Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Thinkingbox • Chicago, IL

7h

About The Position

We're on the hunt for an Art Director, Motion who can lead with vision, inspire teams, and push creative boundaries across a variety of motion design projects. In this hybrid hands-on and leadership role, you’ll take ideas from concept to execution, including: storyboarding, style framing, directing motion designers, and overseeing high-caliber 3D and 2D content for social, branded, commercial, and experiential campaigns. You’ll collaborate with fellow creatives and cross-functional teams to shape the visual direction of projects that range from digital micro-content to full-length animated pieces. You’ll ensure creative excellence while mentoring junior talent and maintaining efficiency and clarity throughout the production pipeline.

Requirements

• 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).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Houdini, XParticles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• 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 our creative output.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees