Art Director - 3D (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Art Director (Gamedev): Responsible for the visual direction of the Dr Who pre-school series, leading artists in the art department, asset team, and lighting and compositing teams. Focus on articulating the director’s vision, reviewing design work, and providing feedback to ensure artwork fulfills the production brief.

Location: Preferably based in the UK regionally (outside the M25). Must have the right to work in the UK.

Company

Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, known for creating bold, fun, and characterful animation.

What you will do

• Facilitate story requirements and the Director’s vision for characters, sets, and props to maintain the show’s unique visual style.
• Develop and communicate a clear design vision for characters, locations, props, backgrounds, lighting, and color.
• Manage the art department of designers and provide practical direction to pre-production and lighting/comp teams.
• Oversee workflow to ensure deadlines are met and communicate with the Animation Director and other departments.
• Mentor and support the design team and cultivate positive team morale.
• Liaise between departments to ensure everyone gets what they need and maintain a close relationship with the CG supervisor.

Requirements

• Excellent aesthetic judgment, artistic skill, and imagination to produce original and high-quality designs.
• Excellent communication skills to understand the director's vision and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong organizational and management skills to lead a department and present visual ideas.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to meet deadlines and keep a team on schedule.
• Comprehensive knowledge of tools and software such as Cintiq, Photoshop, or other applicable design software.
• Experience leading in a TV animation pipeline and planning/assessing design needs from scripts.

Nice to have

• Experience leading in a feature animation pipeline.

Culture & Benefits

• Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in-person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
• Offer flexible working to support wellbeing.