Layout Artist Job Description, Salary, Skills & Software

Layout artist job description

A layout artist designs the shot frame, camera paths and angles, depth, perspective, scale, and lighting for an animated sequence. They act as the eye of the cinematographer and gaffer in animation, working with directors to translate storyboards into sequences of action.

In an animated environment, the point of view of the audience is replicated by a virtual camera which is imagined by the layout artist. They frame out establishing shots, action, blocking, and character expression through the traditional screen language of close up, mid shot and wide shot to tell the story in the most compelling way.

Role and responsibilities

The layout artist works in collaboration with the director to establish the camera angle, lighting and point of view of each shot of an animated sequence. They are the stylistic and technical eye of the entire shot, as well as choreographers of character action.

Layout artist teams interpret storyboards and animatics to their final iterations. They determine the position of characters within frame according to the dialogue and action of the script.

The responsibilities of the Layout Artist may include:

Liaising with director regarding the execution of the script
Working from the storyboard to set up layout of animation
Drawing initial line work for backgrounds
Researching the genre, reference shots and style of project
Creating backgrounds that support the narrative of the story
Providing various rough versions of scenes (akin to live-action takes) giving directors and editors options during the editing process
Lighting each key scene
Setting the camera path of a scene
Defining the perspective of the scene
Ensuring continuity between shots
Experimenting with camera angles to arrive at the best shots

Software and Tools

Layout Artists primarily work with animation and film editing software such as:

Renderman
Avid
Final Cut
Adobe After Effects, Photoshop
Blackmagic Fusion
Maya
3D Studio Max
Nuke
Mental Ray
TVPaint
Blender

Skills Required

Layout Artists need to know how to translate the storyboard or animatic for the final animation. They must have a sense of scale and ability to realize background, characters and objects that work in proportion with each other to create a believable world.

Often these worlds will have a history, an economic framework and a specific narrative of their own.

The Layout Artist needs to express these idiosyncrasies through what is included and communicated visually in the scene.

Employers may look for the following skills in Layout Artists:

Advanced visual skills of scale, proportion, point of view, perspective, size, color, form, composition and depth of field
Editing skills
Knowledge of the basics of animation
Skill working with virtual cameras
Basic understanding of anatomy
Training in computer animation, fine art or film direction
Understanding of filmmaking techniques such as cinematography, lighting, acting, blocking, choreography, etc
Skill in expressing light and shade within a drawing
Familiarity with film and animation genres
Experience in photography an advantage
High level artistic or graphic design skills
Advanced knowledge of environments and landscapes
Good communication skills
Awareness of the history of animation and/or filmmaking
Ability to problem solve