2D Layout Artist

At Stellar, we aim to build a studio where people actually want to work.We face the inevitable ups and downs of production as a truly supportive and connected team, prioritizing open communication over anyone working in isolation. We value honesty, creativity, and looking out for one another.

The Opportunity: 

We are looking for a talented 2D Layout Artist to join our team and help deliver high quality creative content for a premium streaming series.

As a Layout Artist, you will create clear background layouts that support the approved staging, camera, character action, and visual language of the show. Working closely with the Production Designer, Layout Lead, and production team, you will help turn creative direction, storyboards, animatics, and 3D shot information into production-ready layouts for BG paint.

This role is well suited to artists who enjoy environment drawing, stylized design, composition, perspective, and the collaborative process of building strong production artwork.

In this role, success looks like:

Layout and Staging Execution

• Create highly detailed environment layouts and prop placements that perfectly support the storyboards, the script, and overall visual language of the show. 
• Develop environment structure, set dressing, prop placement, and background details with strong attention to perspective, scale, composition, and clarity.
• Apply a strong understanding of environment drawing, form, structure, value, and graphic shape language.
• Support the stylized look of the show through clear silhouettes, appealing shape design, proportion, simplification, and strong visual organization.
• Work from provided 3D shot references as needed, including camera views, layout renders, and production references.
• Communicate layout questions or production concerns clearly to the Layout Lead, Production Designer, and production team as needed.

Collaboration and Revisions

• Work seamlessly with the Design Team and Animation Team to finesse the layouts and clearly communicate them for production.
• Address design revisions from the Production Designer and clients with a positive attitude and a focus on solutions.
• Bring enthusiasm to our iterative creative process, viewing constructive feedback as a tool to make the final product better.

Organization and Delivery

• Manage your time effectively to hit steady production deadlines without compromising the artistic quality of the show.
• Keep your files organized and properly prepped for the downstream departments.

The Requirements

Must Haves:

• Experience: 2 to 5+ years of experience in an animation art department. Feature film or high end episodic experience is highly preferred.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio featuring concept and production art, with a heavy emphasis on 2D environment design and layout.
• Artistic Eye: Exceptional drawing and design skills with a deep, technical understanding of camera perspective and structural composition.
• Software: Excellent Adobe Photoshop skills.Comfortable working from provided production references, including camera views, layout renders, or other shot materials as needed. Open to learning internal production tools and workflows.
• Working Style: You have an appreciation for constructive feedback, collaboration, and clear communication.
• Eligibility: Legally eligible to work in Canada.

Nice to Haves:

• Traditional painting skills.
• 3D production literacy, including familiarity with camera setups, block-ins, layout renders, depth/alpha references, or camera projection workflows.
• Experience working in 2.5D, CG-character, hybrid animation, or digital matte painting pipelines.
• Familiarity with tracking software like Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid).

Why Join Stellar?

• Flexible Environment: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that will vary with project and team requirements. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health benefits.
• Growth: Professional development support to help you stay ahead of tech and creative trends.
• Culture: A collaborative, ego-free environment where technical expertise fuels creative magic.
• Compensation: The salary range for this position is between $75,000 and $85,000 CAD, based on your level of experience.

At Stellar Creative Lab, we believe diversity and inclusion are key to creativity and collaboration. We’re committed to building a supportive, open, and diverse community where everyone can thrive. We're always looking for ways to improve accessibility, so feel free to share any feedback or suggestions with us.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, though priority will be given to BC Residents, Canadians and Canadian Permanent Residents.