Key BG Artist
short term cover, immediate start
About Elk Studios and the Project
We are on the lookout for experienced Key BG Artist to join the growing team as we start production on an exciting new long form 2D animated series. We are looking for a like minded, experienced and enthusiastic BG artist to come onboard the already established crew with an immediate start initially for 1 month, with the possibility of extension. The show is a 2D Toon Boom Harmony series for BBC/WDR based on a very well-known children's book property.
We are based on Bridge Street in Dundalk town centre and we are a hybrid studio; the full crew working 3 days a week in house (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and 2 days remotely. We’ve chosen to work like this as we are a creative industry and need to come together in person to collaborate as a team and to work through any issues as they arise. It’s a great way for all of us to upskill and learn from one another. Being able to work from home 2 days a week, allows flexibility to our work/life balance. Work Life balance is one of the guiding principles of our ethos, and we feel that the 3/2 day split goes some way in achieving this.
About The Role
We are looking for an experienced & talented Key BG Artist to join the established Art Department. As a Key BG Artist, you’ll be responsible for producing high-quality, on-style background designs in Harmony, helping to define the visual tone and support the narrative of each scene. You’ll work closely with the Lead BG Artist and Art Director, contributing to the overall look while ensuring consistency and technical accuracy across your work. The ideal candidate will have excellent artistic skills, as well as a strong working knowledge of creating backgrounds directly in Harmony to produce key backgrounds for the show.
KEY TASKS AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Create polished, high-quality 2D background artwork directly in Toon Boom Harmony, following the visual style established for the production.
Interpret and execute background briefs from the Art Director and Lead BG Artist.
Collaborate with the background and layout team to ensure backgrounds are compositionally strong and serve the needs of the story.
Follow the technical workflow, ensuring correct file setup, naming conventions, and organization for downstream departments.
Take notes and implement feedback quickly and effectively.
Maintain consistency in style, color, and design across all background work.
Provide your work and any important information to the BG artists who may be using your keys to develop other production BGs in the same sequence / location.
As a more senior member of the team, providing support and guidance to the BG artists when appropriate.
Must Have:
Solid experience as a Background Artist on 2D animated productions, with credits demonstrating skill and versatility.
Proficiency in Toon Boom Harmony with a focus on background creation.
Strong understanding of layout, perspective, color, and lighting.
Good communication skills and ability to take direction and feedback.
Organized, self-motivated, and able to meet deadlines.
Bonus Points:
Familiarity with Photoshop or other 2D design tools.
Experience working in a remote or hybrid pipeline.
Elk is an equal opportunities employer committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our work environment. All suitably qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling Community.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment
Only applications submitted through this portal will be eligible for consideration