Background Layout Artist

Job Description

Titmouse is seeking a Background Layout Artist for a 2D animated series. The Background Layout Artist is responsible for creating the foundational structure of scenes by establishing the environment, perspective and composition based on storyboards and creative direction. Their work serves as the blueprint for the final backgrounds and aids in storytelling by setting the tone, mood, and spatial relationships in each scene. This role is separate from the Background Layout Paint role.

• Format: Hybrid/Onsite (Applicants must be located within BC or willing to relocate)
• Length of role: ASAP - January 4th, 2027 (Approximate dates)
• Compensation:  $1,025/wk to $1,250/wk CAD, commensurate with experience and skill level
• Work Location: 31 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3T8
• Hours per week: 40
• Reports to: Background Layout Supervisor, Line Producer

*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

• Strong knowledge of perspective, composition, and environmental design.
• Proficiency in both traditional and digital drawing techniques.
• Ability to adapt to various artistic styles as required by the project.
• Proficiency in software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Toon Boom, and Google Workspace.
• Previous experience in animation production, ideally in layout or background design.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with different teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced production environment and manage time effectively to meet individual and team deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and professional acumen.
• Ability to work with limited direction and take feedback as task progress according to the schedule.
• Actively improve skill set and abilities by keeping aware of current trends, techniques, and art methods. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•  Translate storyboards into detailed layout designs, ensuring alignment with the director’s vision.
• Define the staging, perspective, and framing for each shot to guide character animation and camera movement.
• Create accurate and visually compelling representations of settings, including architecture, landscapes, interiors, and other environmental elements.
• Maintain a consistent style that aligns with the overall artistic direction of the project. 
• Work closely with art directors, production designers, and other team members to ensure continuity in visual storytelling.
• Collaborate with animators to provide layouts that support character action and scene dynamics.
• Deliver layout designs in formats suitable for downstream departments.
• Ensure technical accuracy, including proper perspective, scale, and depth.
• Adjust layouts to accommodate revisions or technical constraints.
• Provide creative solutions to enhance storytelling within scenes.
• 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.