Layout Artists | 2d Animated Series DEANO

Position Summary:

The Mission: Your primary goal is to solve the “math” of the scene once so everyone

downstream can work with total confidence. You translate the approved animatic and

storyboard into a technically sound spatial plan, defining the perspective, camera framing,

and character scale that will ground the entire production.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Camera & Staging: Interpret the animatic to define camera placement, framing, and screen direction. You ensure the action space fully supports the performance intended by the storyboards.
• Perspective & Spatial Construction: Establish clear, consistent perspective systems for every scene. You resolve all vanishing points and horizon line challenges at this stage to prevent expensive downstream rework.
• Background & Prop Prep: Define the authoritative character scale so Background Artists can select the correct brush sizes and maintain consistent line weights.
• Technical File Setup: Build structured Photoshop files with a clear folder hierarchy for character references, field guides, and layout details to ensure there is no ambiguity for the painting stage.

Technical Rules (The “Must-Haves”):

• The Toolset: We work exclusively in Adobe Photoshop.
• Precision: Layouts must include multiple clearly marked camera setups and storyboard panels that accompany the shot.
• File Integrity: Avoid excessively large background files that compromise usability; identify when additional layouts are required due to scale or resolution limits.
• Naming Matters: Stick strictly to the studio’s file naming and versioning conventions.

The Feedback Loop:

• Creative Direction: You take notes and revisions from the Art Director and Supervising Director.
• Production Oversight: The lead Background Artist, provides continuity and production-focused oversight but does not act as a creative approval stage.
• The Final Say: All Layouts are reviewed and approved by the Supervising Director. Once approved, they move directly into Background production.
• Own your Delivery: Ensure you meet all quotas and milestones per the production schedule. If any assignment is at risk of a delay, you must communicate this to your lead well in advance to ensure team-wide success.

Production & Logistics:

• Authoritative Reference: Your Layouts are the definitive spatial reference. Background Artists create new working files from your approved Layouts; the original Layout files remain untouched as reference.
• Efficiency: Your role exists to improve background consistency and prevent “responsibility bleed” between the planning and execution phases.