Background Layout Supervisor

Job Description

With direction from both the Art Director and Series Director, the Background  Layout Supervisor will lead a team of Background Layout artists, give notes and  draw over their artists' work. While this role is focused on time management and  making sure the production stays on track rather than designing a layout from  scratch, the Background Layout Supervisor will also be responsible for the  creation of more challenging models and environments, and aid in the timely  finish of their reporting artists’ work from time to time.  

Format: Hybrid/Onsite

Length of role: ASAP - July 2026 (dates may shift)

Compensation: $1500 - 1700/wk CAD, commensurate with experience and skill level

Work Location: 31 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3T8

Hours per week: 40

Reports to: Art Director

*If the work for this position is performed within the geographical jurisdiction of the collective bargaining agreement, it will be covered by that agreement.

Knowledge, Skills and Required Abilities

• Experienced in creating complex environments. 
• Mastery of accurate perspective and ability to stylize it in an appealing way.
• Mastery of both uniform and organic line weight. 
• Thorough knowledge of composition, value, perspective, shape  language and overall design principles. 
• Ability to articulate creative ideas and render designs in detail.
• 3-5 years experience working in the animation industry. 
• Previous leadership experience. 
• Positive leadership skills in giving clear, constructive feedback and the  ability to raise team morale. 
• Samples in the portfolio to show an advanced understanding of  complex perspectives and layout design are required. 
• Knowledge of animation production processes, including an  understanding of the technical constraints and requirements. 
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing project requirements  and incorporate feedback into the retakes process. 
• A proactive and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to offer  creative solutions to challenges. 
• Provide direction, delegate tasks, and manage a team of artists.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize work to  meet goals and deadlines
• Proficiency with FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, Google  Workplace, Photoshop, and MS Office Suite. 
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced production environment and  manage time effectively to meet individual and team deadlines. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and the ability to  work effectively with different teams and stakeholders. 
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and  professional acumen.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to give direction, delegate tasks, and manage a team of  Background Layout artists. 
• Support & maintain the artistic vision of all phases of the Background  Layout team. 
• Breaking down animatics and storyboards for shot by shot layout  usage and then working with production management on the  assignment of background layouts to artists. 
• Provide preliminary and final passes of reviews for submitted rough  background layouts from their team. 
• Ability to feedback notes and draw over artists’ work to ensure and  maintain artistic accuracy. 
• Complete more challenging models and environments, and help other  artists finish their scenes if they are falling behind to ensure  production stays on track. 
• Review meetings and notes, and relay feedback, important dates and  information to team. 
• Communicate with Production team and Directors regarding status of  work and any problems that arise. 
• Resolve a range of artistic development issues, working with other  team members; coach/mentor artists to keep production quotas on  track. 
• Engage in an open dialogue with production management on any  potential roadblocks or concerns in delivering assignments on time.
• Work with limited direction, and/or take feedback and iterate on  designs as tasks progress, as directed by the Production group within  schedule. 
• Ask appropriate questions to understand & complete all Background  Layout designs and tasks on schedule. 
• Ensure quality & style of show is achieved. 
• Participate in interviews and job performance evaluations for the  Background Layout Department team members. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Work Habits

• Adhere to all Titmouse, Inc. policies and procedures. 
• Maintain courteous and cooperative manner with all staff and  outside contacts, and demonstrate respect and a positive attitude  toward them at all times during assigned workday. 
• Be a team player, but also take initiative and be flexible in assisting  others to the best of their ability to ensure accurate work product.
• Be organized in work area, files, etc., contributing to the efficiency  and accuracy of work within the assigned workday and avoiding  unnecessary extra time. 
• Be able to comprehend assignments or to clearly and concisely ask  for clarification until the assignment is understood. 
• Exhibit dependability by arriving and leaving work on time; by taking  the allotted time for lunch and breaks; by limiting personal telephone calls and socializing to break periods. 
• Engage in conduct that enables the company to achieve its goal of  providing a professional work environment and that is not disruptive  to that environment. 
• Be willing to put forth your best effort at all times during assigned workday. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all financial, legal and proprietary  matters.