2D Background Keys Artist

Job Description

Boulder Media is on the lookout for a 2D Background Keys Artist. It is a full-time, specified-purpose role with hybrid working arrangements (i.e., remote and in-studio working). The successful candidate will be available to start immediately. The closing date for applications is 15th February 2026.

About us

Established in 2000, Boulder Media has become one of Ireland's largest animation studios. Combining our passion, expertise, and experience, we believe in the power of our creativity and our ability to deliver world-class animated entertainment experiences. Boulder has produced many great shows, including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, The Amazing World of Gumball, El Tigre, Wander Over Yonder, My Little Pony: Pony Life, DC Super Hero Girls, Transformers Cyberverse, Danger Mouse, Cat Burglar, and the Netflix hit feature film – My Little Pony: A New Generation.

About our culture

Boulder Media is not only a very hard-working creative studio, but we also have a jam-packed social calendar. From celebrating the end of each show with wrap parties to our famous Halloween fancy dress and Christmas celebrations to bake-offs, table quizzes, dungeons & dragons, online and offline meet-ups, and sketch-ups. We put on cultural events to celebrate our international staff and make them feel at home, away from home. What makes Boulder Media special is the people that fill the studio and bring life to everything we do. Boulder is a family, a very nurturing and open space for all to come and be themselves and express who they are through creativity. We would love you to be part of our animation adventure!

About the role 

The primary role of the Background Keys Artist is following directions of the BG Key Lead. Also adjusting client-provided artwork to required specifications, considering staging, perspective, and file layout while maintaining the required style and aesthetic of the show within the required schedule and deadline. 

Skills & Other Requirements 

Key Responsibilities 

• Report to the Keys Lead daily for assignment direction and notes; 
• Become familiar with the overall story and episodes by reading or watching provided animatics. 
• Review all available materials from other creative departments to gain familiarity and context for your project. 
• Ensure you have all the required information available before starting your work. 
• Communicate any concerns you have to production and your supervisor promptly. 
• Check in with the production manager and supervisor regularly to report progress on your assignment. 
• Provide, in conjunction with the pipeline, proper asset naming to be tracked in the coresheet; 
• Prepare client-provided artwork to a standard compliant with Boulder Media's internal pipelines. 
• Complete or adjust provided artwork to required specifications. This can include but is not limited to merging elements with existing keys, changing colour palettes/time of day. 
• Use approved templates when creating initial designs and fill them accordingly. 
• Maintain quality and continuity of designs throughout projects. 
• Produce assigned set weekly output. 
• Ensure that all Background Keys produced are of a consistently high standard. 
• Update tracking documents and stock/reuse libraries for the background key locations created alongside the production team. 
• Ensure work files and folders are organized efficiently and backed up. 
• Ensure work files layer structure is organised following that from previous seasons. 
• Ensure that all naming conventions are followed and that all Background Keys are set up correctly and in line with the established production system and requirements. 
• Ensure when Background Keys are completed, the scenes are exported in the correct format and in the correct location for review. 
• Ensure that all retakes called are followed and completed by the deadline given. 
• Any other duties company management may, from time to time, deem necessary. You may be required occasionally to work late to hit your deadlines. 

What would we look for? 

• 2+ years of experience as a background designer in episodic series television. 
• Excellent proficiency in Adobe Photoshop. 
• Must have excellent drawing skills with a deep sense of colour, design, perspective, staging, camera placement and composition. 
• Willingness to learn new skills connected to this role. 
• Open for feedback. 
• Strong and clear communication skills. 
• Must be able to work within a fast-paced series production schedule. 
• Excellent organisational and management skills. 
• Must be able to adapt to changes easily within a highly dynamic environment. 
• Strong attention to detail is critical. 
• Ability to quickly adapt to different drawing styles. 
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written. 

What do we offer? 

• Competitive salary, depending on skills and experience.
• 21 days' holidays per annum (pro rata).
• An extra paid day off for Good Friday each year.
• An extra paid day off for Christmas Eve each year.
• Time off for Christmas.
• Paid sick leave.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity package.
• Death-In-Service Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Vision/Eye Care.
• Temporary Remote Work Abroad.
• Flexi Benefit towards Health Insurance / Gym Membership.
• Hybrid Working model.
• Full access to the DCM Learning Platform for learning needs.
• Bike-to-Work Scheme.

Boulder Media is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our work environment. All applicants, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling Community, will be given equal consideration for employment based on their skills, experience, and potential.

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. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.