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: May 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating brand strategy into compelling visual narratives through innovative digital design, motion graphics, and video editing.

• The position requires a blend of strong design fundamentals, advanced animation and video production skills, and a forward-thinking approach to leveraging emerging AI creative technologies.

• Success hinges on the ability to conceptualize and execute high-quality creative assets that elevate global brands across diverse digital and integrated marketing channels.

• The role demands a collaborative spirit, meticulous project management, and a commitment to maintaining and evolving brand consistency and visual systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor" strongly suggests a dual specialization. The emphasis on "digital storytelling," "motion design," and "content creation across all marketing and visual communication channels" indicates a need for a candidate who can bridge the gap between static design and dynamic visual media, with a focus on brand consistency and campaign activation. The requirement for AI creative tool experience points to a modern, forward-looking design team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop innovative creative assets, including digital designs, motion graphics, animations, and video content, that align with brand strategy and business objectives.

• Design and execute a wide range of visual assets, such as key art, social media content, animated graphics, and comprehensive digital campaigns for various platforms.

• Edit video content for diverse applications, including social media promotions, corporate presentations, internal communications, and broader marketing initiatives.

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

• Integrate and leverage AI-powered creative tools and workflows to optimize ideation, enhance production efficiency, and explore new creative possibilities.

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

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including copywriters, producers, marketers, designers, licensors, and external vendors, to ensure cohesive and high-impact campaign execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on creative role that requires end-to-end execution from concept to final asset delivery. The mention of "360-campaign activations" and "experiential, retail, CRM, and integrated marketing campaigns" signifies a broad scope, requiring versatility across multiple marketing disciplines. The emphasis on "brand guidelines, creative toolkits, templates, and visual systems" highlights the importance of maintaining a strong, consistent brand identity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 to 7 years of progressive experience in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Video Editing, Animation, or a related creative discipline.

Required Skills:

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

• Proven expertise in creating compelling digital designs, motion graphics, and animations.

• Strong foundational knowledge of branding principles, typography, and visual storytelling techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to edit video content and manage post-production workflows effectively.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building and maintaining brand guidelines, design systems, and creative toolkits.

• Familiarity with digital storytelling across various platforms (social media, web, etc.).

• Understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles for digital assets.

• Experience with 3D animation software or rendering techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 4-7 years, coupled with a preferred BA/BS/BFA, positions this role as a mid-to-senior level opportunity. The emphasis on advanced proficiency in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and AI tools indicates a need for technical mastery and a willingness to adopt new technologies. The preference for global brand and agency experience suggests that candidates with a proven track record in high-stakes, brand-sensitive environments will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of high-quality creative work, with a strong emphasis on digital design, motion graphics, animation, and video editing.

• Demonstrate expertise in developing visual assets for integrated marketing campaigns, social media content, and digital platforms.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight your ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas from brief to final delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've contributed to or maintained brand guidelines, creative toolkits, or design systems.

• Visuals or descriptions of your workflow for a typical motion graphics or video editing project, detailing stages from concept to final render.

• Evidence of how you've used AI-powered creative tools to enhance efficiency or explore new creative avenues in your work.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams on creative projects, including how you manage feedback and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "digital design," "motion graphics," and "video editing" means the portfolio should ideally cover projects that span these disciplines. The inclusion of "AI-powered creative tools" in the requirements suggests that candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've integrated these tools into their workflow, perhaps through specific project examples or a dedicated section within their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Total Pay Programs.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $80,000 - $100,000 per year for a Digital Brand Designer & Video Animator/Editor with 4-7 years of experience in El Segundo, California, is competitive for the region and the specified experience level. California, particularly the Los Angeles area, has a high cost of living and a strong demand for creative talent, justifying this compensation bracket. The benefits listed are standard for a large, established corporation like Mattel.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toys and Family Entertainment. Mattel is a leading global toy company with iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, aiming to inspire fans and develop children through play.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Mattel is a global corporation with thousands of employees, likely exceeding 10,000+ globally). This size implies robust processes, established brand management, and opportunities for diverse project exposure.

Founded: 1945. This long history signifies stability, deep brand heritage, and a wealth of experience in the toy and entertainment industry.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a marketing, brand, or creative department, potentially part of a larger GTM (Go-To-Market) or Brand Experience team.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Brand Manager, or Senior Marketing Lead, with close collaboration across marketing, product development, and digital teams.

Methodology:

• Mattel emphasizes a purpose-driven approach, aiming to "empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood."

• The company culture is characterized by a collaborative, innovative, and execution-focused mindset. They value new ideas, embrace change, and strive for best-in-class outcomes.

• Expect a data-informed approach to creative decisions, where insights from brand performance, consumer behavior, and market trends inform creative strategy and asset development.

Company Website: https://www.mattel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's industry and long history indicate a focus on brand legacy, innovation within play, and a commitment to quality. The company size suggests that this role will be part of a well-resourced operation with established creative processes, but also potentially bureaucratic. The emphasis on "creativity is our superpower" and "power of play" points to a culture that values imagination, innovation, and a passion for their brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-to-Senior level specialist within the creative function, likely requiring 4-7 years of experience. It's an individual contributor role focused on execution and creative output, rather than management.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Lead, Art Director, or Brand Manager, who oversees the strategic direction. Collaboration will be extensive with peers in marketing, copywriting, and potentially product development.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Operations" role in the sense of business process optimization, this position directly impacts revenue and business objectives by creating visually compelling assets that drive brand engagement, consumer interest, and ultimately, sales across digital, social, and integrated marketing campaigns. The quality of creative output directly influences brand perception and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced 3D animation, AI-driven creative workflows, or complex motion graphics for high-impact campaigns.

