Expression of Interest: 2D Animation Design Artists

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 upcoming feature film, Zac Power.

We've got an exciting slate of upcoming 2D & CG projects moving into production early 2027, and we're building our design talent pool ahead of time. If you're a Design artist looking for your next show, we'd love to see your work! 

This is an Expression of Interest - these roles won't officially open until later this year or early 2027, but we're scouting talent now so we can move quickly once schedules are confirmed. Registering doesn't commit you to anything; it just means we already have your portfolio and availability on hand when a role opens up.

About the roles:

We're casting a wide net across all areas of 2D design, at all levels from strong mid-level artists through to leads:

• Character Design (Lead, Senior/Mid, Mid)
• Environment/Location Design (Lead, Onshore, Offshore)
• Prop Design
• Vehicle Design (CG Sculpts/models + paintovers)
• Colour Script Artist (Senior)
• BG Layout (Lead, Onshore, Offshore, Junior to Senior) - 2D Anim only
• BG Paint (Lead, Onshore, Offshore, Junior to Senior) - 2D Anim only

Whether you specialise in one of these areas or move comfortably between a few, we would like to hear from you.  

A quick sense of each area

• Character Design — Designing characters from early exploration through to final, production-ready turnarounds, expressions and poses, matching an established show style. Leads also guide the department's design language and sign off team work.
• Environment/Location Design — Developing location themes, mood and colour, and producing key/establishing backgrounds that set the visual bar for the rest of the background team.
• Prop Design — Designing hero and set-dressing props, sometimes inclusive of vehicles, from script-based exploration through to painted turnarounds and functionality breakdowns.
• Colour Script Artist — Mapping the emotional and lighting arc of the show through colour keys, ahead of final backgrounds being painted.
• BG Layout — Translating designs and boards into accurate, camera-ready layouts to quota; leads manage distribution, pacing and quality across the team.
• BG Paint — Painting layouts up to final, on-style, on-model backgrounds to quota; leads manage quality and consistency across on/offshore artists.

What we're generally after:

Whatever your discipline, these are the qualities that matter most to us:

• A strong, clearly presented portfolio in your area (character, prop, environment, colour or background).
• Confidence taking work from rough exploration through to final, production-ready art.
• Ability to learn and faithfully replicate an established show style.
• Solid fundamentals: shape language, form, proportion, perspective, colour and composition.
• Comfortable working to quota and deadlines within a production pipeline.
• Clear, proactive communication, and openness to feedback and revisions.
• A collaborative attitude, with the ability to work autonomously when needed.

Prior animated series/film experience is great to see, but we're just as open to strong portfolios from adjacent backgrounds (illustration, comics, concept art, games).

Where you can be based:

While Sydney or Australia  based artists are ideal for ease of production, we do some have some remote roles available;

• Remote-friendly — open to consider artists anywhere, as long as you can comfortably overlap with some Sydney business hours for reviews and day-to-day collaboration.
• Sydney-based / local artists full time in-studio or hybrid setup.

How to register your interest

Please send through:

1. Your portfolio / demo reel (link preferred).
2. Which department(s)/role(s) you're interested in.
3. Your location, and whether you're after remote or in-studio work.
4. Your availability, including any current commitments.

We'll be in touch as timing and role details firm up over the coming months.

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.
• Enjoy holistic wellbeing support through discounted health insurance with Bupa, financial wellbeing initiatives from our superannuation partner Media Super, and access to staff qualified in Mental Health First Aid.

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.