Creative Director, Animation

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

State-of-the-art animation tools in Bl

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, based in Bloemfontein, seeks an exceptional Creative Director to define the artistic vision for a portfolio spanning feature films to shorts. You will guide a team of artists, animators, and designers, shaping the look and feel of productions and inspiring world‑class storytelling.

The role blends on-site collaboration with flexible remote work, requiring a leader who can mentor teams, balance artistic ambition with production realities, and deliver consistently high-quality

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in animation with leadership roles (Creative Director, Art Director or Lead Animator).
• Strong portfolio demonstrating animation, character design, and visual storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain artistic vision and style for all projects.
• Lead, inspire, and mentor animation and art departments.
• Oversee character, environment, and prop design development.
• Collaborate with directors, writers and producers for creative alignment.
• Review and approve storyboards, animatics, models and final shots.
• Ensure quality and consistency across the production pipeline.
• Develop and manage art budget and production schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Storytelling

Color theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field

Tools

Animation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned animation studio in Bloemfontein , is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Creative Director to lead their artistic vision. This role is crucial for defining the style, tone, and overall artistic direction of our animated projects, ranging from feature films to short-form content. You will be responsible for guiding a team of artists, animators, and designers, ensuring that every project meets our high standards of creativity and quality. This hybrid position allows for crucial on-site collaboration with our Bloemfontein -based team, combined with the flexibility of some remote work. We are passionate about innovative storytelling and visual artistry, and we seek a leader who can inspire and mentor our creative department. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of animated works, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of animation principles, character design, and visual storytelling. Your artistic direction will shape the look and feel of our productions and captivate audiences worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to leave your mark on the animation industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the artistic vision and style for all animation projects.
• Lead, inspire, and mentor the animation and art departments.
• Oversee the design and development of characters, environments, and props.
• Collaborate closely with directors, writers, and producers to ensure creative alignment.
• Review and approve storyboards, animatics, character models, and final animation shots.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of all visual elements throughout the production pipeline.
• Develop and manage the art budget and production schedule for artistic aspects.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and artistic techniques in animation.
• Foster a creative and collaborative team environment.
• Present artistic concepts and progress to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in animation, with a proven track record as a Creative Director, Art Director, or Lead Animator on significant projects.
• A strong, diverse portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic talent in animation, character design, and visual storytelling.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D and 3D animation techniques and software.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide creative teams.
• Excellent understanding of color theory, composition, and visual design principles.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance artistic vision with production constraints and deadlines.
• Experience working in a hybrid or studio-based environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the animation medium.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead creative direction on exciting animation projects.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance of on-site and remote flexibility.
• Access to state-of-the-art animation tools and facilities in Bloemfontein .
• A supportive and inspiring work environment.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.