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Layout Artist

Everything you need to know about the job of a 2D/3D layout artist including required skills, responsibilities and salary.

Student work by Jennifer Grimeaux

What does a layout artist do?

A 3D layout artist establishes the virtual camera(s) for each shot—its perspective and point of view, angle, depth, scale, and movement. They help frame all the elements and the action in a shot through traditional screen language (close-up, mid-shot, wide-shot, etc.) to tell the story in the most compelling way. (The role of a 2D layout artist is similar, except that everything is “flat.”) 

In traditional 2D hand-drawn animation, layout artists shape the frame's perspective by illustrating backgrounds. The size of background objects relative to foreground action impacts viewer perception and emotions. 2D layout artists draw from storyboards but focus on precise definition within each animation frame.

Layout artists works in collaboration with the VFX supervisor or Director to establish the look and feel of the cameras and the environment of an animated sequence. They are the stylistic and technical eye of the entire shot and help determine the action (animation).

3D layout artist job description

Layout artist teams are often required to interpret storyboards and animatics which they apply to their final layout scenes. This helps determine the position of characters within frame according to the dialogue and action of the script. 

Layout artists are also often required to assemble an environment using assets created by a 3D modeler or purchased from an asset library such as Megascans or Unreal Engine Marketplace.

Role & responsibilities of a layout artist in film and games:

  • Translating storyboards to shots
  • Environment blocking and creating backgrounds that support the narrative of the story
  • 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
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How much does a 3D layout artist make?

The average wage for a layout artist will range from USD $31,000 for entry-level jobs to USD $131,000 for senior positions. (Source: Payscale)

$31k Jnr. 3D Layout Artist
$131k Snr. 3D Layout Artist

Skills required to become a 3D layout artist

Although technically, this job does not usually involve any direct animation, it is a useful skill for animators to learn and can involve rough animation blocking, if required. It's also useful for layout artists to learn basic animation. Layout artists must have a sense of scale and the ability to realize background, characters and objects that work in proportion with each other to create a believable world.

Film and game studios 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
  • Knowledge of the basics of animation
  • Skill working with virtual cameras and an understanding of different lenses
  • 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
  • Advanced knowledge of environments and landscapes
  • Awareness of the history of animation and/or filmmaking

What software and tools do 3D layout artists use?

3D and 2D Layout artists are required to use various computer software. 2D artists may also sketch scenes by hand. 

Layout artists may need knowledge of a combination of the following software:

maya
TOUCH

Maya is a comprehensive 3D animation software used for creating detailed models, animations, and visual effects. It's popular in film, TV, and game development for its powerful tools.

3dsmax
TOUCH

3ds Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

blender-01
TOUCH

Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set. It is used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications and virtual reality.

toonboom
TOUCH

Toon Boom, is a Canadian animation studio founded in 1994 and based in Ottawa, Ontario. It specializes in the development and production of animation and storyboarding software

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Download our course guide to see how we can help you on your pathway to your dream career.

Tips to break into the animation industry

Spend as much time as you can on your best pieces of work. Pick a few and perfect them the best you can for your 3D animation portfolio or demo reel. Show versatility in the types of animations you complete, and demonstrate your ability to portray true emotions through facial animation and accurately emulate weight and physics.

Use the networking opportunities available to animation artists to build up your contacts. This can be one of the best ways to get a job. Searching online, you can find many industry meetups and events, which often include guest speakers like professional artists and software creators. The knowledge gained by listening to these types of guest speakers talk about their personal experiences is irreplaceable.

Read more on creating an animation portfolio or demo reel that stands out or how to get 3D animation projects.

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Industry Pathways

In this episode, you'll hear from Sykosan, mentor of 2D Animation at CG Spectrum. Sykosan started out in Architecture before moving into 3D Animation, and finally deciding to focus fully on 2D Animation, where he's had great success and worked on some career-affirming projects with his dream collaborators.