Elk Studios hiring 2D Animator (Junior to Lead)
Elk Studios is expanding its animation team as production begins on an exciting new long-form 2D animated television series based on a well-known children’s book property, commissioned by major international broadcasters BBC and WDR. This production represents a significant opportunity for animation professionals at all experience levels to contribute to a high-quality episodic storytelling project within a structured European studio pipeline. The Elk Studios is headquartered in the centre of Dundalk, offering a collaborative hybrid production environment that balances in-person creative interaction with remote flexibility. Elk Studios places strong emphasis on team collaboration, creative growth, and sustainable work–life balance, supporting artists throughout the production lifecycle. As part of the upcoming production scale-up, the studio is building a team of approximately 60 animation professionals, creating opportunities across multiple experience tiers—from emerging junior animators to experienced lead-level specialists. Job Overview: 2D Animator (Junior / Mid / Senior / Lead Levels) Category Details Company Name Elk Studios Position Title 2D Animator (Junior / Mid / Senior / Lead Levels) Production Type Long-form 2D Animated Series Software Pipeline Toon Boom Harmony (Rigged Workflow) Employment Type Full-Time / Project-Based Contracts Location Dundalk Town Centre, Ireland (Hybrid) Work Model 3 Days Studio + 2 Days Remote Weekly Experience Level Open to All Levels (Junior to Lead) Studio Capacity (Project) Approx. 60 Artists Eligibility Requirement Must be eligible to work in Ireland Relocation Requirement Required if not already based locally Salary Range Competitive; Level-dependent and aligned with Irish animation industry standards Start Timeline Production Ramp-Up Phase Application Requirement CV + Showreel Role Overview Elk Studios is seeking 2D Animators across all levels to join the production pipeline for a rigged 2D series created using Toon Boom Harmony. The studio welcomes applicants with strong animation fundamentals, timing awareness, and collaborative communication skills who are enthusiastic about contributing to a long-form episodic storytelling environment. Successful candidates will support the animation department by producing high-quality character animation aligned with storyboard direction, animation supervisor feedback, and production scheduling requirements. Animators will collaborate closely with layout teams, rigging artists, directors, and production coordinators to ensure visual continuity across sequences. This role is ideal for artists interested in working on a broadcast-quality international animated television production within a supportive hybrid studio environment. Levels Currently Hiring Elk Studios is building a full animation department and invites applications from professionals across the following experience levels: Junior Animators Junior-level artists will support shot production under supervision while developing their animation timing and character performance skills within a professional pipeline. Mid-Level Animators Mid-level animators will handle assigned shots independently, interpret direction accurately, and maintain consistency with sequence requirements. Senior Animators Senior animators will manage complex performance sequences, support junior team members where needed, and contribute to maintaining animation quality standards across episodes. Lead Animators Lead animators will coordinate with supervisors, maintain sequence continuity, guide team workflows, and help ensure delivery alignment with production goals. Production Details The series currently entering production is: A long-form episodic 2D animated television project Created using rigged character animation workflows Produced for major international broadcasters Based on a recognized children’s literary property Designed within a collaborative team structure of approximately 60 crew members This environment provides artists with exposure to structured broadcast animation production pipelines and cross-department collaboration opportunities. Key Responsibilities as 2D Animator Responsibilities vary depending on experience level but typically include the following: Character Animation Production Animators will: Produce expressive character performances Follow storyboard timing and acting direction Maintain animation consistency across shots Deliver production-ready animation aligned with supervisor feedback Support episode continuity requirements Strong timing, spacing, and posing fundamentals are essential across all levels. Rig-Based Animation Workflows Since this production uses a rigged pipeline, candidates are expected to: Animate characters using Harmony rigs Maintain rig integrity during performance adjustments Adapt rigs to scene-specific animation needs Deliver clean animation passes aligned with studio standards Comfort working with rigged pipelines is required. Collaboration Across Departments Animators will work closely with: Directors Layout teams Rigging artists Animation supervisors Production coordinators Effective communication supports smoother shot progression and faster feedback cycles. Shot Delivery & Pipeline Alignment Animators are responsible for: Meeting shot deadlines Following naming conventions Maintaining production workflow accuracy Implementing revision feedback efficiently Supporting sequence continuity Reliability and organization are essential for episodic production environments. Required Skills & Qualifications for 2D Animation Applicants should demonstrate strong animation fundamentals and technical familiarity with Harmony pipelines. Core Animation Skills Candidates must have: Strong understanding of character performance animation Excellent timing and spacing control Solid posing and acting interpretation ability Familiarity with storyboard-driven workflows Knowledge of animation principles A professional or personal showreel demonstrating animation ability is required. Software Requirement Applicants must be comfortable working in: Toon Boom Harmony (Rigged Animation Pipeline) Experience working on episodic television animation pipelines is highly advantageous but not mandatory for junior-level applicants. Experience Requirements for 2D Animator at Elk Studio Experience expectations vary depending on role level: Junior Level Demonstrated animation fundamentals Portfolio or showreel required Understanding of Harmony rig workflows preferred Mid Level Previous studio or production pipeline experience Ability to animate shots independently Confidence interpreting storyboard direction Senior Level Strong sequence-level animation consistency Experience working within episodic production schedules Ability to handle complex acting sequences Lead Level Team coordination experience Supervisor collaboration exposure Strong continuity oversight skills Applicants should clearly indicate the level they are applying for during submission. Work Model & Studio Schedule Elk Studios operates using a hybrid collaboration structure designed to balance creativity and flexibility. Weekly work structure: 3 Days in Studio (Tuesday–Thursday) 2 Days Remote (Flexible Work-from-Home Days) This structure supports: Creative collaboration pipeline troubleshooting efficiency mentoring opportunities team learning and skill exchange improved work–life balance The hybrid model reflects the studio’s commitment to sustainable production practices while maintaining strong creative alignment across departments. Location Requirements for 2D Animator role Applicants must: Be eligible to work in the Republic of Ireland Be based locally or willing to relocate Attend studio sessions three days per week Dundalk’s town-centre studio location offers easy access to production facilities and collaborative team spaces designed specifically for … Read more
