Company: Pixel Zoo Studios

  At Pixel Zoo, we don’t just create animation; we breathe life into digital worlds. Our studio, nestled in the vibrant North Lakes area of Brisbane, is a sanctuary for storytellers, technicians, and artists who share a singular, driving obsession: to create world-class animated content that lingers in the minds of our audiences long after the credits roll. We are currently on the hunt for a talented 3D Animator to join our growing team. As a 3D Animator at Pixel Zoo, you won’t just be moving digital puppets—you will be the heartbeat of our narratives. You will be the one responsible for the nuanced flick of an eye, the weight of a footfall, and the subtle emotional shifts that turn a 3D model into a character that audiences truly care about. If you are a 3D Animator who believes that animation is the ultimate intersection of technical discipline and pure artistic expression, we want to hear from you. Job Overview : 3D Animator Feature Details Company Pixel Zoo Role 3D Animator Location North Lakes, Brisbane (Northern Suburb), Australia Industry Animation & VFX Key Software Autodesk Maya Core Focus Character animation, performance, & storytelling     The Role: What Does a 3D Animator Do at Pixel Zoo? The role of a 3D Animator at our studio is dynamic, challenging, and immensely rewarding. We operate in a fast-paced production environment where quality is paramount, and the ability to adapt is a superpower. As a 3D Animator, you will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between static geometry and living, breathing performance. Your Key Responsibilities: Bringing Characters to Life: You will utilize your deep expertise in the twelve principles of animation to craft realistic, expressive, and seamless character performances. Whether it is a whimsical creature for an episodic series or a highly complex character for a feature film, your work as a 3D Animator ensures that every movement feels grounded and intentional. Production Rigor: We understand that animation is a team sport. You will be expected to adhere strictly to project timelines and production schedules. Excellence at Pixel Zoo means delivering high-quality animations that not only look fantastic but also fit perfectly within the broader artistic vision of our directors. Collaborative Troubleshooting: You won’t be working in a vacuum. A great 3D Animator knows how to partner with our rigging and modeling departments. You will provide critical feedback on character rigs, helping to optimize assets for animation and troubleshooting technical hurdles before they become roadblocks. The Feedback Loop: We foster an environment of continuous growth. As a 3D Animator, you will collaborate closely with directors and fellow animators, engaging in creative discussions and, most importantly, demonstrating the maturity to receive and implement constructive feedback. We believe that your best work is born from a collaborative, iterative process. Studio Integrity: Like every member of our “Zoo” family, you will ensure that your workflow and file management follow our established studio policies and guidelines, ensuring that our downstream pipeline remains efficient for lighters and compositors. Who You Are: The Ideal 3D Animator We are looking for a 3D Animator who is more than just a skilled technician; we are looking for a storyteller. While we appreciate formal experience, we believe that talent speaks for itself. If your demo reel proves that you understand the mechanics of movement and the nuance of character performance, we want to talk to you. Technical Proficiency: A demonstrated ability to animate in Autodesk Maya is essential. You should be comfortable with keyframing, motion paths, graph editor management, and the complexities of human or creature locomotion. Artistic Foundation: You understand that a great 3D Animator knows the difference between “moving” a character and “acting” through a character. You have a passion for creating memorable, emotionally resonant visual experiences. Adaptability: Animation pipelines can be unpredictable. You are a 3D Animator who can handle the pressure of tight deadlines without sacrificing the quality of your performance. You remain calm under pressure and are always looking for the most efficient way to achieve a high-quality result. Soft Skills: Communication is everything. You are someone who can effectively describe a technical animation problem to a rigger or discuss a character’s motivation with a director. You are a team-oriented person who values the success of the project above individual ego. Continuous Learning: You are a 3D Animator who never stops learning. Whether it’s studying new animation techniques, watching classic films to understand timing, or exploring the latest developments in animation software, you are driven to grow your craft.   Life at Pixel Zoo: Why “Join the Zoo”? We are often asked what makes Pixel Zoo different. The answer is our culture. We believe that if you provide talented people with a supportive, warm, and fun environment, the work will take care of itself. The Studio Environment: Our studio is based in North Lakes, a beautiful northern suburb of Brisbane. We have specifically designed our space to be welcoming and comfortable, with ready access to public transport to make your commute a breeze. The “Zoo” Culture: We are a team that genuinely likes each other. We organize frequent company and team events, ranging from social gatherings to creative workshops, all aimed at building strong, lasting connections. When you join as a 3D Animator, you aren’t just an employee number; you are a vital part of our creative pack. Professional Growth: We don’t just hire a 3D Animator—we invest in a creative partner. We encourage our artists to take on new challenges, learn from our directors, and participate in projects that span the entire spectrum of high-end animation production. The Future: We have a packed slate of exciting projects, and we need a 3D Animator who is ready to jump in and make a mark. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an emerging talent with an exceptional reel, there is a place for you to grow here.   How to Apply: Take the First Step If you believe you are a good fit for … Read more

