Graphic Designer & Motion Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer & Motion Artist

Company: The Drum

Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation and delivery of exceptional, innovative design and motion graphics to elevate The Drum's brand presence and drive business objectives.

• Manage the end-to-end design project lifecycle, ensuring seamless collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve marketing strategies and business goals.

• Maintain and enhance design standards across all platforms, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with strategic plans.

• Leverage expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, to produce high-quality visual content for both print and digital media.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and evolution by exploring and adopting new tools and methodologies to optimize workflows and strengthen creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level position, indicated by the 2-5 years of experience requirement and the responsibility for leading projects and potentially delegating tasks. The emphasis on driving "reach, reputation, and revenue" suggests a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, where design directly impacts lead generation, brand perception, and customer engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and generate innovative design ideas for both print and digital media, including dynamic motion graphics, that align with The Drum's strategic and communications plans.

• Ensure unwavering brand consistency across all digital and physical touchpoints, reinforcing The Drum's identity and messaging.

• Proactively develop new creative concepts and products, staying abreast of evolving industry trends and incorporating them into design solutions.

• Delegate tasks to junior designers or freelancers, providing clear guidance and support while ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project objectives.

• Efficiently manage workloads, identifying and implementing solutions to potential project roadblocks and ensuring timely delivery.

• Support online content initiatives through necessary design and animation contributions, enhancing digital presence and user engagement.

• Coordinate and liaise professionally with clients and suppliers, fostering strong working relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout project execution.

• Train other team members on relevant systems and software, facilitating knowledge transfer and upskilling within the department.

• Create engaging short-form animations and video content for social media and digital platforms, including titles, kinetic text, lower thirds, and transitions, often managing multiple projects concurrently under strict deadlines.

• Confidently present design ideas, concepts, and storyboard proposals to stakeholders, articulating creative vision and strategic rationale.

• Manage allocated projects effectively within Asana, ensuring all tasks are tracked, updated, and completed within their designated timelines.

• Uphold company processes and systems, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance across all design-related activities.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments, including the events division, to support broader business objectives and foster synergistic working relationships.

• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by directors or managers, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting the organization's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management, typical for a senior design role with operational oversight. The emphasis on "ensuring company processes/systems are followed" and "cross-working with other departments" points to the need for strong operational awareness and process adherence, crucial for GTM alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional design experience, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong focus on:

  • After Effects: For advanced motion graphics, animation, and video editing.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and illustration.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital art.
  • InDesign: For layout design, print collateral, and digital publishing.

• Proven ability to create compelling short-form animations and video content for social media and digital platforms.

• Strong understanding of best practices for video content across various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and broadcasting standards.

• Familiarity with video formats, file compression techniques, and frame rate considerations.

• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Tenacious and resilient, capable of objectively considering feedback, bouncing back from criticism, and enthusiastically pursuing new solutions.

• High level of organization and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all tasks.

• Exceptional time management skills with a demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize effectively under pressure.

• Natural problem-solving aptitude, comfortable navigating stressful situations with a calm and collected demeanor.

• Ability to build rapport and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Asana for project management and workflow tracking.

• Knowledge of Foleon for digital publishing and interactive content creation.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted creative tools for ideation and efficiency enhancement.

• Experience in delegating tasks and providing guidance to junior team members or freelancers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and motion graphics capabilities is critical. The soft skills required—resilience, problem-solving, organization, and communication—are paramount for effective GTM operations where cross-functional collaboration and rapid iteration are common.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on both static graphic design and dynamic motion graphics.

• Demonstrations of brand consistency across various applications and platforms, illustrating an understanding of brand stewardship.

• Examples of successful project management, ideally highlighting the ability to manage projects from concept to final delivery, including any case studies that detail challenges faced and solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• While not a formal requirement for submission, candidates are expected to be able to discuss their personal workflow processes for design projects, including:

  • Conceptualization and ideation phases.

  • Design execution and refinement stages.

  • Collaboration and feedback incorporation methods.

  • Final delivery and asset management strategies.

  • How they ensure brand guidelines are maintained throughout their personal process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating process capability. It should not just show final output but also hint at the structure and efficiency behind it. Highlighting projects where efficiency was gained or processes were improved will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 28 days of holiday, plus an additional 27 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), totaling 55 days of paid leave per year.

