Motion Designer

About the role

The Motion Designer is a key creative contributor responsible for crafting high-quality animation and motion graphics across a range of digital, brand, and content experiences. This role combines advanced visual storytelling with deep technical expertise, delivering animated content that enhances narrative, brand identity, and engagement across formats.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and animation of motion content across social, product, brand, and campaign assets.
• Translate static design and storyboards into compelling motion, ensuring strong pacing, clarity, and brand alignment.
• Collaborate with creative leads, editors, designers, and copywriters to shape cohesive narratives and visual systems.
• Develop styleframes, storyboards, and animation prototypes for internal and client-facing reviews.
• Participate in creative brainstorms, offering ideas and solutions for how motion can elevate storytelling.
• Ensure technical execution, including file management, render optimization, and output delivery.
• Mentor junior motion designers, giving guidance on technique, timing, and feedback integration.
• Stay current on trends and techniques to keep motion language and workflows fresh and efficient.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Motion Design, Animation, Graphic Design, or equivalent experience.
• 5–7 years of professional motion design experience in an agency, in-house, or content studio setting.
• Portfolio that shows high-level animation skills, storytelling ability, and versatility across formats.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, and optionally Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar 3D tools.
• A versatile motion graphics generalist capable of handling diverse animation styles.
• Strong typography and graphic design foundational skills.
• Experience in creating compelling styleframes that establish visual direction.
• Skills in typography, composition, layout, and rhythm as they relate to animation and motion graphics.
• A solid grasp of animation principles (timing, easing, movement flow).
• Ability to create styleframes and animate with precision and narrative purpose.
• Familiarity with video editing workflows (Premiere, Final Cut) and sound sync.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage timelines and priorities across multiple deliverables.

Skills

• Advanced visual storytelling skills.
• Deep technical expertise in motion design software.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior designers.
• Knowledge of video editing and sound sync.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule.
• Work-life balance with two remote workdays per week and three in-office days.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Company-sponsored wellness programs.
• Access to a beautiful office in NW Portland, Oregon.

Pay

Salary range: $80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hybrid work model: Two days remote, three days in-office.

Values

• Be Lean, Take Action.
• Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say.
• Show Up Fully.

Company Information

We are Thesis. Proudly headquartered in Portland, OR, while serving clients globally for over 20 years. Thesis is a creative agency that drives business success through marketing across technology, strategy, and operations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at HR@Thesis.Agency.