Freelance Art Director

BigStar; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BigStar Motion Design (BGSTR) in New York seeks a talented and hands-on Freelance Art Director. You will lead the creative process, shape the vision, and work closely with Creative Directors and Producers to deliver cutting-edge motion design across projects.

The role is full-time freelance and onsite in our New York studio with a hybrid schedule (home Fridays, in-office Mondays–Thursdays). Excellent leadership, client communication, and a strong portfolio are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership across multiple projects and teams.
• Strong communication with clients and internal teams.
• Deep knowledge of design, motion graphics, and VFX trends.
• Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Cinema 4D.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative process from client brief to final delivery.
• Set and maintain project standards with Creative Directors and Producers.
• Collaborate with artist team to develop tools, workflows, and best practices.
• Partner with producers on scheduling, crew allocation, and budgets.
• Hands-on execution of style frames, concepts, pitches, and delivery.
• Provide creative leadership and problem-solving for high-profile projects.

Skills

Design leadership

Motion graphics

VFX knowledge

Adobe Suite

Cinema 4D

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Cinema 4D

Job description

BigStar Motion Design (BGSTR) is looking for a talented and hands-on Freelance Art Director to help shape and elevate our creative vision. This role is a key part of our growing team, you'll work alongside BGSTR Creative Directors and Producers to shape the creative vision, blending artistic leadership with technical expertise to push the boundaries of motion design. As an Art Director at BGSTR, you'll take a lead role in art direction setting and maintaining standards for projects across all facets of our business. You should have an entrepreneurial mindset, exceptional client communication skills, and the ability to develop and execute concepts from ideation through final delivery. Above all, you must have a passion for creating visually stunning, cutting-edge work—and be ready to do so in a highly hands-on capacity.

This is a full-time freelance role and will require working onsite in our New York studio. Our office operates on a hybrid work model - work from home Fridays, in office Mondays - Thursdays.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative process throughout the entire project cycle - from initial client brief and ideation to design and animation.
• Setting & Maintaining Standards while working closely with Creative Directors and Producers for the duration of multiple projects.
• Work alongside the artist team to develop tools, workflows, and methodologies that ensure best practices and deliver the highest-quality results.
• Partner with producers on project management, offering feedback on production schedules, crew allocation, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Hands-on execution of style frames, concept development, pitches, and final project delivery.
• Provide creative leadership and problem-solving insights for complex and high-profile projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Design and Motion Graphics for film and commercials and broadcast clients.
• Being able to multitask and run multiple projects and teams. To ensure that each project is running smoothly and efficiently.
• An extensive portfolio of your own creative work, including directing experience, if applicable.
• Passion and a broad knowledge of the Design, Motion Graphics, and VFX industries with an eye for future developments and challenges.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership skills across all levels, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of Design, Animation, CG, VFX, and shot production.
• Ability to remain calm and confident in a fast-paced environment whilst juggling multiple projects.
• Ability to work within and inspire a team and also under your own initiative.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, both on a technical and creative basis.
• Expert knowledge of the Adobe Suite and Cinema 4D.