• Retirement Planning: Access to a Pension scheme or a 401k retirement plan, supporting long-term financial security.

• Performance-Based Bonus: A company-wide discretionary bonus scheme tied to business performance, offering direct financial reward for collective success.

• Enhanced Family Leave: A comprehensive family leave package that exceeds industry standards, supporting employees during significant life events.

• Paid Volunteering: Two paid volunteering days annually, encouraging employees to contribute to their communities.

• Professional Development:

  • Company-wide mentoring program to foster career growth and knowledge sharing.
  • A dedicated Learning & Development fund/opportunities for continuous skill enhancement.

• Employee Referral Bonus: Incentives for referring successful candidates, promoting internal talent acquisition.

• Social & Workplace Perks:

  • Regular company social events to foster team cohesion.
  • Hybrid working model for a balanced work-life integration.
  • Early finish on Fridays to enhance work-life balance.
  • Dog-friendly offices, creating a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with an attractive early finish on Fridays. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market data for similar roles and experience levels. The extensive benefits package, particularly the generous PTO and L&D opportunities, indicates a company that invests in employee well-being and professional growth, which is a strong selling point for operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Publishing & Media (specifically focused on marketing, advertising, and brand industry news and insights).

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but Workable job listings often come from a range of company sizes. Given the mention of delegating tasks to a junior/freelancer and a "wider company teams," it suggests a medium-sized organization with established departments.

Founded: The Drum was founded in 1998, indicating a company with a long-standing presence and established reputation in the media industry.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within a design production team, working alongside other designers and potentially motion artists.

• This team collaborates closely with "wider company teams," which likely include editorial, marketing, sales, and events divisions, highlighting the cross-functional nature of the role.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly stated for this role, The Drum's business model relies on data and insights to inform its content and services. The design team would likely contribute by visualizing data and insights for clients or internal use.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role emphasizes optimizing workflows, exploring new tools, and ensuring efficient project delivery, reflecting a focus on process improvement.

• Automation & Efficiency: The encouragement to adopt new software and the mention of AI-assisted tools suggest an openness to leveraging technology for increased efficiency in creative processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Drum's focus on the marketing and advertising industry means that the design output of this role directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of marketing campaigns for their clients. This aligns strongly with GTM objectives where design is a critical component of brand communication and lead generation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer with potential for Seniority. This role is described as taking a "leading position" and involves project management and potentially delegation. It offers a stepping stone for individuals looking to advance from a purely execution-focused role to one with more strategic input and team leadership responsibilities within the creative operations domain.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a director or manager, as indicated by "any other reasonable duties as requested by a director/manager." The design team itself likely has a structure where this role interacts with peers and potentially junior staff or freelancers.

Operations Impact: The design and motion graphics produced directly influence The Drum's brand perception, the effectiveness of its marketing campaigns, and the engagement with its content. By creating "outstanding, inspiring, and innovative design that elevates The Drum brand and helps drive reach, reputation, and revenue," this role plays a crucial part in achieving GTM objectives. High-quality visuals are essential for attracting and retaining clients, enhancing marketing collateral, and supporting sales efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics and animation, potentially becoming a lead specialist. The delegation aspect also offers a pathway into team leadership or mentorship.

• Skill Development: Access to a Learning & Development fund and a company-wide mentoring program provides avenues for acquiring new skills, exploring emerging technologies (like AI tools), and gaining insights from experienced professionals.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Working with "wider company teams" offers exposure to different facets of the media and publishing business, potentially opening doors to roles in marketing coordination, content strategy, or project management within The Drum.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clear emphasis on driving "revenue" and "reach" through design positions this role as integral to GTM success. Growth opportunities are tied to both creative specialization and operational leadership, offering a well-rounded career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The mention of "dog friendly offices" and "early finish on Fridays" suggests a modern, relatively informal, and employee-centric office culture. The "hybrid working" arrangement indicates a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom: This is the primary specified location.

