Creative Director - Animation Studio

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Relocation assistance may be available

Comprehensive medical, dental, and opt

Generous annual leave and paid public

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Durban seeks a visionary Creative Director to lead the artistic direction of a leading animation studio. You will guide artists, animators, and designers to ensure all work aligns with the studio's vision and client objectives.

In this role you will shape visual storytelling, oversee storyboards and animation sequences, present concepts to clients, manage budgets, and stay ahead of industry trends. A strong leadership record and passion for animation are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in animation or visual arts with leadership/directorial experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating talent and mastery of animation principles.
• Proven experience directing animation projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation styles.
• Proficiency with Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong visual storytelling, character development, and narrative structure.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working with clients and presenting concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall creative vision and style for animation projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of artists and designers.
• Collaborate with producers, writers, and clients to translate concepts into visuals.
• Oversee storyboards, character designs, backgrounds, and animation sequences.
• Ensure quality and consistency across the production pipeline.
• Present concepts and project updates to internal teams and clients.
• Manage creative budgets and resources.
• Stay current with industry trends and new technologies.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation.
• Approve final assets before delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Creative direction

Animation

Storytelling

Project management

Communication

Client presentations

3D/2D/Stop-motion

Tools

Maya

Blender

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a visionary Creative Director to spearhead the artistic direction of a leading animation studio located in Durban. This is a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity and creative output of our projects. As Creative Director, you will be responsible for guiding teams of artists, animators, and designers, ensuring that all creative endeavors align with the studio's vision and client objectives. You will foster a culture of innovation and excellence, pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. This role requires a strong understanding of visual arts, animation techniques, and narrative development, coupled with exceptional leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering outstanding creative work in the entertainment industry. Join us in Durban and make a significant impact on the future of animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall creative vision and artistic style for animation projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of artists, animators, storytellers, and designers.
• Collaborate closely with producers, writers, and clients to translate concepts into visually compelling animated content.
• Oversee the development of storyboards, character designs, background art, and animation sequences.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of all visual elements throughout the production pipeline.
• Present creative concepts and project updates to internal teams and external clients.
• Manage creative budgets and resources effectively.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in animation and visual arts.
• Foster a positive and collaborative creative environment that encourages experimentation and innovation.
• Approve final creative assets before delivery.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in animation or a related visual arts field, with a significant portion in a leadership or directorial role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional creative talent, artistic skill, and a deep understanding of animation principles.
• Proven experience directing animation projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in various animation styles and techniques (2D, 3D, stop-motion).
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation and design software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Excellent understanding of visual storytelling, character development, and narrative structure.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working with clients and presenting creative concepts effectively.
• A passion for animation and a commitment to artistic excellence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and optical insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry events.
• Access to cutting-edge animation technology and resources.
• Creative and collaborative studio environment.
• Pension scheme.