3D Character Animator – Entry LevelStudio: Blue Zoo Animation StudioLocation: Brighton / Hybrid (UK-based)Contract Type: Fixed TermSalary: Competitive, depending on experience About the Role Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for talented and enthusiastic entry-level 3D Character Animators who are passionate about bringing characters to life through expressive performances, strong storytelling, and engaging acting choices. As a Junior Animator, you will be part of an experienced and supportive team, contributing to exciting animated projects that capture audiences with charm, humor, and heart. You’ll work under the guidance of our Animation Directors and Team Leads to create animation that supports the story and tone of each production. This includes focusing on performance, comedic timing, and body language, while ensuring your work aligns with the Director’s vision and client expectations. We’re looking for artists who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and motivated to grow within a professional studio environment. You’ll be responsible for managing your time efficiently, meeting production deadlines, and collaborating with other departments to achieve the highest animation quality possible. We expect these roles to begin in December 2025 and January 2026, and we are open to discussing flexible, hybrid, or remote working arrangements. However, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK, and while being close to our Brighton Zoo studio is an advantage, it’s not mandatory. Please note — this vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities Animate a range of character performances that match the project’s tone and story requirements. Work collaboratively within a team of animators, maintaining regular communication with your Team Lead and Animation Director. Interpret storyboards, layouts, and direction to produce animation that enhances storytelling and emotional impact. Manage your workload effectively, meeting production deadlines while maintaining quality and consistency. Take notes and direction positively, revising work based on feedback from directors and supervisors. Contribute to a supportive and creative studio culture by sharing your ideas and assisting teammates when needed. About You You’re passionate about animation, storytelling, and creating believable performances. You’re someone who learns quickly, takes initiative, and enjoys working in a team environment. You understand the importance of good communication and are open to feedback as part of your professional growth. Must Have: Strong understanding of body mechanics, posing, and performance principles. A solid working knowledge of Autodesk Maya or similar 3D animation software. Ability to take direction, accept feedback gracefully, and make thoughtful revisions. Good time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. A positive attitude and willingness to collaborate with others. Creative problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Bonus Skills: Familiarity with Python or MEL scripting. Additional creative abilities such as drawing, acting, or dance, which contribute to performance understanding. Experience working with FTrack or other production tracking tools. Why Join Blue Zoo? Founded in 2000, Blue Zoo Animation Studio has become one of the UK’s most celebrated animation companies, recognized for its unique, characterful storytelling and award-winning productions. Our studio has earned multiple BAFTAs, an Annie Award, and an Emmy, reflecting our commitment to creative excellence and innovation in animation. We’re proud to be the first major animation studio in the world to achieve B Corp certification, recognizing our efforts to create a positive impact on our employees, clients, and community. This certification validates our ongoing commitment to ethical business practices, employee wellbeing, and sustainable production. Blue Zoo is currently in an exciting period of growth, expanding our talented team of artists and storytellers. We believe that a healthy work-life balance is key to creativity and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexible working options and support hybrid and remote roles wherever possible. You’ll be joining a studio that values collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity, where every team member’s voice matters. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. What You’ll Get at Blue Zoo Recognition as one of Broadcast’s Best Places to Work in TV (2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025). Opportunity to work on award-winning animation projects. Access to our inclusive, self-funded shorts programme — a platform for artists to express original ideas. Fun and engaging studio culture, with both in-person and virtual social events. Employee feedback and engagement programmes held bi-monthly to ensure your voice is heard. Comprehensive benefits package, including discounts, offers, and wellbeing resources. Profit share scheme for employees who have been with the studio for two years or more. Online wellbeing and personal development support. At Blue Zoo, we believe that great animation starts with happy artists. We’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can do their best work, grow professionally, and feel proud of what they create. Our Commitment to Inclusion Blue Zoo is committed to building a studio where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. We believe diversity strengthens creativity and leads to better storytelling. We strive to ensure inclusiveness isn’t just a policy, but an integral part of our studio culture. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need any adjustments during the application process, we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Join Us! If you’re an aspiring 3D Character Animator with a passion for performance, storytelling, and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Join Blue Zoo Animation Studio and help us bring bold, joyful, and meaningful stories to life — one frame at a time.
