Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.
*Please note that this is an Expression of Interest for roles starting early 2026 - must be open to relocate to Sydney, no remote opportunities available.*
Proficiency in Katana is required for this role, as we use it exclusively for surfacing and look development. Candidates without experience in Katana will not be considered.
The Surfacing Artist establishes the look and surface qualities for animated characters, props and environments. Through the use and development of textures and shaders; the Surfacing Artist will guide the production process to achieve the desired visual style. The Surfacing Artist collaborates with or aids the rest of the CG team to ensure the proper workflow and specifications are being developed to achieve the desired look on all textures.
About the role:
- Adapting 2D art department reference into a final CG surface that is faithful to the style of the production;
- Working within a team environment and follow guidance from creative and technical supervisors while demonstrating the ability to work independently as well as under direct supervision;
- Working in close partnership with the lighting team and pipeline team, maintaining a consistent level of productivity while meeting deadlines and producing high quality work;
About you:
- Senior level candidates with production experience in CG animation film production and/or animated series production; (6+ yrs) (NOT live action) ;
- Portfolios with mature, graphic stylization of reality preferred. Somewhat in the vein of Spiderverse, Entergalactic, Arcane and The Witness [Love, Death, Robots];
- Portfolio/Demo Reel focused on 3D surfacing for environments, characters and props in CG animation film production and/or animated series production;
- Production experience in Katana/Arnold preferred;
- Experience in procedural surfacing;
- Ability to demonstrate prior experience in developing shaders, textures and UVs for environments in animated television, feature film, or TVC;
- Displaying an excellent knowledge of Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop and Arnold with knowledge of Katana & Quixel an advantage;
- Demonstrating a good knowledge of UV mapping tools, with a working knowledge of grooming and hair systems an advantage;
- Have excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize as required.
- A "painterly" and/or stylized demo reel/portfolio.
- Traditional paint/watercolour skillset
What do we do?
Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility has created award-winning feature films and TV series.
Why work with us?
- We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
- We have an industry leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state of the art animation facilities.
- Breakfast is served daily - on us!
- We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar!
- The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA and the Cancer Council.
- We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
- We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
- Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
- Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!
- You'll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider Support Act.
Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
