Layout Artists (2D) | Hooligan Animation

Layout Artist (2D) | Hooligan Animation

Hooligan Animation is seeking talented Layout Artists to join the team on the 2D animated series DEANO.

This contract role is suited to artists with strong composition and draftsmanship skills who are passionate about creating clear, dynamic layouts that support storytelling and animation production.ion.

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.