Mighty Yeti Studios | 3D Layout Artist / Layout Lead (Maya)

At Mighty Yeti Studios, we believe that preschool entertainment should be as cinematic and imaginative as a blockbuster feature. As a creator-owned, independent studio, we are dedicated to building original story worlds that spark curiosity in children and families worldwide.

We are currently seeking a visionary 3D Layout Artist / Layout Lead to join the crew of our upcoming CG animated series, Classtronauts. This is more than a technical role; you will be the bridge between the 2D vision of our storyboards and the 3D reality of our final animation. You will set the stage, define the lens, and establish the visual rhythm of a world where learning meets interstellar adventure.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Mighty Yeti Studios
• Project: Classtronauts – Original Preschool Animated Series
• Employment Type: Independent Contractor (Project-Based / As-Needed)
• Location: Remote (Global)
• Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior / Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Cinematic Translation: Masterfully translate 2D storyboards and animatics into 3D scenes, ensuring that the Director’s intent is preserved while optimizing for a 3D space.
• Camera & Composition: Establish camera placement, lens choices, and shot composition that emphasize visual clarity, emotional resonance, and high-quality storytelling.
• Staging & Blocking: Execute basic character blocking and timing. Your work will define the “where” and “when” for the animation team, ensuring characters are staged effectively within the environment.
• Continuity Management: Rigorously maintain visual continuity and screen direction across complex sequences to ensure a seamless viewing experience.
• Pipeline Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with the Director, Storyboard Artists, and the Animation Lead to refine shot flow. You will be the “troubleshooter” who identifies potential staging issues before they reach the animation phase.
• Technical Excellence: Deliver clean, organized, and optimized Maya files. You must adhere strictly to studio naming conventions and pipeline requirements to ensure a frictionless handoff to the animation and lighting departments.
• Leadership (Lead Candidates): If applying for the Lead position, you will help establish layout standards, mentor junior artists, and perform final quality control passes on layout files across multiple episodes.

Candidate Profile: Who You Are

The ideal candidate is a storyteller who happens to be a Maya expert. You understand that in preschool animation, clarity is king—but you never sacrifice cinematic beauty for simplicity. You are a self-starter who thrives in a remote, independent contractor environment and possesses the discipline to meet production milestones without the need for a physical office environment.

Technical Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience as a 3D Layout Artist or Layout Animator specifically within the TV series or streaming production landscape.

• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Maya is non-negotiable.

• Sequencer Proficiency: You must have a proven track record of using Maya Sequencer to manage shots and timing.

• Storytelling Intuition: A deep understanding of cinematography, including “Rule of Thirds,” depth of field, camera movement (pans, tilts, dollies), and the psychological impact of different lens lengths.

• Pipeline Literacy: Experience working within a structured episodic animation pipeline. You should be comfortable with file-referencing workflows and digital asset management.

Preferred Skills & Bonus Points

• Genre Experience: Prior experience on preschool or children’s CG content. You understand the pacing and “safety” requirements (e.g., avoiding over-stimulating camera movements) of this demographic.

• Agility: Experience working with small, fast-moving, independent teams where your voice and impact are significant.

• Tools: Familiarity with ShotGrid (formerly Shotgun) or similar production tracking software.

• Leadership: For Lead applicants, a history of supervising sequences or providing constructive feedback to peers.

Contract & Logistics

• Remote Work: This is a 100% remote position. You must have a reliable, high-speed internet connection and a workstation capable of handling Maya production scenes.

• Engagement: This is an independent contractor role. Work is project-based and “as needed,” depending on the production schedule of Classtronauts.

• Communication: As we are a remote studio, strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. You must be comfortable with video check-ins and Slack-based collaboration.

Submission Requirements

We want to see how you see. Applicants must provide a portfolio or demo reel that clearly demonstrates:

1. 3D Layout Samples: Clear examples of shot composition and camera staging.

2. Side-by-Side Comparisons: Examples showing the translation from a 2D storyboard/animatic to the final 3D layout.

3. Blocking: Examples of character blocking within a sequence that show an understanding of weight, presence, and spatial awareness.

Note: Please include a brief cover letter or “About Me” section highlighting your experience with Maya Sequencer and your interest in the preschool animation space.

About Mighty Yeti Studios

Mighty Yeti more than just a production house; we are a “Yeti-sized” engine of creativity. Mighty Yeti Studios is committed to fostering an environment where independent artists can contribute to world-class content. Our culture is built on mutual respect, a passion for the craft of animation, and the thrill of seeing a simple sketch evolve into a cinematic universe.

Join us on our journey to the stars. Let’s build something mighty.