Art Director – Motion

Thinkingbox

. Lead concept development and the realization of creative direction for motion projects .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in motion design and animation, with a strong focus on visual storytelling, art direction, and team leadership. Proficient in managing creative projects from concept to execution while mentoring junior talent and ensuring high-quality output.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Motion DesignArt DirectionCinema 4DAdobe Creative SuiteVisual Storytelling

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Motion DesignAnimationVisual StorytellingTypographyColor TheoryDesign Principles

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationMentorshipStrategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Cinema 4DRedshiftAdobe After EffectsAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAdobe PremiereHoudiniXParticlesMarvelous DesignerSubstance Painter

Industry Keywords

Creative DirectionCampaign NarrativesProduction PipelineDigital Micro-ContentAnimated Pieces

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Amazon Redshift

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead concept development and the realization of creative direction for motion projects
Create styleframes and storyboards that define tone, motion language, and aesthetic
Oversee, guide, and participate in the execution of 3D/2D motion graphics, ensuring quality and cohesion
Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and designers to shape campaign narratives
Give thoughtful and actionable feedback that elevates the work
Direct small to mid-size teams of animators and designers across various projects
Contribute to pitch decks, treatments, and new business efforts when needed
Stay ahead of industry trends, tools, and techniques to continuously elevate creative output
Take ideas from concept to execution for social, branded, commercial, and experiential campaigns
Shape visual direction for projects ranging from digital micro-content to full-length animated pieces
Mentor junior talent and maintain efficiency and clarity throughout the production pipeline

Requirements

What you’ll need

A stunning portfolio demonstrating strong art direction in motion across multiple styles and platforms
7+ years of experience in motion design or animation, with at least 1-2 years in a senior or leadership role
Strong background in visual storytelling, typography, color theory, and design principles
Expertise in Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere)
Familiarity with Houdini, XParticles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter is a bonus
Excellent communication skills – both visual and verbal
Ability to manage timelines, provide mentorship, and balance hands-on work with strategic thinking
A deep passion for craft and a desire to push what’s possible in motion
Resume and links to an online portfolio required for application

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
Consistent culture and team-building events
Employee recognition and incentive programs
Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year
Office lunches
Branded company swag
Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
Dog-friendly offices
Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
Flex work and travel options
Comprehensive extended health benefits
401k matching