Senior Motion Designer

Koto • New York, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Koto, the Senior Motion Designer helps shape how brands move. The role combines exceptional 2D animation craft, graphic design sensibility, storytelling, and systems thinking to create imaginative, purposeful motion that integrates seamlessly into brand worlds. The designer leads motion projects from concept through execution, translating insights from immersion and strategy into motion principles and executions, and collaborating across disciplines to develop thoughtful, well-crafted brand experiences.

The position is based in Koto’s New York studio, with occasional travel to collaborate with global teams. It is primarily hands-on, involving significant design and animation work, while also requiring creative leadership, clear presentation of ideas, effective project organization, and support for other designers. Koto works in person, with an optional work-from-home day on Friday and an additional two weeks of remote work per year. Team members are encouraged to manage their time, hours, and personal commitments to complete their work.

Requirements

• Exceptional 2D animation craft and a strong graphic design sensibility.
• Strong conceptual thinking and ability to develop multiple creative directions.
• Strong command of typography, composition, timing, transitions, and animation principles.
• Advanced proficiency in After Effects.
• Strong working knowledge of Figma, Final Cut, and Pitch.
• Ability to lead projects from exploration and storyboarding through design, animation, and final delivery.
• Ability to communicate creative thinking and rationale clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and respond thoughtfully to feedback.
• Ability to manage time and priorities effectively while balancing creative exploration and project timelines.
• Interest in joining Koto’s New York studio and occasional travel to collaborate with global teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D tools.
• Curiosity and experimentation with new animation techniques and approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop distinctive, high-quality 2D motion identities, animation systems, and brand expressions that balance creative ambition with strategic intent.
• Translate insights from immersion and strategic phases into compelling motion principles and executions.
• Lead projects from initial exploration and storyboarding through design, animation, and final delivery.
• Explore multiple creative directions and maintain a high standard of craft throughout the creative process.
• Apply typography, composition, timing, transitions, and animation principles to create expressive, cohesive motion systems across formats, platforms, and brand touchpoints.
• Collaborate with designers, strategists, and creative leadership to integrate motion thinking into the brand process.
• Contribute ideas beyond the motion discipline, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and help create cohesive brand experiences.
• Articulate creative thinking clearly and persuasively, contribute to presentations, and communicate the rationale behind work to internal teams and clients.
• Share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, elevate the quality of work, and support the development of other designers.
• Explore new techniques and approaches to animation.
• Design and animate hands-on, while managing time and priorities to balance creative exploration with project timelines.
• Contribute to Koto’s New York studio and creative culture, and occasionally travel to collaborate with global teams.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus of up to 10%.
• Paid family leave, including significant paid maternity and paternity time.
• 25 vacation days annually, 10+ U.S. holidays, and a full studio closure between Christmas and New Year.
• 401(k) with a 4% company match.
• Monthly $105 employee wellness budget through Juno.
• Access to YCN and funding for relevant training and development opportunities.
• At five years of tenure: $5,000 and five extra days off.
• At ten years of tenure: $10,000 and four weeks off.
• Work-from-anywhere opportunities across five global studios with advanced planning.
• Optional work-from-home day on Friday and an additional two weeks of remote work per year.
• Regular access to manager and team leads to support development and career path.
• Strong performance may be rewarded with promotions and salary increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed