About The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Matte Painter to join us on an exciting new project here at Blue Zoo. The role will involve the creation of matte paintings for a range of spectacular, imaginary locations in an animated world. The paintings will need to convey mood, scale and material quality that supports the overall aesthetic of the series and enhances the story. We anticipate this role to start at the end of September 2025. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications. The successful candidates will need to be based in the UK and ideally within commutable distance to our Brighton Zoo studio, though this is not essential. We are unable to consider VISA sponsorship at this time.
Day to Day:
1. The primary responsibility will be the creation of detailed, integrated Matte Paintings for a 3D animated series.
2. The Matt Painter will be expected to produce clearly organised PSDs with clean, and communicable file management.
3. We will provide you with detailed briefs that include colour and design information, and some Pre-Matte 3D elements.
4. Your primary communication will be with the Art Director and Director, with whom you will have regular catch-ups to discuss briefs and feedback.
About You
Must Have:
5. Good painting skills; a solid understanding of colour, values and dramatic composition.
6. Photobashing skills; must be able to integrate pre-matte 3D renders (and potentially photos) with painted elements.
7. Must be able to work in perspective to create believable depth and scale.
8. Must be able to produce paintings that integrate with 3D renders.
9. Strong knowledge of Photoshop required.
Bonus Points:
10. Experience with 3D software.
11. If the DMP artist is able to provide or acquire photographic or 3D material for use in integrating Matte Paintings that would be a bonus.
12. Experience working as a DMP artist on animated projects.
13. An ability to innovate and resolve design & colour questions which may not have been fully addressed in the brief.
About Us
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, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way!
We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it.
We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this.
We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other's differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives.
What we’ve got for you:
14. Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
15. Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
16. Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
17. Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
18. Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
19. Online wellbeing programme.
20. Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).