Librarie · Animators & Junior Animators

We’re hiring. Mina Kuma Animators

We are expanding the Mina Kuma animation team: experienced animators who can work confidently in the style, plus two junior animators we will train directly on the series. Freelance, paid per shot, with a short test first.

See The Test → Download Test Kit ↓
Mina Kuma turnaround Mina Kuma · Model Sheet
Role
Animator Mina Kuma style. Juniors welcome.
Work
Freelance, per shot Pay known before you start
Deadline
October 23 Test submissions by email
Who we are looking for

A small team of animators who get the style.

Experienced animators who can work confidently in the Mina Kuma style, plus two junior animators we will train directly on the series.

If you are early in your career and willing to learn, this is a real opportunity to grow on a production with full support from the directors.

How the process works

Every step, no surprises later.

We want to be completely transparent about every step, so please read all of it.

Step 1

A short unpaid test

1 to 3 drawings. We provide the model sheet, a storyboard for one scene, a prop reference, color instructions, and clear directions. Draw 1 to 2 key frames from that scene on model, plus 1 drawing of Mina Kuma on model from your imagination.

We are not looking for a finished animation. We are looking at appeal, construction, acting, and how closely you can hold the character on model.

Unpaid · 1 to 3 drawings
Step 2

A paid test

Everyone whose work is close moves on to a paid test for an animator role. From this point forward, your time is compensated.

Step 3

The job itself

Freelance work, paid per shot. For every scene the director gives you clear instructions and references, and you know the exact pay for that scene before you start it. Take on as much or as little as your schedule allows. Juniors work the same way, with extra guidance and feedback along the way.

Freelance · Per shot
Honest note

At Librarie, we are not fans of unpaid tests. Your time and skill have value, and asking anyone to work for free is not something we take lightly. But with over 500 animator applicants, we cannot evaluate everyone fairly from portfolios alone, and we would rather give every person who is interested a real chance than pick a handful based on who had the most polished reel. So we kept this test as small as possible.

The assignment

Three drawings at most.

Mina Kuma is holding a balloon. It slips, drifts up, and she watches it go. Pick the moment or moments you think carry the most acting.

  • 1Key frame A from the boarded scene, Mina Kuma on model, clean line.
  • 2Key frame B from the same scene (optional, but a second frame shows us how you think about the acting across a beat).
  • 3One drawing of Mina Kuma from your imagination, on model, unrelated to the scene. Any pose, any mood.
Storyboard · The balloon scene

Format & submission

Files
PNG, 1920 × 1080, clean line. Transparent or white background. PSD, CLIP, or TVPaint also welcome if under 50 MB. Color is optional. If you color, use the layer guide.
Naming
LastName_Firstname_MK_01.png
Submit to
contact@librarie.jp
Subject
Mina Kuma Test — [Your Name]
Deadline
October 23, 2026, end of day, your local time.
Include
A little about yourself and the programs you are comfortable with. No need to reply saying you accept or do not accept. Just email us your submission.
The test kit

Everything you need, one download.

Turnaround in color, line, and construction, head sheet, prop, color instructions, and the storyboard. Also available individually below.

Download Full Kit (ZIP) ↓ Read The Assignment ↑
Mina Kuma turnaround
Turnaround / model sheetFull rotation, colored. This is the standard for “on model.”Download PNG ↓
Mina Kuma head construction and expressions
Head constructionAngles, expressions, and the bow from behind.Download JPG ↓
Dreams balloon prop
Prop: the “Dreams” balloonThe balloon from the boarded scene, on model.Download PNG ↓
Color and layer guide
Color instructionsLayer names and fills. Lines are navy, never black. Highlights on their own layer.Download PNG ↓
StoryboardAnimatic, 6 seconds, 24 fps.Download MP4 ↓
Mina Kuma turnaround, line only
Turnaround, clean lineSame rotation, line only. Use this to check your line weight and shapes.Download PNG ↓
Mina Kuma turnaround with construction guides
Turnaround, constructionEye line, head volumes, and proportions. Build from these before you clean up.Download PNG ↓
What we are looking for
  • Working English proficiency. Direction, feedback, and all communication are in English, so you will need to be comfortable reading and responding in English.
  • Comfort with 2D anime style drawing and animation principles.
  • For juniors: strong drawing fundamentals and a willingness to take feedback and improve. No professional experience required.
  • A love for the kind of warm, carefully crafted storytelling Mina Kuma is about.
A few honest notes
  • We will respond to everyone who submits a test, even if the answer is “not this time.” You will hear from us either way.
  • If you are not selected, it does not mean your work is not good. It may just mean it is not the right fit for this particular style right now, and we hope you will stay in touch for future projects.
  • There is no need to reply saying you accept or do not accept. Just email us your submission.
Deadline · October 23, 2026

Thank you for caring about Mina Kuma enough to want to be part of it.

We can’t wait to see what you draw.

Subject line: Mina Kuma Test — [Your Name]
Warmly,Brandon and the Mina Kuma team · Librarie
Submit Your Test → Download Test Kit ↓