At Pixel Zoo, we don’t just animate; we create digital ecosystems where stories thrive. Based in the vibrant North Lakes area of Brisbane, our studio is a hive of creativity, passion, and technical innovation. We are home to a collective of artists, storytellers, and dreamers who are united by a common goal: to push the boundaries of what is possible in animated entertainment. Lighting is the “magic” of our pipeline. It is the final layer of artistry that transforms a collection of 3D models and textures into a believable, emotionally resonant world. If you possess a keen eye for cinematic mood, a passion for the nuances of light and shadow, and the technical prowess to deliver world-class renders, you might be the artist we are looking for to help us bring our next project to life. We are currently on the lookout for a Lighting Artist to join the team!   If you believe you are a good fit for us and we are a good fit for you let us know!In this role, you will be responsible for creating the perfect lighting setups that bring our animated worlds to life. Working closely with the art director, compositors, and other artists, you will use your technical expertise and artistic flair to craft visually stunning and immersive lighting environments that enhance the overall storytelling and mood of our projects. Your creative lighting solutions will breathe life into characters, scenes, and objects, elevating the visual quality and emotional impact of our animated content.   Job Overview : Lighting Artist Feature Details Company Pixel Zoo Role Lighting Artist Location North Lakes, Brisbane (Northern Suburb) Industry Animation & VFX Experience Level Professional industry experience required Key Software Autodesk Maya Core Focus Lighting schemes, rendering efficiency, & cinematic storytelling     The Role: Breathing Life Through Light As a Lighting Artist at Pixel Zoo, you are the final architect of our visual narrative. You are responsible for creating the perfect lighting setups that set the stage, define the mood, and guide the audience’s eye. Your work is the bridge between the technical groundwork of our animators and the final polished product that hits the screen. Your Responsibilities: Narrative Illumination: You will develop and implement sophisticated lighting schemes for a wide variety of scenes and shots. Your primary goal is to ensure that every frame serves the artistic vision and the narrative requirements of the project. Whether it’s a bright, cheerful morning in a stylized world or a dark, atmospheric sequence in a high-stakes drama, your lighting will define the audience’s emotional response. Collaborative Vision: You will work in lockstep with our Art Directors, Compositors, and VFX leads. Understanding the visual style of a project isn’t enough; you must be an active participant in maintaining that consistency across thousands of frames. Efficiency Meets Excellence: The beauty of your work must be balanced by technical discipline. You will be responsible for optimizing lighting setups to ensure rendering efficiency. We value the “art of the possible”—balancing high-fidelity visual results with the practicalities of render times and project constraints. The Nuance of Realism: You will master the use of advanced lighting effects, including global illumination, ray-traced shadows, reflections, and subsurface scattering to create depth, dimension, and realism. Artistic Exploration: We encourage our artists to experiment. Whether it’s developing new lighting techniques or pushing the limits of our rendering engine, you will have the creative freedom to achieve unique, visually captivating results. Pipeline Integrity: You will operate within a professional studio environment, ensuring that your work adheres to our established studio policies, naming conventions, and technical guidelines, facilitating a seamless downstream workflow for the compositing team.   Expected Tasks: Develop and implement lighting schemes for various scenes and shots, ensuring they align with the artistic vision and narrative of the project. Work closely with the art director, visual effects artists, and other departments to understand the visual style and requirements of each shot. Optimize lighting setups for rendering efficiency while maintaining high-quality results. Balance visual fidelity with render times to achieve the best possible outcome within project constraints. Utilize lighting effects, such as shadows, reflections, and global illumination, to enhance realism and visual appeal Experiment with creative lighting techniques to achieve unique and visually captivating results. Ensuring all work follows studio policies and guidelines   Essential skills: Proven experience as a Lighting Artist in the animation, VFX, or film industry, with a focus on animated content. Proficiency in lighting software, such as Autodesk Maya, and a strong understanding of lighting principles and techniques. Solid understanding of rendering processes and the technical aspects of lighting in animation. Strong attention to detail and a dedication to delivering high-quality lighting that enhances the storytelling and visual appeal of the project. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.   This position is based at our Studio in North Lakes (Brisbane Northern Suburb) where public transport is readily available. Come and join us at the Zoo! We offer a warm and welcoming work environment with fun company and team events that help build strong connections.   If you believe you are a good fit for us and we are a good fit for you let us know! Include your CV and any other relevant info such as a showreel or portfolio. If you have any questions about the position or Pixel Zoo, please let us know. We hope to hear from you soon!