Freelance Motion Graphic Designer -NBC Sports, (Live Sports -On Air Graphics)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Motion Graphic Designer - NBC Sports (Live Sports - On Air Graphics) Company: NBCUniversal Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States Job Type: Contract (Full-time hours project) Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Sports & Recreation Date Posted: January 06, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a seasoned Freelance Motion Graphic Designer focused on live sports broadcasts for NBC Sports, requiring a deep understanding of on-air graphics and broadcast design principles.
• The position involves hands-on production of dynamic graphic and animated elements, including in-game inserts, interstitials, show packages, opens, and titles, all within a fast-paced live sports environment.
• Essential to this role is a strong collaborative spirit and the ability to effectively communicate design concepts and ideas to a highly creative, Emmy-awarded team under tight deadlines.
• The designer will leverage expert proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Maxon Cinema 4D to deliver high-quality broadcast visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly a freelance, full-time hours project with an estimated duration of 4-12 months, with potential for conversion to full-time staff. The focus on "Live Sports - On Air Graphics" and the mention of specific properties like "Sunday Night Football, NBA, Premier League, College Football" indicate a highly specialized and demanding environment requiring rapid turnaround and creative problem-solving. The mention of an "Emmy-awarded NBC Sports Creative team" signifies a high standard of creative output and collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling graphic and animated elements for live sports broadcasts, including in-game insert graphics, interstitial graphics, full show packages, opening sequences, and title cards.
• Collaborate closely with the NBC Sports Creative team, Art Directors, and fellow designers to brainstorm, develop, and refine visual concepts.
• Proactively update and maintain existing graphic elements and templates to ensure consistency across various NBC Sports properties.
• Effectively communicate design concepts, storyboards, and project progress to producers, Art Directors, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with broadcast objectives.
• Manage multiple design packages and projects concurrently, maintaining a high level of quality and adherence to brand guidelines and project timelines.
• Work with a 'get-to-air' urgency, demonstrating an adaptable and proactive approach to meet the dynamic demands of live sports production.
• Maintain expert-level proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Maxon Cinema 4D throughout all production phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, technical execution, and intense collaboration within the live broadcast environment. The "multiple Emmy-awarded NBC Sports Creative team" suggests a high-performance culture where creativity, efficiency, and teamwork are paramount. The need to work with "multiple producers and departments under tight deadlines, and short timelines" highlights the critical nature of project management and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in broadcast motion graphics, ideally within a network television or broadcast design agency setting.
• Proven experience working within the demanding environment of live sports broadcasting, with a strong understanding of its unique implementation needs.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe After Effects for complex animation and motion graphics creation.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, manipulation, and graphic design.
• Extensive knowledge of Maxon Cinema 4D, encompassing modeling, texturing, lighting, animating, MoGraph, dynamics, render optimization, and Redshift rendering.
• Strong understanding of broadcast design principles, motion theory, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent typography and graphic design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic balance.
• Proven ability in concept and storyboard design, translating ideas into visual narratives.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a strong focus on meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with creative teams and producers.
• Must be detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and possess a flexible, collaborative spirit.

Preferred Skills:

• A deep passion for sports and an understanding of sports-specific broadcast graphic trends.
• Experience with show packaging and current graphic design trends in broadcast media.
• Familiarity with other 3D software or rendering engines could be beneficial.
• A portfolio showcasing successful broadcast motion design projects, particularly within sports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert knowledge" for Adobe Creative Suite and "extensive knowledge" for Cinema 4D underscores the technical depth required. The "understanding of the implementation of design elements in network television and live sports environments a must" points to practical, real-world broadcast experience being non-negotiable. The "love of sports a plus" suggests that while not strictly required, a genuine interest in the subject matter will be highly valued and contribute to creative output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional broadcast motion graphics work, with a strong emphasis on live sports projects.
• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver high-quality in-game insert graphics, interstitial graphics, show packages, opens, and titles.
• Examples of concept development and storyboarding for complex motion graphics sequences.
• Projects that highlight strong typography, design, and motion theory application.
• Evidence of successful collaboration within a creative team environment.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the ability to articulate one's design process, from concept to final render, is crucial.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for updating existing templates and maintaining brand consistency across multiple projects.
• The capacity to describe how they manage feedback and revisions within a tight production schedule is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on broadcast motion graphics, a visual portfolio is paramount. The "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section is inferred based on industry standards for creative roles of this caliber, especially within a high-profile organization like NBC Sports. The emphasis will be on the quality and relevance of the work presented, showcasing technical skill, creative vision, and the ability to execute under pressure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $500 - $800 per day.

