Designer II

ESPN, Inc.; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 72,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

ESPN’s Visual Storytelling team in Bristol, CT seeks a Designer II to create design and motion across multiple platforms. You will work with content, product, marketing, and broadcast teams on short-term and long-range projects, advancing ESPN’s brand travel within DTC initiatives.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in motion/design, strong typography, and expert Adobe skills. A reliable home setup is expected, with a portfolio showing creative storytelling and layout expertise.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in motion and design within a creative studio or media organization.
• Strong grasp of motion theory, typography, composition, and hierarchy.
• Fluent with Adobe Creative Suite; hands-on knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Online portfolio/demo reel showcasing creativity, design, and typography.

Responsibilities

• Utilize Adobe Suite to create designs for short-term and long-range assignments.
• Support ESPN platforms in the creation of elements such as television graphics, key art, quick-form edits, animation packages, cross-company branding, social templates, marketing materials, etc.
• Collaborate with creative and editorial partners to elevate ESPN’s storytelling.
• Contribute compelling design and motion solutions that support creative excellence.
• Translate assignment details and creative direction into custom graphical layouts and animated solutions.
• Maintain strong dialogue with Production and Project Assignment peers to keep timelines on track.

Skills

Motion design

Project management

Typography

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe After Effects

Cinema4D

Figma

Job description

The Visual Storytelling division of ESPN Creative Studio is a team of creative directors, art directors, animators, concept artists, visual journalists, photo editors, web developers, graphic designers and strategy producers whose work reaches every ESPN platform: We lead the creative direction and execution of on-air brand identities for ESPN’s live events and studio shows. We are responsible for the creative content on ESPN.com and the ESPN app, including photography, illustration, and interactive storytelling. We create and produce key art for ESPN+ and manage product art across our digital products. We manage the design voice of our ESPN brand, from holistic marketing campaigns to cross-platform creative systems.

ESPN Creative Studio is looking for a Designer II to join its award-winning Visual Storytelling team. The Designer II position is responsible for the hands‑on creation, development, and delivery of design and motion across multiple platforms. This role supports both quick‑turn and long‑range assignments and collaborates with partners across ESPN Creative Studio; including, but not limited to, content, product, marketing, and traditional broadcast. This position will have an emphasis on the continued support, advancement, and innovation of how the ESPN brand travels within DTC initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize Adobe Suite to create designs for short-term and long-range assignments.

• Work under the direction of senior-level leaders to support all ESPN platforms in the creation of elements such as: television graphics, key art, quick-form edits, animation packages, cross-company branding, social templates, marketing materials, etc.

• Collaborate effectively with creative and editorial partners to elevate ESPN’s storytelling.

• Contribute compelling, elevated design and motion solutions that support our continual pursuit of creative excellence.

• Integrate seamlessly into established team workflows and processes.

• Translate assignment details and creative direction into custom graphical layout and animated solutions.

• Possesses strong individual and team communication skills - effectively communicate out to Production and Project Assignment peers to ensure strong dialogue exists throughout the day & keep timelines & expectations on track (Teams/Email/Asana).

• Regularly contribute ideas/initiatives, demonstrate desire to push creativity to the next level, and show aptitude to learn new software to enhance individual versatility on assignments.

• Be highly motivated, work well under pressure, and effectively prioritize multiple daily assignments.

• Maintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity, and timely delivery of all requests.

• Recognize, report, and help troubleshoot equipment/software/work environment issues.

• Express a strong willingness to learn, absorb, and flex in the day‑to‑day.

• Employ decision‑making that supports streamlined, systematic approaches to long‑term design structures.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional motion and design experience working within a creative studio or media organization.

• Strong grasp of motion theory, typography, composition, and hierarchy.

• Fluent with Adobe Creative Suite; Demonstrated hands‑on knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe After Effects.

• Proven project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.

• Strong problem‑solving skills with a passion for timely results.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Online portfolio/demo reel showcasing your creativity, design, and type layout skills.

• Curiosity around shifting industry trends in design and animation, specifically within a DTC model.

• A reliable work‑from‑home setup with a dependable internet connection.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Cinema4D.

• Knowledge of Figma.

• High‑level understanding of design within DTC platforms.

• Knowledge of the sports design space, trends, and an understanding of ESPN’s place amongst the competition.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $72,000 to $96,500 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job ID: 10157164

Location: Bristol,Connecticut

Job Posting Company: ESPN

ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.