Creative Director, Motion

Thinkingbox; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Dog-friendly offices

Unlimited coffee and snacks

Office lunches

Health benefits

Job summary

Thinkingbox (The Heist) in Chicago, IL seeks a hands-on Creative Director, Motion to lead a motion team and shape high-impact 2D and 3D animation for marketing campaigns. The role involves directing a nimble team of motion designers, maintaining hands-on input, and delivering assets that align with brand guidelines and art direction.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in motion design, including 3+ years in a leadership role, and strong proficiency in Cinema 4D, Redshift, and the Adobe Suite.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating refined motion design taste in 2D and 3D across varied marketing and campaign styles
• 8+ years of experience in motion design, including leadership roles
• 3+ years in a leadership or senior capacity
• Strong proficiency in Cinema 4D and Redshift
• Proven ability to create storyboards and polished styleframes aligned with campaign goals
• Mastery of the Adobe Suite (After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator) and understanding of the animation pipeline
• Working knowledge of XParticles, Marvelous Designer, and/or Houdini is a plus
• Working knowledge of Figma

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a nimble team of motion designers with clear creative direction
• Stay hands-on by contributing design and animation when needed
• Create storyboards and styleframes communicating narrative and campaign aesthetics
• Oversee production of campaign assets including 2D/3D motion graphics with brand alignment
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to team members for growth and quality
• Collaborate with clients to interpret needs and contribute creative insights
• Work with the motion team to adopt new processes and workflows
• Contribute to project budgeting and resource planning to support delivery

Skills

Motion design leadership

8+ years motion design

3+ years leadership

Cinema 4D

Redshift

After Effects

Premiere

Photoshop

Illustrator

XParticles

Marvelous Designer

Houdini

Figma

Tools

Cinema 4D

Redshift

After Effects

Premiere

Photoshop

Illustrator

XParticles

Marvelous Designer

Houdini

Figma

Job description

Thinkingbox (The Heist) is hiring a hands-on Creative Director, Motion in Chicago, IL to lead a motion team and shape high-impact 2D and 3D animation for marketing campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a nimble team of motion designers, providing clear creative direction across projects
• Stay hands-on, stepping in with intention when needed for design and animation
• Create storyboards and styleframes that communicate both narrative and campaign aesthetic
• Oversee and participate in producing campaign assets, including 2D and 3D motion graphics, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and art direction
• Deliver clear, actionable feedback to team members to support growth and maintain high quality
• Work directly with clients to interpret needs and contribute creative insights through the project lifecycle
• Collaborate with the motion team to adopt new processes and workflows based on each marketing campaign’s demands
• Contribute to project budgeting and resource planning to support efficient delivery

Requirements

• Portfolio demonstrating refined motion design taste in 2D and 3D across varied marketing and campaign styles
• Curiosity-driven desire to continue improving and expanding skills
• 8+ years of experience in motion design, including 3+ years in a leadership or senior capacity
• Strong proficiency in Cinema 4D and Redshift
• Proven ability to create storyboards and polished styleframes aligned with campaign goals
• Mastery of the Adobe Suite (After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator) and a strong understanding of the animation pipeline
• Strong design sensibilities, able to combine aesthetic and technical execution
• Working knowledge of XParticles, Marvelous Designer, and/or Houdini is a plus
• Working knowledge of Figma
• Strong organizational skills with a solution-oriented approach to creative and technical challenges

Technologies

• Cinema 4D
• Redshift
• After Effects
• Premiere
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• XParticles
• Marvelous Designer
• Houdini
• Figma

Benefits

• 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

Location and schedule

• Chicago, IL (onsite)
• Monday to Thursday in office
• Fridays are remote optional

Salary range: USD 160,000 - 175,000 per year