ICON Creative Studio is hiring 2D FX Supervisor

About ICON Creative Studio

Located in the vibrant, historic heart of Gastown, ICON Creative Studio has established itself as a powerhouse in the global animation industry. We operate under a holistic philosophy: we believe that by empowering our artists with the best tools and a supportive culture, we produce unparalleled quality on-screen.

Our portfolio includes collaborations with Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+. When you join ICON Creative Studio, you aren’t just taking a job; you are joining a diverse, international collective of creators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of episodic and feature CG animation.

The Role: 2D FX Supervisor

As the 2D FX Supervisor, you are the bridge between creative vision and technical execution. You will lead a dedicated team of artists, ensuring that every spark, splash, and magical trail meets the premium standards ICON Creative Studio is known for. This role requires a “lead by example” mentality—you will be expected to tackle the most complex shots in the production while simultaneously mentoring your team to elevate their own craft.

Core Leadership & Management

The Supervisor role at ICON is as much about people as it is about pixels. You will:

• Align Artistic Direction: Work in lockstep with the Head of Department (HoD), Show Directors, and Art Directors to ensure the 2D FX style remains cohesive across the entire production.
• Team Development: Conduct routine performance evaluations. You will be responsible for identifying rising stars, recommending promotions, and providing the constructive feedback necessary for junior and intermediate artists to thrive.
• Recruitment: Partner with Human Resources and the HoD to review portfolios and interview prospective talent, ensuring the studio continues to attract world-class artists.
• Resource Management: Work closely with the Production team to monitor timelines, manage artist assignments, and oversee overtime requirements to ensure the project remains on budget and on schedule.

Technical Execution & Workflow Innovation

You will be the studio’s primary subject matter expert in ToonBoom Harmony. Your responsibilities include:

• Mastering the Pipeline: Execute highly complex 2D FX tasks with surgical precision, adhering strictly to the creative briefs and task callouts.
• Template Creation: Develop and implement reusable FX setups and templates. By streamlining these workflows, you enable the broader team to maintain visual consistency while maximizing efficiency.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Manage file naming conventions and optimize departmental workflows to prevent technical bottlenecks before they reach the rendering stage.
• Versatility: Beyond traditional FX, you will support 2D animated graphics and character elements as required, ensuring a unified aesthetic across all 2D assets in a 3D environment.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for a veteran of the animation industry who possesses a rare blend of artistic “eye” and technical “brain.”

Professional Experience:

• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience leading or supervising an FX team within a fast-paced studio environment.
• Portfolio Excellence: A reel that demonstrates a mastery of timing, weight, and fluid dynamics within 2D FX.
• Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the animation pipeline, from initial concept through to final compositing.

Technical Skills:

• ToonBoom Harmony Expert: You must possess an advanced understanding of Harmony’s particle systems, node view, and rigging capabilities.
• Rendering & Pipeline: Experience with off-pipe rendering tasks and a disciplined approach to file management and labeling.
• Multi-Disciplinary Support: Ability to contribute to grooming, 2D graphics, and character-based animation work when the production demands it.

Soft Skills:

• Communication: The ability to translate abstract creative notes into actionable technical instructions for your team.

• Mentorship: A genuine passion for teaching and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

• Adaptability: The poise to handle the shifting priorities of high-stakes streaming projects.

Why Join the ICON Team?

1. High-Profile Projects: Your work will be seen by millions of viewers on the world’s largest streaming platforms.

2. State-of-the-Art Tools: We invest heavily in technology. You will always have the hardware and software necessary to perform at the highest level.

3. Culture of Autonomy: We trust our supervisors. You will have the flexibility and autonomy to lead your department in the way you see fit, backed by a supportive executive team.

4. Growth & Stability: As an independently owned studio, we prioritize long-term growth and stability for our staff. We offer a generous benefits package and a workplace culture that values work-life balance.

5. The Gastown Experience: Work in one of Vancouver’s most beautiful neighborhoods, surrounded by inspiration, history, and a thriving creative community.

How to Apply

If you are a 2D FX expert with a passion for leadership and a desire to work on the cutting edge of animation, we want to hear from you.

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