Senior 2D/3D Children's Book Animator (AI-Assisted Workflow)

JOB TYPE: Part-time
SCHEDULE: Flexible hours, with required overlap into UK mornings (from c. 7:00 AM UK time) for catch-ups
SALARY: GBP 450 / month

ABOUT US
We are an established children's publisher specializing in beautifully illustrated educational and science books. We are launching an innovative new digital media strand dedicated to bringing our print titles to life through engaging, short-form animations. Our mission is to combine traditional storytelling with modern production workflows to captivate young audiences across global online platforms.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are launching a brand-new animation strand to bring our younger children's science books to life through short, engaging animations. We are seeking a senior, independent remote animator to build and pioneer this function from the ground up.

This role combines AI tools with our original book illustrations to keep production fast, affordable, and highly viable. You will be responsible for storyboarding and animating content primarily for a YouTube channel, alongside formats optimized for social media shorts and mobile-viewable QR codes inside the books. This is a highly self-directed role where you will propose your own software toolset, establish production workflows, and report directly to the creative leadership team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Storyboard scenes before production, translating 2D book spreads into clear motion sequences.
-Produce short animations from original book illustrations using efficient, AI-assisted workflows.
-Create 3D brand pieces, including a 10–15 second animated logo ident.
-Recommend and operate animation software, flagging valuable paid AI tools for company investment.
-Deliver final content optimized for YouTube, social media, and phone-viewable QR formats.
-Work seamlessly from supplied original artwork, brand assets, and layered character PSD files.
-Take creative direction constructively and iterate confidently based on feedback.
-Work independently to define, test, and shape this new animation pipeline as it develops.

REQUIREMENTS:
-Strong animation background, especially character work with a great feel for timing, weight, and child-friendly appeal.
-Genuinely versed in modern AI animation tools with the ability to build an AI-assisted pipeline.
-Comfortable combining generative AI tools with traditional 2D illustrations and layered PSD assets.
-Solid storyboarding ability to map out narratives visually.
-Proven 3D capability for brand idents and introductory sequences.
-Highly self-directed and comfortable pioneering a brand-new function inside an established company.
-Clear and effective English communication skills.
-Available for morning catch-ups during UK hours (starting around 7:00 AM UK time).

NICE TO HAVE:
-Professional experience in motion graphics, compositing, lighting, and rendering.
-Proven experience producing and optimizing content for YouTube and social media platforms.
-Past experience animating children's, family, or character-led content.
-A portfolio or showreel explicitly demonstrating relevant styles and AI-assisted work.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
-Own computer capable of handling high-end 2D/3D rendering and animation workflows.
-Own professional animation and design software.
-Stable, high-speed internet connection for remote communication and file delivery.

HOW TO APPLY:
-To be considered for this position, you must complete our application form in full: ----------

Make sure your portfolio or showreel link is included in the form before submitting. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.