Creative Director - Digital Art & Animation

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a dynamic Creative Director to lead our digital art and animation team in Johannesburg. The role blends creative vision with strategic leadership across film, gaming and advertising projects.

The candidate will manage artists from concept to final execution, ensuring brand-aligned visuals and innovative storytelling. A strong portfolio and 8+ years in digital art are essential, with hybrid work expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Animation, Digital Media, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in digital art and animation, with leadership experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating variety of styles and high-quality artistry.
• Proven experience directing and managing creative teams.
• Proficiency in 2D/3D animation software (Maya, Blender, After Effects, Photoshop).
• Excellent understanding of animation principles, storytelling and visual design.
• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with in-office and remote collaboration.
• Experience with game development pipelines or advertising workflows is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of digital artists and animators with clear direction.
• Develop and articulate compelling visual concepts and styles for projects.
• Oversee the full creative process from ideation and storyboarding to final asset creation and animation.
• Collaborate with producers, game designers, and marketing in a hybrid setting.
• Ensure quality and consistency of output, adhering to brand guidelines and briefs.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay abreast of trends, tools, and techniques in digital art and VFX.
• Present concepts and progress to clients and stakeholders.
• Foster innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide constructive feedback to enhance team output.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Creative direction

Storytelling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts / Animation / Digital Media

Tools

Maya

Blender

After Effects

Photoshop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Creative Director to lead their digital art and animation department. This hybrid role, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA, offers the opportunity to shape the visual direction of exciting projects, blending creative vision with strategic leadership. You will oversee a talented team of artists and animators, guiding them from concept development through to final execution across various platforms, including film, gaming, and advertising. The ideal candidate possesses a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent, a proven ability to manage creative teams, and a deep understanding of current digital art trends and technologies. You will be responsible for inspiring creative excellence, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring projects meet client objectives and brand standards. This position requires a visionary leader who can translate abstract ideas into compelling visual narratives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of digital artists and animators, providing creative direction and mentorship.
• Develop and articulate compelling visual concepts and artistic styles for projects.
• Oversee the entire creative process, from initial ideation and storyboarding to final asset creation and animation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including producers, game designers, and marketing specialists, in a hybrid setting.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of artistic output across all projects, adhering to brand guidelines and project briefs.
• Manage creative timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and techniques in digital art, animation, and visual effects.
• Present creative concepts and project progress to clients and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the creative team.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to team members to enhance their skills and output.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Animation, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in digital art and animation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic skill, creativity, and a wide range of styles.
• Proven experience in directing and managing creative teams.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 2D and 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop).
• Excellent understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and visual design.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office collaboration.
• Experience with game development pipelines or advertising workflows is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and in-office collaboration.
• Opportunity to lead innovative digital art and animation projects.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Creative and stimulating work environment.
• Health and wellness benefits.
• Contribution to impactful visual content creation.