Benefits:

• This is a freelance position, typically meaning benefits are not provided directly by the employer. However, the job listing mentions eligibility for company-sponsored benefits if converted to full-time staff.
• For the freelance period, eligible benefits include:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • A variety of other discounts and perks

Working Hours:

• This role requires full-time hours for the project duration (estimated 4-12 months).
• Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed, reflecting the demands of live sports broadcasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The daily rate structure for freelance broadcast positions is common. The listed salary range of $500 - $800 per day translates to approximately $104,000 - $166,400 annually if working 5 days a week for 52 weeks, which aligns with experienced motion graphics designers in major media markets. The mention of potential eligibility for company benefits upon conversion to full-time staff is a significant incentive for a freelance role. The explicit requirement for nights and weekends is critical for candidates to understand the commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, Broadcasting, Sports. NBCUniversal is a global leader in creating and distributing world-class content across film, television, and streaming, with significant operations in theme parks and consumer products. Company Size: NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, a very large, multinational conglomerate. The NBC Sports division itself is a substantial entity within the media landscape. Founded: NBCUniversal traces its roots back to 1926 with the founding of NBC. This long history signifies a deeply established presence and a culture built on decades of media innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the NBC Sports On Air Graphics Team, described as a "tight group of sports design creatives."
• This team operates under the "multiple Emmy-awarded NBC Sports Creative team," suggesting a high-performing, award-winning unit.
• Collaboration is key, with daily interaction expected with Art Directors, fellow designers, producers, and potentially other departments involved in live broadcast production.

Methodology:

