About the role
Role Overview
The studio is seeking a skilled freelance 2D Layout Artist to contribute to an upcoming sports documentary project. The artist will collaborate with the Art Director and animation team to establish scene compositions, camera angles, perspective, and staging that align with the project's visual direction and storytelling requirements.
Project Details
The project focuses on professional athletes and sports-related environments. The visual style is defined as highly artistic, colourful, and textured, utilizing an expressive, painterly approach. Backgrounds will be created as 2D assets, developed entirely through colour without traditional linework. Environments are intended to be cinematic, frequently drawing inspiration from historical locations and provided visual references.
Responsibilities
- Establish scene compositions, camera angles, perspective, and staging.
- Create artistic, colourful, and textured 2D backgrounds without relying on traditional linework.
- Ensure all work aligns with the project's visual direction and maintains a cohesive look across multiple backgrounds.
- Translate real-world locations, historical environments, and architectural details into stylized 2D backgrounds using provided references.
- Create atmospheric environments that support narrative storytelling and camera movement.
Requirements
- Technical Skills:
- Strong understanding of colour relationships, palettes, temperature, and mood.
- Ability to create clear, engaging compositions that guide the viewer’s eye and support the narrative.
- Ability to establish clear focal points, depth, and visual hierarchy using light, dark, and shape.
- Understanding of perspective, scale, and spatial depth to create convincing environments.
- Must be proficient in using a licensed version of Adobe Photoshop.
- Logistics and Eligibility:
- Ability to start on Monday, 26 October 2026.
- Must be based in Ontario, Canada.
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must provide own hardware and software.
- Portfolio:
- Must include a portfolio link showcasing relevant examples of 2D layouts, background design, composition, or visual development.
Contract Terms
This is a short-term freelance contract focused on layout development for a 2D animated sports documentary.