Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox’s The Heist is looking for an intermediate Motion Designer to help shape polished motion for brand, product, and experiential work. This hybrid role in Chicago focuses on versatile 2D and 3D motion with a strong type-driven, UI storytelling approach, blending craft with clear collaboration.

What you’ll do

• Design and animate motion content across 2D and 3D workflows, leaning 2D for brand campaigns, product stories, and experiential projects
• Create elegant type-driven animation, transitions, and UI motion for digital experiences
• Build design boards, style frames, and motion references to bring concepts to life
• Collaborate closely with creative directors, art directors, and designers to deliver elevated visual systems and storytelling
• Support early project alignment by contributing to pitch decks, mood boards, and visual directions
• Participate in reviews, share feedback with teammates, and help maintain a high craft bar
• Stay current on emerging motion trends, tools, and techniques

What you bring

• 3 to 5 years of motion design experience in a studio or agency environment
• Strong 2D and 3D skills (leaning 2D), with the ability to move between both comfortably
• Proven strength in type animation, UI motion, and clean composition
• Working proficiency in After Effects, Cinema 4D (or similar), and Adobe Creative Suite; Figma and Unreal are a bonus
• Confidence building styleframes, motion tests, and visual explorations
• Ability to take creative direction and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for thoughtful design craft
• A portfolio that includes a range of motion work: 2D, 3D, UI, and type-led pieces

Tools you’ll use

• After Effects
• Cinema 4D
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Figma
• Unreal
• Redshift, Octane
• Houdini

Bonus points

• Experience with Redshift or Octane
• Experience with Houdini or procedural workflows
• Knowledge of accessibility and UX best practices in motion

Location and schedule

Chicago, IL (hybrid). Monday through Thursday are in the office, with Fridays remote optional.

Compensation

Salary range: USD 80,000 - 90,000 per year.

Benefits

• 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

How to apply

Submit your resume along with links to your online portfolio as part of your application (if applicable). Due to the volume of applications, Thinkingbox is unable to respond to every submission, but all applications are kept in their talent database and considered for future opportunities.