Location Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

1414 Walt Disney Pictures; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Branded Television in Glendale, CA seeks a Location Design Lead to partner with the Executive Producer, Art Director and Producer to execute the creative vision and ensure a consistent, high‑quality style across the series.

This fully on-site role involves applying and editing background designs, coordinating with Location Designers, breaking down needs per episode, assigning work when the Art Director is unavailable, managing the re-use library, and guiding revisions to support

Qualifications

• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
• Ability to translate reference into 2D art.
• Portfolio demonstrating a range of tones and styles.
• Proficiency with Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony, and 3D tools as applicable.
• Positive, flexible attitude.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Producer, Art Director and Producer to execute the creative vision.
• Ensure consistency of style across the series.
• Apply and execute line, shape, and details to background designs.
• Coordinate with Location Designers to maintain style.
• Break down Location Design needs for each episode.
• Assign and distribute Location Design assignments when Art Director is unavailable.
• Help manage re-use libraries and revisions after art reviews.
• Enhance storytelling through composition, perspective, and staging.
• Adhere to production schedules and cost targets.
• Maintain high quality and style as established by leadership.
• Communicate feedback to Location Designers and leadership.
• If Art Director is unavailable, run art reviews with Directors and leadership.
• Oversee BG Design & Paints teams to maintain project consistency.

Skills

Style alignment

2D art translation

Portfolio

Positive attitude

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Harmony

3D technology

Job description

About this Role

Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integral to The Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families’ homes across the globe. DTVA creates both long‑form and short‑form content spanning traditional 2D, rig‑based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop‑motion. We create shows in a broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

By submitting an application for this Location Design Lead role, you may be considered for any Location Design Lead positions that arise until the expiration date provided. Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

What you will do

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer(s), Art Director and Producer to execute the creative vision of the series. The Location Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Art Director and/or Background Paint Lead to apply and execute line, shape, and details to approved background designs
• Location Design Lead will touch base with other Location Designers keeping things on style prior to review with Art Director
• Work with Production and Art Director in breaking down Location Design needs for each episode
• Assign and distribute Location Design assignments if Art Director is unavailable
• Help manage re‑use and re‑use library
• Assist Art Director on managing, execution or distribution of revisions after art reviews
• Further the storytelling process using composition, perspective, and staging
• Adhere to the production schedule provided by Producer to ensure cost effective, timely production
• Ensure that the high quality and style of show established by the Executive Producer(s) and Art Director is achieved and maintained
• Communicate feedback to Location Designers, alongside Art Director or when Art Director is unavailable
• In the event that the Art Director is out of the office, Location Design Lead would run art reviews with Directors and series leadership as well as manage handouts to Location Design team as needed
• May oversee the BG Design & Paints teams, delegating work and monitoring their schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show
• Ability to translate reference into 2D art
• A portfolio demonstrating your ability to design in a variety of tones and styles
• Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony and 3D technology, where applicable
• Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e‑social skills and acumen
• Education: Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience

Location

This is a fully on‑site role based in Glendale, CA.

Employment Type

Full time

Pay

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

Benefits

• Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered
• To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

Additional Information

Job Posting Segment: Disney Branded Television

Primary Business: TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category: Production

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

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