implement feedback from the Creative Lead with a solution‑focused mindset.

Key Requirements

• Software Mastery: Expert‑level knowledge of Blender for lighting, rendering, and compositing.
• Industry Experience: Proven track record as an L&C Artist on professional animation productions.
• Artistic Foundation: Strong grasp of color theory, aesthetics, and composition, specifically for stylized animation.
• Technical Depth: In‑depth understanding of PBR, ray tracing, global illumination, and sampling optimization.
• Leadership: A drive to share knowledge with the team and manage time effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Eligibility: Must be based in the UK with a valid Right to Work in the UK.

Bonus Points

• Experience with Flow / ShotGrid.
• Technical knowledge of shading and look development.
• A deep understanding of the full 3D production pipeline.

Why Join Blue Zoo?

• Ethical Excellence: Work for the first major animation studio globally to receive B Corp certification.
• Award‑Winning Culture: 5‑time winner of “Best Places to Work in TV.”
• Artist‑First Benefits: Inclusive shorts programme, profit sharing (2+ years), online wellbeing support, and a vibrant social calendar.
• Flexibility: We believe a healthy life balance is key and offer flexible working to support our staff.

How to Apply

If you are a Blender expert ready to contribute to a world‑class production, we want to see your work. Please submit your CV and a lighting‑focused showreel.