Art Director, Motion - The Heist

Thinkingbox; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative studio is seeking an experienced Art Director, Motion to lead and inspire teams in crafting innovative motion design projects. This hybrid role involves developing concepts, overseeing 3D/2D executions, and mentoring junior talent. Candidates should have a robust portfolio, 7+ years in motion design, and proficiency in tools like Cinema 4D and Adobe Suite. Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in motion design or animation.
• At least 1-2 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Strong background in visual storytelling and design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development and creative direction.
• Create styleframes and storyboards.
• Oversee execution of motion graphics.

Skills

Art direction in motion

Visual storytelling

Communication skills

Expertise in Cinema 4D

Tools

Cinema 4D

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Hi! We’re The Heist, the production, post production and animation arm of Thinkingbox, a global creative collective shaping the future of brands through craft and curiosity. Our team brings together unique perspectives in production, design, technology, and creativity that push the boundaries for our clients to create work that is uniquely ours. We are a curious bunch that loves to think big, continuously learn, and create. We love our culture and the natural collaboration that happens in and around our five offices, from dog parties, to happy hour Fridays, to random team trips to Whistler, we maintain a vibrant work environment. However, for one month a year we encourage our people to explore the world. Try working from another office or even the beaches of Mexico and expand your worldview, then bring that experience back to the team.

The Opportunity

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.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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 You'll Bring

• 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.

Equal Opportunity

Here at The Heist, we are committed to building an environment where our employees continuously feel included, valued and heard. Diversity is our creative strength and it’s a combination of our unique experiences and perspectives that make for some of the best problem-solving. The result? Creativity, growth and innovation. We strongly encourage all applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or gender identity to apply.

To Apply

At The Heist, we celebrate diversity both of our work and our people. We simply look for great talent and are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued and part of The Heist. Thank you for taking the time to apply for this opportunity. Please include your resume and links to your online portfolio with your application. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are not able to contact everyone who applies. However, all applications are stored in our talent database and will be considered for future opportunities.