Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor

Company: Mattel

Location: El Segundo, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-05-19

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of innovative digital designs, motion graphics, and video content to support overarching brand strategy and business objectives across diverse marketing and communication channels.

• Drive the conceptualization and execution of visually compelling assets for 360-campaign activations, encompassing digital, social media, video production, and experiential marketing initiatives.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and emerging AI-powered creative workflows to enhance ideation, production efficiency, and asset quality.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including copywriters, producers, marketers, and external partners, to deliver best-in-class creative solutions that elevate global brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for driving brand consistency and visual innovation across Mattel's extensive portfolio. The emphasis on AI-powered creative tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to content creation within a traditional powerhouse like Mattel. The scope suggests a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute breakthrough creative concepts, digital designs, motion graphics, and video content for integrated marketing campaigns.

• Design and produce high-impact visual assets, including key art, social media content, animated graphics, and digital advertising campaigns.

• Edit and refine video content for a variety of platforms such as social media, internal communications, presentations, and promotional materials, ensuring brand alignment and compelling narratives.

• Create dynamic motion graphics, animations, title sequences, transitions, and visual effects to enhance video content and digital experiences.

• Actively utilize and explore AI-powered creative tools and workflows to optimize ideation processes, accelerate production timelines, and improve overall asset quality.

• Build, organize, maintain, and evolve comprehensive brand guidelines, creative toolkits, templates, and visual systems to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with copywriters, producers, marketing teams, designers, licensors, and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution and unified brand messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring a strong blend of design, animation, and video editing skills, with a clear expectation to contribute to broader brand strategy through creative execution. The inclusion of AI tools suggests an emphasis on staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging new technologies for efficiency and innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 4-7 years of progressive experience in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Video Editing, Animation, or a comparable creative field.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional expertise in branding, digital design, animation, and video editing.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

• Proven experience with AI creative tools and emerging creative technologies for ideation and production.

• Solid understanding of branding principles, graphic design fundamentals, typography, and effective visual storytelling.

• Advanced knowledge of video editing, animation, motion graphics, and post-production workflows.

• Ability to build, maintain, and evolve brand guidelines, design systems, and templates.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the toy or family entertainment industry.

• Familiarity with 3D animation software.

• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite) are standard for this type of role. The emphasis on AI tools and a global brand background points to the need for a candidate who can adapt to evolving technologies and manage complex brand ecosystems. The preference for agency/global brand experience suggests the candidate should be comfortable with high-stakes projects and diverse stakeholder demands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating expertise across branding, digital design, motion graphics, and video editing.

• Showcase of 3-5 distinct projects that highlight conceptual thinking, creative problem-solving, and execution capabilities.

• Inclusion of case studies that detail the project's objectives, your role, the process undertaken, and quantifiable outcomes or brand impact.

• Examples of work that demonstrate proficiency with AI-powered creative tools and their application in design or animation workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of end-to-end creative production workflows, from ideation and concept development through to final asset delivery and implementation.

• Ability to articulate the process of building and maintaining brand guidelines, design systems, and templates to ensure visual consistency.

• Explanations of how you approach project management, including timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication to ensure efficient project completion.

• Examples of how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs to meet project goals and stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate their best work, specifically highlighting projects that align with Mattel's brand aesthetic and the job requirements (digital design, motion graphics, video editing, AI tools). Including case studies that articulate the "why" and "how" behind the creative decisions, along with measurable results or brand impact, will be crucial for demonstrating strategic thinking and effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Total Pay Programs: This includes base salary, potential bonuses, and other incentives designed to reward performance and contributions.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This typically includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Employee Discounts: Access to discounts on Mattel products.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance skills in design, animation, video editing, and AI technologies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Mattel fosters a culture that values innovation and efficiency, suggesting a focus on results over strict adherence to hours, with potential for some flexibility around project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information available for a Mid-Level Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor in El Segundo, California, a competitive market. The benefits mentioned are standard for a large corporation like Mattel, emphasizing a holistic approach to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a broader Marketing, Creative, or Brand team. This team is expected to be a hub of creative talent, including copywriters, other designers, producers, and marketing strategists.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Creative Director, Brand Manager, or Marketing Lead who oversees campaign strategy and creative output.

