Designer (for future opportunities)

Berkeley, CA
Full Time
Art
Mid Level

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ:

This job listing is NOT for a currently open position! We have created this posting as a way for us to connect with qualified Designer candidates for future opportunities in the Art Department. While we're not actively recruiting at this precise moment, Kuku Studios is anticipating more growth for our company in the near future and we'd love to start connecting with interested individuals.

Along with your resume and cover letter, submitting a link to your online portfolio is a critical component of a complete application!

Company Overview

Kuku Studios is a storytelling house focused on creating characters, experiences, and stories that enrich people’s lives. Whether it’s a feature film or an episodic series, we believe telling stories is a big responsibility. Stories should not only delight and entertain, but also challenge us to grow. At Kuku Studios, we’re committed to crafting content that captures truth and meaning in the stories we tell.

Job Summary

We're seeking Designer applicants for future opportunities in our Art Department at our studio headquarters in Berkeley, California! We are looking for artists who are enthusiastic about working in a smaller studio where they'll have the opportunity to contribute to the production design of animated projects from concept to final design.

Much of our leadership are themselves veteran of several animated feature films at Pixar Animation Studios. As a result, we are committed to creating a collaborative artistic process that provides for the best artist experience possible. Our goal is to create space for the team to grow artistically, contribute in meaningful ways, maintain creative ownership over their work, and have fun while doing it.

We are looking for artists who not only have the qualifications listed further below, but who are also excited to work independently as part of a small company.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Work with Directors, Showrunners, and Production Designers to craft the production design material of imaginative, animated worlds from concept design to polished, final modeling and shading packets
  • Present design work frequently to Directors, Showrunners, Production Designers, and other team members 
  • Iterate repeatedly throughout the entire production process
  • Support with Development material at the studio

Qualifications and Skills

  • Minimum of 1 year of professional experience as a Designer
    • 3+ years of professional experience preferred
  • Proficiency with drawing and painting software (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Strong Designer skills and abilities as clearly shown in a robust and diverse Art Portfolio
  • Ability to work collaboratively 
  • Take direction and feedback well and implement it into work consistently  
  • Comfortable working in a fast paced environment with tight turnarounds 
  • Flexible with constantly changing production schedules and needs  

Benefits

  • Kuku Studios, while a small company, offers a Benefits package that includes:
    • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
    • Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
    • PTO Policy
    • Company Holiday Schedule
    • 401(k) with Employer Matching Contributions
  • We strive to provide all of the above benefits at levels on par with the larger animation studios!
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