Experienced Storyboard Thumbnail Artist; 2D

Overview

About The Role

Our Storyboard Artists have excellent narrative and drawing skills, and a clear understanding of staging, character, and comedy. The Storyboard Thumbnail Artist will collaborate weekly with the Series Directors during boarding sessions to create thumbnailed episodes. They will then refine these initial sketches and compile clear, cohesive storyboard packs for the storyboard team to use when producing the final boards.

This role is due to start in mid February 2026 until January 2027 on a fixed term contract.

Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications. We are also very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK.

• Working with the Directors and Storyboard Supervisor to create coherent and accomplished Thumbnail storyboards.
• Working with the writing team and Supervisor to inform the narratives and comedy of each episode.
• Interpreting and applying comedic timing from the scripts; propose comedy setup solutions and visual concept ideas to support the core idea of the script.
• Push the comedy style of the show by creating strong poses.
• Brainstorm ideas to support the Directors’ vision.
• Maintain consistency and perspective when drawing characters throughout all boards, staying on model.
• Work alongside the Series and Episodic Directors to ensure fixes and feedback are incorporated into the boards.

• Excellent understanding of perspective.
• Strong experience working on a comedy show.
• Strong experience working in Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.
• Exceptional understanding of applying strong posing and character.
• Knowledge of layout and composition.
• Demonstrated understanding of story and staging.
• Ability to communicate emotive character and witty comedy throughout boards.
• Ability to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure.
• Able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback.
• Able to work collaboratively, as well as independently, and communicate clearly with the team.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience working in feature animation.

Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, with a world-class reputation as the go-to place for creating bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, with multiple BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy.

Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies that are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole, with over 170 rigorous metrics.

We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio full of talented, happy artists making work they are proud of. We offer flexible working to support wellbeing and balance. We look for people with expertise, enthusiasm and motivation to improve. You’ll work with a diverse group who respect differences and embrace fresh perspectives.

• Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).

Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.