Art Director – 3D Animation (UK Only)

Company: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Department: Art / Creative
Job Category: 3D Design
Employment Type: Not specified
Location: London, United Kingdom
Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Flexible / Remote (UK Only)
Salary: Dependent on Skills & Experience

As an Art Director, you will play a central role in establishing and maintaining the visual direction of an animation project. You will lead the art department, overseeing the work of designers, asset artists, lighting artists and compositing teams.

Working closely with the Director, you will translate the creative vision into clear artistic direction, ensuring that all designs and artwork meet the production’s visual standards and creative requirements.

You will review artwork, provide detailed and constructive feedback, and guide artists throughout the production pipeline, from initial design concepts to final assets and shots.

Reporting to the Production Manager and Line Producer, you will also contribute to production planning, budgets and schedules. You will need excellent leadership, organisational and creative problem-solving skills to ensure the project’s artistic vision is achieved within available resources and deadlines.

The role may also involve supporting the recruitment and development of artists within the art department.

Job Overview : Art Director

About Blue Zoo

Blue Zoo is one of the UK’s leading animation studios, renowned for creating bold, fun and characterful animated content. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown into the UK’s largest dedicated CG animation studio, earning numerous industry awards, including BAFTAs, an Annie Award and an Emmy.

Blue Zoo is also proud to be the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification, independently recognised by B Lab for its commitment to improving the lives of employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community.

The studio is passionate about building a creative environment where talented artists can produce work they are proud of while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Blue Zoo values creativity, collaboration, diversity and fresh perspectives. It offers a supportive workplace where artists are encouraged to develop their skills, share ideas and contribute to exciting animation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, communicate and maintain the overall visual direction of the animation project.
• Interpret the Director’s creative vision and translate it into clear design requirements for characters, environments, props and backgrounds.
• Lead and manage the art department, including designers, asset artists, lighting artists and compositing teams.
• Review artwork and provide detailed, constructive feedback to maintain artistic quality and consistency.
• Develop and communicate the project’s visual language, including colour palettes, lighting, mood, tone and overall aesthetic.
• Brief designers and the 2D team on character, environment and prop requirements.
• Ensure designs support the storytelling, character development and world-building of the production.
• Work closely with the Production Manager and coordinators to manage resources, budgets and production schedules.
• Oversee departmental workflows and ensure artwork is delivered within agreed deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Animation Director and other department leads to identify and resolve creative and production challenges.
• Ensure design decisions consider downstream production requirements, including rigging, modelling, animation and final 3D implementation.
• Liaise with clients and communicate creative progress, requirements and feedback.
• Mentor, guide and support artists while maintaining a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Provide creative direction to the lighting and compositing teams to ensure consistency with the project’s visual style.
• Work closely with the CG Supervisor, where applicable, to resolve technical and artistic challenges.
• Anticipate potential production issues and develop practical solutions without compromising the creative vision.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Excellent artistic judgement, creative vision and strong design abilities.
• Proven experience in an Art Director or senior design leadership role within the animation industry.
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling, character design, environment design and composition.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate a Director’s creative vision.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, including delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback.
• Experience supervising and mentoring design teams.
• Strong understanding of animation production pipelines and the technical requirements of downstream departments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with modelling, rigging, animation, lighting and compositing teams.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and priorities.
• Experience working within production budgets and schedules.
• Proficiency with digital design tools, including Wacom Cintiq, Adobe Photoshop or equivalent software.
• Ability to develop original concepts for characters, props, environments and sets.
• Flexibility to adapt artwork and design approaches to different visual styles.
• Excellent understanding of colour theory, surfacing, lighting and visual composition.
• Experience assessing design requirements from scripts and story materials.
• Knowledge of storyboarding, cinematography and visual storytelling.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver effective design solutions under tight deadlines.
• Ability to remain organised, flexible and calm in a fast-paced production environment.

What We Offer

Blue Zoo offers a supportive and creative working environment with a range of employee benefits and professional development opportunities.

• Recognised by Broadcast as one of the Best Places to Work in TV in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
• Flexible and remote working policies.
• Opportunities to contribute to the Inclusive Blue Zoo Shorts Programme.
• Regular in-person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Career development opportunities, including professional training and mentoring.
• Quarterly employee feedback and engagement programmes.
• Employee benefits, including cycle-to-work schemes, gym memberships, shopping discounts and special offers.
• Access to a well-equipped studio space in the heart of London.
• Studio lunches, breakfasts and healthy snacks.
• Profit-sharing opportunities for UK employees who have been with the company for at least two years.

About Blue Zoo’s Culture

Blue Zoo is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.

The studio believes that diverse perspectives and backgrounds make creative teams stronger. Employees are encouraged to bring their individual experiences, ideas and talents to the workplace.

Blue Zoo aims to build a collaborative studio culture where inclusivity is part of everyday working life. The company values mutual respect, creativity, teamwork and a shared commitment to producing exceptional animation.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: London, United Kingdom.

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid working.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Remote working options.

Important: This vacancy is advertised for UK-based applicants only. Flexible, hybrid and remote working arrangements may be discussed with the employer.

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than expected if a high number of applications are received.

Ready to lead creative vision and shape the visual identity of exciting animation projects? Apply to join Blue Zoo’s talented creative team!