Colour Key Designer (UK-based)

Join the Stirling Animation Studio team on a Magic Light Pictures' Special.

Please note that we’re particularly keen to connect with Scotland-based artists and our preference is to work with artists based regionally within the UK (outside the M25).

Please review the information for the role below and then complete the short application form. We will be in touch if you are shortlisted for an interview.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Colour Key Designer to join our team at an early stage of an exciting new animated high-end CG TV special.

Working closely with the Art Director, you will help define the colour language, mood and atmosphere of the production, developing colour keys and a cohesive colour script that supports the storytelling from beginning to end. Through your use of colour, light and composition, you will help shape the emotional journey of the film, creating a visually engaging world that captures the imagination of children and families.

You will collaborate with Directors and work alongside relevant CG departments to ensure the creative vision translates effectively into the CG production.

This role is due to start in early December 2026 and you will report to our Art Director.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Art Director to develop and support the colour language and visual direction of the production.
• Creating colour keys, colour scripts and lighting studies that establish the mood, atmosphere and emotional tone of scenes and sequences.
• Developing colour palettes that support the narrative, character journeys and changing environments throughout the story.
• Exploring colour, light, shadow and atmosphere to enhance visual storytelling and create an engaging screen experience for children and families.
• Considering how colour choices support composition, readability, visual hierarchy and continuity across the production.
• Collaborating with the Director and relevant CG departments to ensure colour keys complement the characters, environments, props and overall aesthetic.
• Communicating colour and lighting intentions clearly to the Lighting team and other relevant departments to support their implementation within the CG pipeline.
• Refining artwork in response to feedback from the Art Director and other creative leads.
• Maintaining visual consistency while exploring variations in mood, time of day, location and dramatic emphasis.
• Presenting and organising artwork clearly, ensuring that colour references and creative intentions are easy for other departments to understand.
• Contributing ideas and creative solutions that strengthen the production's visual identity and storytelling.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an artist with a strong visual sensibility, a passion for colour and a keen understanding of how colour and light can bring a story to life.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating colour key design, colour scripting, lighting studies or related visual development work.
• A strong understanding of colour theory, colour relationships, light, shadow, atmosphere and composition.
• The ability to use colour and lighting to communicate emotion, support narrative beats and guide the audience's attention.
• The ability to interpret an established art direction and create work that complements a wider visual style.
• A creative and exploratory approach to problem-solving, balanced with the ability to respond positively to feedback and creative direction.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Art Director and artists across different departments.
• Good communication, organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage priorities and meet production deadlines.
• Proficiency in digital painting software, such as Photoshop or equivalent tools.
• Experience working on animated films, television productions or other screen-based projects.
• An understanding of CG animation workflows and how colour keys translate into 3D lighting and rendering.
• Experience collaborating with Lighting, Look Development or other downstream departments.

LOCATION: Fully remote or Scotland-based artists would be welcome to work hybrid from our studio in Stirling.

CONTRACT TYPE: Roles will be offered on a freelance contract, expected to start from December 2026 running until April 2027.

HOURS: Our standard studio hours are 7 working hours a day (usually 10am to 6pm), Monday to Friday. We are open to discussing flexible working hours on an individual basis.

ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: We are committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all team members. If you have individual access requirements, we're open to discussing these throughout the recruitment process to make sure we can make arrangements to support you.

SHARE YOUR DETAILS: Please ensure you provide either a copy of your CV or your LinkedIn profile along with a link to a portfolio/showreel (providing the password if required).

We accept alternate format submissions including video or audio files if preferred - please keep these under 2 minutes.

We encourage you to complete the form as early as possible as we may update job listings or close applications when roles are filled.

We will delete any details you share with us after 12 months and so we encourage you to resend your details at any time to update the information we have recorded. Please see our Privacy Policy for further information here - https://www.magiclightpictures.com/privacy-policy/