Lead 2D FX Artist

About us:
Glitch Productions is an independent animation studio based in Australia making original, long form animated shows distributed on Youtube. Our channel has over 16 million subscribers, tens of millions of views per episode and is still growing strong. Our studio is filled with incredibly talented and passionate artists that are determined to change the way animation is produced and treated in the industry. Our biggest IP; Digital Circus, has amassed over 350 million views on the pilot alone and we have a lot more still to come.
 

Role Information: 

We are looking for a talented Lead 2D FX Artist to bring visual effects to life across our animated projects. In this role, you will collaborate with the art and animation teams to create dynamic, visually compelling effects that enhance the storytelling. You will lead and mentor a team of FX artists, ensuring that all effects align with the artistic vision and technical standards of the project.

Your duties will include:

• Design and animate high-quality 2D effects (such as explosions, smoke, fire, weather, magic, etc.) that fit the style and tone of our projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the 2D FX artists on the team. Provide guidance on techniques, style consistency, and performance standards.
• Work closely with the Art Director and Showrunner to align FX with the overall visual aesthetic and tone of each project.
• Ensure FX animations are optimized for production pipelines, including proper layering and compatibility with backgrounds, characters, and other assets.
• Partner with other departments (storyboarding, character animation, compositing, etc.) to integrate effects seamlessly and meet project deadlines.
• Review and critique FX assets, offering feedback to maintain high artistic and technical standards.
• Identify potential technical challenges early in the process and provide creative solutions to overcome them.
• Help document FX creation methods and assist in refining the pipeline to increase efficiency and quality.

A successful candidate will have:

• 5+ years of experience in 2D FX animation, with a proven record of leading or mentoring a team on animated projects.
• Proficiency in 2D FX animation software (such as Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe After Effects, or similar) and strong knowledge of effects techniques.
• Excellent sense of timing, color, and visual storytelling in the creation of effects that enhance the narrative and visual impact.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates a range of 2D FX animations, from realistic to stylized effects, and your ability to adapt to various styles.
• Ability to articulate and visualize ideas clearly, provide constructive feedback, and foster collaboration within the team.
• Capable of addressing technical issues in a proactive and solution-oriented manner.
• Previous experience leading a team of artists in a fast-paced production environment.
• Familiarity with project tracking software, such as ShotGrid or Asana, to monitor team progress and schedules.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new artistic and technical styles as required by each project.

Bonus Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with Compositing
• Strong stakeholder management and time management skills.
• An understanding or experience with the arts, animation, gaming, and/or ‘internet nerd’ culture.
• Be extremely organized and have a strong work ethic.
• Engaging personality and willingness to learn.
• Positive, go-getter attitude with a passion for making things.

What we offer:

• A competitive starting salary with reviews every 6 months.
• A flexible work arrangement and schedule, with options for work from home and flexi-hours.
• A casual and fun office environment where individual input is valued.
• Regular work functions and free entry to conventions and events.
• Relocation assistance for workers wishing to move to Sydney.
• Close to public transport in the heart of Parramatta CBD.
• Paid for gym memberships.
• Regular company breakfasts/lunches.
• A diverse team that values independent input and career development.

Our values

Glitch Productions has an art-first mindset. Regardless of which team we’re in, every single team member’s core mission is to create the best art possible, and delight our audience that has given us so much. We achieve this mission through our values:

Passion: First and foremost, every team member has a passion for the work we do and why we do it. It’s what allows us to contribute our creative energy, pitch new concepts, and give everything we make a personal touch that resonates with our fans.

Innovation: From cobbling together sets in a living room, to inventing new pipelines using breakthrough technology, we have always had a focus on innovation and new ideas. We always try to push the boundaries of our industry and keep things fresh and exciting for both the team and our audience.

Teamwork: Animation takes a big team of incredibly talented people and everyone is always ready to pitch in and lend a hand. We believe that our diversity and range of skills are what allows us to create works none of us could do on our own.

Integrity: Our integrity is the heart of our core mission. It’s what allows us to do right for our projects and for each other. 

At Glitch Productions, we’re passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects our values as a creative studio.

We hire based on skills, passion and potential, and celebrate the diverse perspectives that make our team stronger. We welcome people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, educational backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

Simply put, if you’re a good person and share our passion for animation, we want to hear from you!