Mid-Level 3D FX Artist | Blue Zoo Animation Studio

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for a passionate, technically adept, and highly creative Mid-Level 3D FX Artist to join our world-class team. This role is a fantastic opportunity for an artist who thrives on the challenge of creating dynamic simulations—ranging from photorealistic elements to highly stylized, abstract effects—within an award-winning, ethical production environment.

As a 3D FX Artist at Blue Zoo, you will be part of the UK’s first major B Corp certified animation studio. We don’t just care about the final pixels on the screen; we care about the people who create them. This role is specifically designated for Regional Talent based in the UK but outside the London M25 area, supporting our mission to build a diverse and geographically inclusive creative workforce.

Entity
Details

Company Name
Blue Zoo Animation Studio

Position
Mid-Level 3D FX Artist

Department
Advertising & Specialist Projects

Location
UK Regional (Strictly Outside M25)

Salary Range £38,000 – £52,000 Per Annum (Dependent on skills & experience)

Work Mode
Flexible / Hybrid / Remote (UK Based Only)

Primary Software
Houdini & Maya

Studio Status B Corp Certified & Multi-BAFTA Winning

In the world of high-end advertising and short-form animation, the “FX” are often the stars of the show. Whether it’s the perfect splash in a beverage commercial, a stylized explosion of color for a brand launch, or complex environmental simulations for our award-winning short films, the FX department is where the magic happens.

As a Mid-Level FX Artist
, you will be expected to bridge the gap between technical execution and artistic vision. You will work closely with Directors and Art Leads to ensure that every simulation—be it fire, smoke, water, or something entirely abstract—complements the character animation and enhances the overall storytelling.

• Dynamic Systems: Create and manage complex simulations including fluid dynamics (water/viscous liquids), fire, smoke, dust, and cloth.
• Abstract FX: Participate in the creative process to develop unique, non-photorealistic, or stylized effects that set our advertising projects apart from the competition.
• Procedural Assets: Build, run, and modify procedural assets and tools to streamline the FX pipeline across multiple shots.
• Previz & Lighting: Render out high-quality previz shots to demonstrate timing and scale to Directors before final lighting and compositing.

2. Pipeline & Workflow Integration

• Multi-Package Mastery: Demonstrate extreme flexibility by moving seamlessly between Houdini and Maya
  , ensuring that assets and simulations transition correctly across the pipeline.
• Inter-Departmental Synergy: Communicate effectively with the Lighting, Compositing, and Asset teams to ensure your FX layers are optimized for the final “beauty” pass.
• Compositing Awareness: Maintain a working knowledge of Nuke to check your own work and understand how FX passes will be integrated into the final image.

3. Delivery & Professionalism

• Schedule Management: Work efficiently under the tight deadlines typical of the advertising industry without compromising on visual quality or technical stability.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Identify potential simulation bottlenecks early and suggest creative workarounds or optimizations.
• Feedback Integration: Actively participate in dailies and reviews, demonstrating a positive attitude when iterating on effects based on client or Director feedback.

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is seeking a FX artist who possesses a “detective’s mind” for troubleshooting and an “artist’s soul” for composition and movement.

• Technical Depth: I…