Who We Are
Hi! We’re The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.
We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.
The Opportunity
We're on the hunt for an Art Director, Motion who can lead with vision, inspire teams, and push creative boundaries across a variety of motion design projects. In this hybrid hands-on and leadership role, you’ll take ideas from concept to execution, including: storyboarding, styleframing, directing motion designers, and overseeing high-caliber 3D and 2D content for social, branded, commercial, and experiential campaigns.
You’ll collaborate with fellow creatives and cross-functional teams to shape the visual direction of projects that range from digital micro-content to full-length animated pieces. You’ll ensure creative excellence while mentoring junior talent and maintaining efficiency and clarity throughout the production pipeline.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead concept development and the realization of creative direction for motion projects.
- Create styleframes and storyboards that define tone, motion language, and aesthetic.
- Oversee/guide and participate in the execution of 3D/2D motion graphics, ensuring quality and cohesion.
- Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and designers to shape campaign narratives.
- Give thoughtful and actionable feedback that elevates the work.
- Direct small to mid-size teams of animators and designers across various projects.
- Contribute to pitch decks, treatments, and new business efforts when needed.
- Stay ahead of industry trends, tools, and techniques to continuously elevate our creative output.
What You'll Bring
- A stunning portfolio demonstrating strong art direction in motion across multiple styles and platforms.
- 7+ years of experience in motion design or animation, with at least 1-2 years in a senior or leadership role.
- Strong background in visual storytelling, typography, color theory, and design principles.
- Expertise in Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere).
- Familiarity with Houdini, XParticles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter is a bonus.
- Excellent communication skills – both visual and verbal.
- Ability to manage timelines, provide mentorship, and balance hands-on work with strategic thinking.
- A deep passion for craft and a desire to push what’s possible in motion.
Additional Info
- Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
- Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
- Consistent culture and team-building events
- Employee recognition and incentive programs
- Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year
- Office lunches
- Branded company swag
- Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
- Dog-friendly offices
- Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
- Flex work and travel options
- Comprehensive extended health benefits
- 401k matching
Similar Jobs
.jpg)
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