• Leadership: Potential to advance into a Senior Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead role, managing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by contributing to different brand initiatives or marketing channels, potentially leading to roles in brand management or integrated marketing.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal training, workshops, and exposure to cutting-edge creative technologies and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level derived from the AI analysis aligns well with the 4-7 years stated in the requirements, indicating a solid mid-career opportunity. The growth potential is clearly geared towards creative specialization or progression into leadership within the creative function, rather than a move into traditional revenue or sales operations. The impact on revenue is indirect but significant, through effective brand communication and marketing asset creation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, California, suggesting a corporate office environment. This typically involves shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and dedicated creative studios or areas.

Office Location(s): 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, California, 90245. This is a major corporate hub for Mattel, likely offering modern amenities and a collaborative atmosphere.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace where creativity is encouraged. This likely includes access to high-end creative software and hardware.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of creative professionals, marketers, and brand strategists.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional extended hours during peak campaign periods or project deadlines. Flexibility may be offered, but the on-site requirement suggests a structured workday.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role at a major corporate headquarters, the work environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and well-equipped. The specific location in El Segundo places it within a significant business district in Southern California, likely offering good accessibility and a vibrant professional community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative alignment with Mattel's brand aesthetic.

• Creative Assessment/Technical Interview: May involve a discussion about your portfolio, problem-solving scenarios, and technical proficiency with design and animation tools. This could include a live design or editing challenge.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and stakeholders from marketing, brand management, or other relevant departments to evaluate collaboration skills and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior creative leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work that directly addresses the requirements of this role (digital design, motion graphics, video editing, branding).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your thought process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. Highlight your use of AI tools if applicable.

• Highlight Brand Understanding: Demonstrate how your designs support brand strategy and maintain brand integrity, especially if you have experience with large brands.

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is polished and reflects a high standard of execution.

• Organize Clearly: Make it easy for reviewers to navigate your portfolio, categorizing work by skill or project type.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential creative challenges that test your speed, conceptual thinking, and technical skills under pressure. Practice creating short animations or editing a brief piece of footage within a time limit.

• Think about how you would approach designing assets for one of Mattel's iconic brands, considering their target audience and brand identity.

• Anticipate questions about how you stay updated on design trends and emerging technologies, particularly AI in creative fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and potential creative challenges is standard for design roles. Candidates should prepare to not only show finished work but also articulate their creative process and strategic thinking behind it. The mention of AI tools means interviewers may probe into how candidates integrate these into their workflow.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is essential, specifically:

  • Photoshop: For digital asset creation, image manipulation, and mockups.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and brand elements.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, visual effects, and compositing.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing, sequencing, and post-production.

• AI Creative Tools: Experience with emerging AI-powered platforms for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, DALL-E, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly required for this role, but understanding how creative assets are deployed within CRM systems or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are clearly defined around the Adobe Creative Suite. The explicit mention of "AI-powered creative tools and workflows" is a critical differentiator, indicating a need for candidates who are not only proficient in traditional tools but also forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging novel ideas and pushing creative boundaries.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and shared success across departments.

• Execution & Excellence: Driving projects to completion with a focus on high-quality outcomes and best-in-class results.

• Passion for Play: A shared enthusiasm for Mattel's mission and brands, fostering a fun and engaging work environment.

• Adaptability & Curiosity: Embracing change, new technologies (like AI), and continuous learning.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings and brainstorming sessions with marketers, copywriters, producers, and brand managers.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative feedback to refine creative work.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed of progress, challenges, and timelines.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a unified brand vision and campaign objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's stated values of collaboration, innovation, and execution are directly relevant to a creative role. The "passion for play" suggests a culture that is engaging and mission-driven. The emphasis on AI also points to a culture that values forward-thinking and embracing new technologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Creating fresh, engaging content while adhering to established global brand guidelines for iconic brands.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: Juggling diverse creative requests from various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI and digital creative tools and integrating them effectively.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring creative vision aligns with marketing objectives and technical feasibility across different teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Access to workshops and courses to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Suite applications, animation techniques, or emerging creative software.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant industry conferences, webinars, or events focused on design, animation, and digital marketing trends.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior creative professionals within Mattel's established creative departments.

• New Technology Exploration: Being at the forefront of integrating AI into creative workflows, offering unique skill development in a rapidly growing field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of working for a major brand in the fast-paced digital space. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with a creative career path, emphasizing both skill enhancement and exposure to new technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking and brand stewardship).

• "Walk us through a complex motion graphics or video editing project from your portfolio. What was your process, what challenges did you overcome, and what were the results?" (Prepare a concise narrative with clear visuals).

• "How have you incorporated AI tools into your creative workflow? Can you provide specific examples of how it improved efficiency or creative output?" (Be ready to discuss practical application and benefits).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Mattel's mission and the opportunity to work with iconic brands like [mention a brand]?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-creative team members, such as marketers or product managers?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini-case studies, explaining the brief, your creative solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase a range of skills, from static digital design to dynamic animation and video editing.

• Emphasize AI Integration: If possible, dedicate a section or specific examples to demonstrate your proficiency with AI creative tools.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your best work efficiently, focusing on quality and relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and adaptability, especially concerning AI. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process and rationale behind their creative decisions.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to specifically highlight your experience in digital design, motion graphics, video editing, and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and AI creative tools. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, key skills, and achievements, using keywords from the job description such as "motion graphics," "video editing," "Adobe Creative Suite," "AI creative tools," and "brand guidelines."

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling and clearly explaining your creative process and the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to creative challenges, brand stewardship, and technology adoption.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's brand portfolio, recent campaigns, and company culture. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm for working with their iconic brands.

⚠️ 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.