OUR STUDIO

At Spire Studios we empower world-class and diverse creative and technical talent from all mediums to entertain global audiences through animated feature films with heartfelt storytelling, captivating worlds, and inspiring characters.

Key to our vision is developing a real time enabled pipeline that brings intimacy back to the animation process while pushing the creative envelope. Our team has worked on many of the earliest and most successful 3D animated films, and have experienced firsthand the exponential increase in visual complexity and crew sizes as narrative appetite and audience expectations have grown. GPU accelerated rendering and game engines unlock new workflows that can upend long held assumptions underpinning the assembly line approach of legacy studios.

THE JOB

The 2D Character Drawover Artist is a position within Spire’s Animation Department.  Through the utilization of traditional animation drawing skills, the 2D Character Drawover Artist will not only work closely with the Animators in CG, but will also help inform designs with Art.  The goal is to explore and embrace new technology and pipelines while maintaining the history and knowledge that character animation is built upon. Even beyond pre-production, The 2D Character Drawover Artist will be actively engaged within the Anim department by staying on to help guide shotwork and shotwork artists.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Spire artists to create feature quality animation at the highest artistic and technical level.

• Work closely with the directors, supervisors and leads in a team environment.

• Supply drawings for the Art Department to help fully realize character designs while testing out/vetting design ideas by exploring a range of poses and expressions.

• Potentially create early, 2D animation tests for characters during development to help inform and explore character and design.

• Work with Animators on shotwork, always being  mindful of graphic design and the principles of animation, suggesting ways to push the performance and appeal for a stronger idea.

• Keep the characters "on model" with the design of the production.

• Be open and professional about feedback and possible changes of direction during the animation process.

• Attend animation dailies and any other relevant meetings.

REQUIREMENTS

• Background in 2D animation with a strong understanding of the principles of animation, body mechanics and performance.

• Strong draftsmanship skills with the unique ability to bring characters to a 3D character design.

• Ability to turn around drawings in a timely manner for Art and Animation.

• Ability to communicate notes with a large team of artists in a clear and concise manner.

• Knowledge of Maya and/or possessing CG animation experience is a plus.

• Background or experience in fine art which shows a thorough understanding of physical motion, weight, balance and form highly desired. 

• Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills are desirable. 

• A growth mindset and creative flexibility to make timeless films at a forward thinking studio.

• Minimum requirement of 3+ years production experience or feature film experience preferred.

• Must be able to work with a hybrid work-from-home/work-in-the-office weekly structure.

COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary.

• “Go home” (finish work) at a decent time to hang out with your family and friends.

*Please note that you must be able to provide a demo reel that illustrates your relevant artistic and technical experience that also includes the nuances for this specific role.