Methodology:

• Mattel emphasizes a data-driven approach, using insights to inform creative strategy and measure campaign effectiveness.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential, especially in a fast-paced environment with multiple global brands. The role's focus on AI tools suggests an embrace of agile and efficient creative processes.

Company Website:

• https://www.mattel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's culture is described as purpose-driven, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The company's long history, combined with its focus on emerging technologies like AI, suggests a dynamic environment where tradition meets forward-thinking execution. The size and scope of Mattel imply a structured yet opportunity-rich environment for creative professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Digital Designer/Animator: Progression to a senior level, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior team members, and having greater influence on creative strategy.

• Creative Lead/Art Director: Opportunity to lead creative conceptualization and execution for specific brands or campaigns, managing a small team or project scope.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced motion graphics, 3D animation, or AI-driven creative workflows, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into roles within Brand Management, Digital Marketing, or Content Strategy, leveraging creative expertise in a broader marketing context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a creative professional at Mattel, especially in a role integrating traditional design with emerging tech, is likely to involve deepening technical expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, or expanding into broader strategic marketing roles. The company's size provides ample opportunity for internal mobility and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard design and video editing hardware and software. Expect a collaborative open-plan office or designated creative studios where designers can work individually and as part of teams.

• Access to advanced technology, including high-performance workstations and potentially specialized equipment for video production and animation.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Given the creative industry and the demands of global brands, there may be periods requiring extended hours to meet project deadlines, especially around campaign launches or key product releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests Mattel values in-person collaboration for its creative teams. The El Segundo location is a significant corporate center, implying a well-resourced and professional working environment conducive to creative output and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on experience and alignment with core requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, often virtually. Be prepared to walk through 3-5 key projects, explaining your process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work. This is where you'll highlight your skills in branding, digital design, motion graphics, video editing, and AI tool usage.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: A practical exercise or test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., After Effects for motion graphics, Premiere Pro for editing, Photoshop/Illustrator for design).

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members will assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, how you handle feedback, and your fit with Mattel's culture (innovation, collaboration, execution). Expect questions about your experience with global brands and AI tools.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader to discuss your vision, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility and proficiency in digital design, motion graphics, and video editing. Prioritize work that demonstrates an understanding of brand strategy and storytelling.

• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, include projects where you leveraged AI tools to enhance your workflow or creative output. Clearly articulate the specific AI tools used and the benefits they provided.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved. Focus on quantifiable outcomes or how your work elevated the brand.

• Demonstrate Brand Acumen: Showcase your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics and maintain brand consistency, especially relevant for a company with a diverse portfolio like Mattel.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, technical processes, and how you collaborate with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a design or editing challenge that requires you to create a specific asset (e.g., a social media graphic, a short animated explainer, or an edited video segment) within a set timeframe.

• Focus on delivering a concept that aligns with the prompt and demonstrates your core skills. Prioritize clear communication and a well-reasoned approach, even if the final output isn't perfectly polished due to time constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process and creative decisions concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at a company like Mattel will likely be thorough, with a strong emphasis on both technical skill and creative thinking. The portfolio review is a critical gate; candidates must be prepared to showcase their best work and articulate their process, especially highlighting their experience with AI tools and their ability to work with established global brands.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For digital asset creation, image manipulation, and graphic design.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and icon creation.
  • After Effects: The core tool for motion graphics, animation, visual effects, and compositing.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing, sequencing, and final output of video content.

• AI Creative Tools: Proficiency with emerging AI tools for ideation, asset generation, content enhancement, and workflow optimization. Specific tools may vary but could include platforms like Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion (for image generation), or AI-powered editing assistants.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar platforms for managing project workflows, deadlines, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics dashboards) to understand asset performance and inform future creative decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design assets are used within CRM campaigns (e.g., email marketing templates) and marketing automation platforms is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that deploy digital assets across various channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite, with After Effects and Premiere Pro being central to the motion graphics and video editing aspects. The explicit mention of AI-powered creative tools is a significant indicator that candidates with experience or a strong interest in exploring these technologies will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value at Mattel, encouraging unique ideas and forward-thinking approaches to design and storytelling. This role is expected to contribute fresh perspectives and embrace new creative technologies.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams and across departments is paramount. The ability to share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and build strong working relationships is essential for success.