• The team values a blend of creative artistry and functional design, balancing "information and entertainment."
• There's a strong emphasis on a "get-to-air" urgency, indicating a fast-paced, results-oriented approach.
• The team appreciates "typography, design and information layout," suggesting a methodical and detail-oriented approach to visual communication.
• Data-driven insights are implicitly valued through the need for effective information layout in graphics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NBCUniversal's culture is characterized by its vast reach in media and entertainment, commitment to community improvement, and fostering an inclusive environment. Within NBC Sports, the culture is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and results-driven, with a high degree of creative collaboration and a shared passion for sports. The "tight group" dynamic suggests a close-knit team that relies on mutual support and shared goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level freelance role for experienced Motion Graphic Designers, equivalent to a mid-to-senior level individual contributor. It requires a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise. Reporting Structure: The designer will report to an Art Director or lead designer within the NBC Sports Creative team and will work closely with producers and various departments involved in sports broadcasts. Operations Impact: Motion graphics are critical to the viewer experience in live sports broadcasting, directly impacting engagement, understanding of game events, and brand perception. This role has a direct impact on the visual appeal and informational clarity of NBC Sports' premier properties.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific 3D rendering engines (like Redshift) or advanced animation techniques within After Effects.
• Property Exposure: Gain extensive experience working on high-profile sports properties like the NFL, NBA, and Premier League, building a strong portfolio and network.
• Potential Full-Time Conversion: The possibility of transitioning to a full-time staff position offers long-term career stability and advancement within NBCUniversal.
• Creative Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities to lead smaller projects or mentor junior designers may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a freelance role, the potential for full-time conversion is a significant growth indicator. The exposure to top-tier live sports broadcasts provides invaluable experience that can propel a designer's career within the broadcast and media industry. The "operations" aspect here refers to the operational execution of creative tasks within a large media organization, impacting its GTM (Go-To-Market) for its sports content.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at NBCUniversal's New York headquarters, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This implies a professional, corporate office environment. Office Location(s): 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112. This iconic location offers a vibrant work environment in the heart of Manhattan, with excellent access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within the NBC Sports On Air Graphics Team, a collaborative environment with other designers and creative professionals.
• Access to high-end workstations and the necessary software infrastructure (Adobe Creative Suite, Cinema 4D) will be provided.
• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of live broadcast production, requiring adaptability and quick thinking.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) for the project duration.
• Flexibility is required, with a willingness to work nights and weekends as needed to meet broadcast deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at a major media hub like Rockefeller Plaza offers a unique professional experience. The emphasis on collaboration and the need for flexibility in working hours are critical aspects of the on-site work environment for broadcast operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume/CV through NBCUniversal Careers website.
• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant motion graphics work, particularly for live sports.
• Preliminary Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for essential qualifications and experience.
• Interviews: Likely to involve discussions with the Art Director, hiring manager, and potentially members of the NBC Sports Creative team. These interviews will assess design skills, technical proficiency, collaborative abilities, and understanding of broadcast workflows.
• Technical Test/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or a practical test in After Effects and/or Cinema 4D to demonstrate their skills under timed conditions.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to finalize hiring decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Showcase your strongest work, prioritizing broadcast motion graphics, especially live sports. Include examples of show packages, in-game graphics, and animated opens.
• Demonstrate Technical Prowess: Highlight projects that clearly exhibit expert use of After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema 4D. Feature complex animations, detailed modeling, and effective rendering.
• Showcase Process: Include case studies or descriptions that explain your design process, from concept to execution. Briefly touch upon how you approached challenges and collaborated with teams.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, show how your graphics contributed to the success or clarity of a broadcast. Mention any awards or recognition received.
• Keep it Concise: Focus on quality over quantity. Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and highlights your best work efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Master Your Tools: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in After Effects and Cinema 4D under pressure. Practice common broadcast graphic tasks.
• Understand Broadcast Needs: Be prepared to discuss how design choices serve the needs of live sports broadcasting (e.g., clarity, urgency, viewer engagement).
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your workflow, problem-solving approach, and how you manage feedback and revisions.
• Practice Time Management: Design challenges are often timed. Practice completing tasks within strict time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a creative role at NBCUniversal will heavily rely on the visual portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the rationale behind their design choices and their technical approach. The emphasis on "live sports" and "on-air graphics" means the portfolio needs to be highly tailored to this specific niche.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Expert level required for motion graphics and animation.
• Adobe Photoshop: Expert level for asset creation, image manipulation, and graphic design.
• Adobe Illustrator: Expert level for vector graphics, logo design, and asset creation.
• Maxon Cinema 4D: Extensive knowledge required for 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, MoGraph, dynamics, and rendering (including Redshift).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary tools for a motion designer, understanding how graphics are used in conjunction with data (e.g., score overlays, stat graphics) is beneficial. Proficiency in tools that might integrate with data feeds or display dynamic information could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this creative role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard 2D and 3D design and animation software. The explicit mention of Cinema 4D and its specific features (modeling, texturing, lighting, MoGraph, Redshift) indicates a strong emphasis on 3D integration within broadcast graphics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Creativity: A commitment to producing award-winning, visually stunning graphics that enhance the viewer experience.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a "tight group" and across departments to achieve broadcast goals, embodying a "get-to-air" urgency.
• Innovation: Staying current with design trends and leveraging technology to push creative boundaries in sports broadcasting.
• Detail-Orientation: Meticulous attention to design, typography, and animation to ensure clarity and professionalism in live broadcasts.
• Adaptability: The ability to respond quickly to the dynamic nature of live sports and tight production schedules.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication.
• Designers are expected to work closely with Art Directors and producers, readily exchanging ideas and feedback.
• A "get-to-air" mentality fosters a proactive and results-driven collaborative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is likely to be fast-paced, demanding, and creatively stimulating, driven by a shared passion for sports and broadcast excellence. The values align with producing high-quality, impactful creative work under pressure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Turnaround Times: Meeting tight deadlines inherent in live sports broadcasting, often requiring quick ideation and execution.
• Dynamic Content: Adapting designs to evolving game situations and broadcast needs in real-time.
• Technical Complexity: Mastering and effectively utilizing advanced features in After Effects and Cinema 4D for complex animations and 3D integration.
• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring visual coherence across multiple projects and properties while adhering to brand guidelines.
• Feedback Integration: Effectively incorporating feedback from Art Directors, producers, and other stakeholders into designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Gaining deeper expertise in Cinema 4D (e.g., advanced rendering, simulation) and After Effects (e.g., expressions, plugins).
• Broadcast Workflow Mastery: Developing a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end broadcast production pipeline.
• Sports Property Exposure: Building a portfolio with high-profile live sports events, enhancing marketability.
• Creative Mentorship: Learning from an Emmy-awarded creative team, gaining insights into best practices and innovative design approaches.
• Potential Career Advancement: The possibility of converting to a full-time role offers a clear path for continued growth within NBCUniversal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-stakes broadcast design roles. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement, project exposure, and the potential for long-term career development within a major media organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a show package from concept to final render for a live sports broadcast." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you balance creative vision with the practical constraints of broadcast deadlines and technical requirements?" (Highlight efficiency, adaptability, and communication.)
• "Walk us through a complex motion graphics project you completed in Cinema 4D. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Showcase technical depth and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working on NBC Sports' live broadcast graphics?" (Demonstrate passion for sports and broadcast design.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team, especially under tight deadlines?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication skills.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in motion graphics and broadcast design?" (Showcase initiative and continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome.
• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques, render settings, and any custom tools or expressions used.
• Highlight Sports Relevance: Emphasize projects that directly relate to sports broadcasting, explaining how your designs enhanced the viewing experience or conveyed information effectively.
• Showcase Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you worked with other team members or stakeholders.
• Be Prepared for Live Demos: If the role involves a technical challenge, be ready to demonstrate your skills live or provide a screen recording of your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also a deep technical understanding, a collaborative mindset, and an ability to perform under pressure within the specific context of live sports broadcasting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume/CV through the NBCUniversal Careers website (www.nbcunicareers.com).
• Curate Your Portfolio: Carefully select and organize your strongest motion graphics work, ensuring it prominently features broadcast design, especially for live sports. Prepare to discuss your process and technical execution for each piece.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Cinema 4D, emphasizing years of experience in broadcast design and any experience with live sports or network television. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your After Effects and Cinema 4D skills. Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in creating graphics suitable for live broadcast environments.
• Research NBC Sports: Understand their current on-air graphics, major sports properties, and brand identity to better align your application and interview responses with their needs.

⚠️ 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.