Super Spline Studios is currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Freelance Gameplay Animator to join our creative collective. We are looking for a veteran artist who can "hit the ground running" to support our ongoing high-profile projects. This is a specialized contract role for an animator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a deep mastery of stylized, keyframe-based character movement.
At Super Spline Studios, we pride ourselves on being a studio run by artists, for artists. We bypass the traditional corporate "grind" in favor of a highly efficient, creative-first approach. If you are a seasoned professional looking for a stable, long-term freelance engagement with a studio that respects your time and craft, we want to hear from you.
Job Overview: Freelance Gameplay Animator
Company Name Super Spline Studios
Job Title Freelance Gameplay Animator
Job Type Freelance / Contract (6-12 Months)
Start Date Immediate / ASAP
Compensation Competitive Day Rate (Based on experience)
Work Schedule 4-Day Work Week (Monday – Thursday)
Location Remote (Europe/EU Based)
Timezone Req. Must operate within +/- 3 hours of GMT/BST
Core Software Autodesk Maya
Application Subject Freelance Animator
About the Role: The Creative Mission
Super Spline Studios is not your typical development house. We specialize in providing elite animation services across a vast spectrum of the industry. As a freelance contributor, you will not be stuck on a single asset for years; instead, you will engage with a variety of projects ranging from PC and console titles to high-end mobile games, VR experiences, and cinematic trailers.
For this specific contract, we are looking for an animator who excels in expressive, stylized, keyframe animation. We value the "hand-crafted" feel over motion capture, looking for artists who can inject personality, weight, and snappy timing into every frame. Because this is a freelance role intended to support active production, we require a professional who is technically self-sufficient and capable of integrating seamlessly into our established Maya-based pipelines.
Primary Responsibilities as Freelance Gameplay Animator
* High-Level Gameplay Animation: Authoring complex locomotion sets, combat maneuvers, and contextual actions that feel responsive and visually stunning.
* Stylized Keyframing: Utilizing traditional animation principles to create non-realistic, highly expressive character performances that stand out in the current market.
* Technical Integration: Ensuring all animations are optimized for game engine implementation and adhere to the specific technical constraints of the project.
* Iterative Collaboration: Working closely with our leads to refine animations based on feedback, ensuring the "Super Spline Quality" is maintained across all deliverables.
* Workflow Efficiency: Managing your own time across a four-day work week to meet production milestones without the need for overtime or "crunch."
Candidate Requirements & Qualifications
This is a senior-level freelance position. We are looking for a proven track record of excellence in the games industry.
Professional Experience for Freelance Gameplay Animator
* Industry Tenure: A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience specifically within gameplay animation for video games.
* Proven Track Record: You must have at least one shipped title on Console or PC. We need to see how your work translates from the curve editor to the actual player experience.
* Technical Expertise: Expert-level command of Autodesk Maya. You should be comfortable with complex rigs and have a deep understanding of animation layers, constraints, and graph editor optimization.
* Stylistic Versatility: A portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of stylized movement. While we appreciate realism, this role specifically requires an eye for exaggeration, appeal, and rhythmic timing.
Logistics & Compatibility
* Timezone Alignment: To facilitate daily syncs and collaborative reviews, you must be located within a timezone that is +/- 3 hours of the United Kingdom.
* European Residency: This contract is open to freelancers based within Europe/EU.
* Self-Managed: As a freelancer, you are expected to provide your own hardware/software setup and manage your professional taxes and administrative requirements.
* Communication: Exceptional English communication skills are mandatory. You must be able to parse briefs quickly and ask the right questions to ensure project alignment.
The Super Spline Culture: Why Collaborate With Us?
"Variety is the spice of life" is our internal mantra. We believe that project fatigue is the silent killer of creativity. At Super Spline, you will escape the four-year dev cycle of a single game. Our freelancers enjoy the diversity of working on different IPs, styles, and platforms in a relatively short window.
Our Commitment to You
* The 4-Day Work Week: We work Monday through Thursday. We believe this schedule maximizes focus and prevents burnout, giving you a consistent three-day weekend to recharge or pursue personal interests.
* The "No Crunch" Guarantee: We set realistic goals. We have worked hard to build a studio where high standards are achieved through talent and planning, not through midnight oil.
* Professional Respect: We value every voice in our "virtual room." Even as a freelancer, you are treated as a vital part of the creative process, not just a "hired hand."
* Warm Social Environment: For those who are local or visiting, we maintain a vibrant social scene with weekly team lunches, cinema trips for "research" (any excuse to see the latest animation), and social mixers with the thriving Leamington Spa gamedev community.
Perks & Benefits (Specific to Contract Length)
While this is a freelance engagement, we believe in treating our long-term contractors with the same care as our permanent staff. For contracts of this duration, we offer:
* 18 Days Paid Holiday: We want you to take time off.
* Birthday Leave: Your birthday is a holiday at Super Spline.
* Christmas Closure: Two weeks of guaranteed downtime at the end of the year to spend with family and friends.
* Flexible Hours: We trust you to get the work done. Our "flexi-time" policy allows you to mold your workday around your life.
* Health & Wellness: Access to private health insurance (including dental, optical, and mental health support) and our pension scheme.
* Growth Support: Annual training subsidies and dedicated work time to focus on your personal development and "honing the craft."
If you have the experience and the "creative spark" we’re looking for, please submit your application to jobs@supersplinestudios.com.
To ensure your application is processed efficiently, please follow these guidelines:
* Subject Line: Use the exact phrase Freelance Animator.
* Introduction: A concise summary of your experience and why you are interested in Super Spline.
* Required Information:
o Your current Day Rate (in GBP or EUR).
o A link to your Showreel (please include any necessary passwords).
o Your updated CV/Resume.
o Your current Physical Location (to confirm timezone compatibility).
A Note on Volume: We are incredibly fortunate to receive a high volume of interest from the global animation community. Because of this, we can only respond to candidates who are being moved forward to the interview stage. We sincerely thank you for your interest in Super Spline Studios.
Final Thoughts
Super Spline Studios is looking for more than just a set of hands; we are looking for a collaborator who loves the art of animation as much as we do. If you are ready to apply your 5+ years of experience to some of the most exciting projects in the industry, while enjoying a work-life balance that actually exists, Super Spline Studios is the place for you.
Let’s make something amazing together.
How to Apply:Please send your CV and Portfolio/Showreel link to:
jobs@supersplinestudios.com
CC: jobs@supersplinestudios.com
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