• Execution & Accountability: A focus on delivering high-quality work on time and meeting project objectives. Employees are expected to take ownership of their tasks and drive them to completion.

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to Mattel's mission of empowering generations through play. Designers are encouraged to connect their work to this purpose, creating assets that inspire and engage.

• Embracing Change & Emerging Technologies: A culture that encourages curiosity and adaptability, particularly with the integration of AI and new creative workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Mattel promotes a "Partnership is our process" approach, emphasizing teamwork and collective capabilities. Expect a collaborative style that involves frequent brainstorming, cross-functional reviews, and open communication channels.

• The team likely fosters a culture of constructive feedback, where ideas are shared openly to improve creative output and ensure brand consistency.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, particularly around new tools, techniques, and industry best practices, including advancements in AI-driven creative processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's values are clearly articulated around creativity, collaboration, and purpose. For a creative role, this means being a team player who can bring innovative ideas to life while staying aligned with brand strategy and the company's overarching mission. A proactive and adaptable mindset will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the integrity of iconic global brands while pushing creative boundaries and integrating new technologies like AI can be a significant challenge.

• Managing Multiple Brand Projects: Juggling diverse creative needs across Mattel's extensive brand portfolio requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly shift focus and adapt to different brand aesthetics.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving landscape of digital design, animation software, and especially AI-powered creative tools requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Meeting High Volume/Fast Turnaround Demands: The nature of digital marketing and social media often requires rapid content creation and iteration to stay relevant, demanding efficiency and agility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Skill Development: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and advanced training sessions for Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, video editing, and emerging AI creative tools.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant creative and digital marketing conferences to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and gain new insights.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior creative leaders within Mattel, providing guidance on career progression, skill development, and strategic thinking.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Working on projects for various Mattel brands offers a unique opportunity to broaden creative experience and understanding of different market segments and target audiences.

• AI Integration Workshops: Specific training and internal knowledge-sharing sessions focused on maximizing the use of AI tools in the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for continuous learning, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of digital design and AI. The primary challenges stem from managing the complexity of a large brand portfolio and staying ahead of technological advancements, which also present the most compelling growth pathways.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for respecting brand equity while pushing creative boundaries).

• "How do you stay current with emerging design trends and new technologies, particularly AI tools, and how have you incorporated them into your workflow?" (Be ready to discuss specific tools and examples).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Mattel and its iconic brands?" (Research Mattel's brands and mission; connect your passion to their purpose).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-creative team members, such as marketers or product developers?" (Emphasize communication, understanding objectives, and finding common ground).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by skill set (branding, motion graphics, video editing) or by project type.

• Tell Compelling Stories: For each selected project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, the tools used (especially AI), and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recognition, successful campaign launch).

• Show Versatility: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different brand styles and target audiences, showcasing your understanding of Mattel's diverse portfolio.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to answer questions about your software proficiency, specific techniques used, and your workflow for complex animations or edits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical proficiency but also a strategic mindset, creative problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of brand dynamics. Highlighting experience with AI tools and the ability to work within a large corporate structure will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor position at Mattel:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform. Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight your experience in graphic design, motion graphics, video editing, and AI creative tools.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in branding, digital design, animation, and video editing. Specifically include examples demonstrating the use of AI tools and how they benefited your projects. Prioritize projects that align with the scope and brand aesthetic of Mattel.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro) and any experience with AI creative tools. Quantify achievements where possible and use keywords from the job description (e.g., "motion graphics," "video editing," "digital storytelling," "brand guidelines").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, your approach to problem-solving, and your experience with global brands and AI technologies. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, explaining your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mattel's brands, mission, and recent campaigns. Understand their company values and how your creative approach can contribute to their purpose-driven mission and innovative culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.