Lead 2D Background Designer

dreamachine labs; Mumbai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio is seeking a Background/Environment Design Lead to define and lead the visual design for their 2D animated series in Mumbai. The role involves designing key locations, leading the background team, and ensuring high-quality visuals in a fast-paced production. Ideal candidates should have over 3 years of experience in environment design for animation, strong leadership skills, and a passion for storytelling. Join us and contribute to an exciting animated journey!

Qualifications

• 3+ years in background/environment design for animation.
• Strong skills in perspective, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Experience in leadership and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Read scripts and design key locations, action maps, and layout guides.
• Create grayscale concepts and multiple variations for each set.
• Lead the BG team and review concepts and final renders.
• Join daily meetings and ensure team stays on track.
• Collaborate with various teams and update production trackers.
• Oversee environment-related props and pre-production materials.

Skills

Perspective

Composition

Lighting

Storytelling

Leadership

Organization

Job description

We’re working on an exciting Indian animated series. If you’re passionate about storytelling, world-building, and animation, come be a part of it and join us on this incredible journey!

Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/deerdost/?hl=en

About the role:

We’re looking for a Background/Environment Design Lead to define and lead the visual design of key locations and environments for our 2D animated series. The role involves collaborating with writers, and directors to shape the world, guide the BG team, and ensure high-quality environment design in a fast-paced production setup.

Responsibilities

• Read scripts and design key locations, action maps, size/scale charts, and layout guides.
• Create strong grayscale concepts, compositions, and multiple variations for each set.
• Lead the BG team and review concepts, line art, colour, and final renders.
• Join daily meetings, proactively communicate, and ensure your team stays on track.
• Follow and enforce file structure, naming conventions, and workflow standards.
• Collaborate with writers, directors, layout, and animation teams.
• Update production trackers with progress and requirements.
• Oversee environment-related props, tech assets, and pre-production materials.
• Maintain world-building consistency across episodes.

Requirements

• 3+ years in BG/Environment design for animation.
• Strong skills in perspective, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Leadership/mentoring experience.
• Proactive, organized, and comfortable in fast-paced productions.

Nice to Have

• Experience working on long-form animated series.
• Good understanding of the full pipeline (Assets→ animation → BG → comp).
• Ability to create quick colour keys when required.