Layout Artist

The Character Layout Artist serves as a bridge between the Storyboard and Design departments. These artists enhance storyboard sequences by providing tied-down poses, clean keys, lighting/shadow guides, and more to help ensure that the Outsource Partner is able to return animation at the highest possible quality. These artists also aid the Character Design department by providing shot-specific callouts such as crowd callouts, non-standard expressions, and more. This position requires a strong understanding of illustration, anatomy and perspective.

This position reports directly to the Storyboard and Animation Supervisor.

This position is only open to Texas residents that can prove residency upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Scene Composition: Set up and refine animation layouts, determining the placement of characters, props, and camera angles to match the project's creative vision and action sequences.
• Visual Consistency: Maintain continuity between shots by ensuring characters and objects are on model, in proportion and aligned with the scene’s perspective and scale.
• Problem-Solving: Address any creative or technical issues that arise in the layout process, ensuring the best visual storytelling possible.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Directors, Animatic Animators, and Character Artists to ensure the scene’s intentions are maintained and characters are on model.
• Storyboard Clean Up: Help to tighten character posing and keys in storyboards as needed. 
• Quality Assurance: Review and revise layouts to meet project requirements, technical specifications, and artistic standards, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Efficient Workflow: Develop and maintain efficient layout workflows and processes to optimize productivity and keep up with production schedules.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Character Layout Artist in the animation industry.
• Strong understanding of animation fundamentals, particularly as they relate to character layout and action sequences.
• Advanced skills in composition, staging, and cinematography, with a deep understanding of anatomy and movement. 
• Proficiency in layout and previsualization software, such as Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, or similar tools.
• Strong knowledge of visual principles like point of view, perspective, depth of field, form, and composition.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work closely with directors, supervisors, and various teams.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of how layout enhances narrative and visual impact.

Classification: Non Exempt Full Time Employee

This position is covered by a Union contract.