• US: The company also has a team presence in the US, suggesting potential for remote collaboration with US-based colleagues or even future opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the need to work with "wider company teams" imply a collaborative workspace where in-person interaction is valued for brainstorming and team synergy, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

• Technology & Tools: The role requires expert use of Adobe Creative Suite and potentially Asana and Foleon, indicating a well-equipped digital workspace. The openness to new tools suggests investment in relevant technology.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction with the design team, other departments, and potentially clients, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, is complemented by an "early finish on Fridays," offering enhanced work-life balance. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement allows for flexibility in managing personal time alongside professional commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and dog-friendly offices point to a company that values employee well-being and flexibility, which can be attractive to operations professionals who often manage complex schedules and require a supportive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on your CV and, crucially, your portfolio link.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing key projects that demonstrate your skills in graphic design, motion graphics, brand consistency, and project management. Be prepared to discuss your creative process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design challenge or case study may be given, focusing on creating a concept, a short animation, or a design solution for a hypothetical brief relevant to The Drum's business. This assesses your ability to work under pressure and apply your skills to specific requirements.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess your communication skills, resilience, organizational abilities, and how well you align with The Drum's culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a director or senior leader to discuss your overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best highlight your expertise in motion graphics, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, brand consistency, and your ability to drive impact (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign elements).

• Showcase Process: For at least 1-2 key projects, briefly outline your process: the brief, your ideation, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and operational thinking.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results associated with your work (e.g., engagement rates, client feedback, contribution to campaign success).

• Highlight Motion Graphics: Ensure a strong representation of your animation and motion design skills, as this is a key requirement.

• Tailor to The Drum: Research The Drum's current branding, content, and client work. Highlight projects that show an understanding of their aesthetic or industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any design challenge brief. Identify key objectives, target audience, and deliverables.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concept development, execution, and refinement.

• Presentation Readiness: Prepare a concise presentation of your solution, clearly articulating your creative choices, rationale, and how it meets the brief's requirements. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Operations Focus: If the challenge involves workflow or process, think about how your solution would be implemented efficiently and consistently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the importance of practical skills and process demonstration. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they created, but how and why, demonstrating their operational approach to design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level):

  • After Effects: For advanced animation, motion graphics, kinetic typography, and video compositing. Essential for creating dynamic visual content.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations, ensuring scalable and high-quality assets.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, digital painting, texture creation, and preparing assets for various platforms.
  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, reports, digital publications, and other print/digital collateral.

• Project Management Software:

  • Asana: Specifically mentioned for managing allocated projects, tracking tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration. Familiarity with its features for task assignment, progress updates, and project timelines is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Foleon: Described as desirable, this platform is used for creating interactive digital content and publications.

• AI-Assisted Creative Tools: Mentioned as a desirable, forward-looking skill, indicating an interest in leveraging AI for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially After Effects, is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Asana is also a key operational requirement. Highlighting any experience with Foleon or AI creative tools will differentiate candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: Openness to new tools and approaches, a drive to explore and adopt new software to strengthen output and keep the team evolving.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering outstanding, inspiring, and innovative design that elevates the brand and meets high standards.

• Efficiency & Organization: Highly organized, able to work in a fast-paced environment to tight deadlines, with excellent time management and multitasking abilities.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, maintaining clear communication and building rapport.

• Problem-Solving & Resilience: A natural inclination to find solutions, cope with stressful situations, and remain enthusiastic and adaptable when facing challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working with "wider company teams" (editorial, marketing, sales, events) to achieve shared goals, demonstrating a collaborative spirit beyond the immediate design department.

• Process-Oriented: A commitment to following company processes and systems, and openness to training others, suggesting a structured yet adaptable approach to teamwork.

• Feedback-Driven: Resilience and objectivity in considering feedback on ideas, indicating a willingness to engage in constructive criticism for collective improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of creative passion and operational discipline. Candidates who can demonstrate both a strong aesthetic sense and a pragmatic, organized approach to their work will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: The primary challenge will be translating The Drum's strategic goals and client needs into compelling and effective design and motion graphics, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and commercial impact.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced environment and requirement to manage numerous projects concurrently will demand exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends and Technologies: Staying current with design trends, software updates, and emerging technologies (like AI in creative workflows) requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency Across Diverse Platforms: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across a wide range of print, digital, and social media channels can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in Motion Graphics: Deepen expertise in After Effects and animation techniques, potentially becoming a go-to specialist within the team.

• Project Management Skills: Develop advanced project management capabilities through managing diverse projects and potentially mentoring junior staff.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain insights into marketing, editorial, and events operations, broadening understanding of the media business.

• New Tool Adoption: Opportunity to learn and implement new software, including potentially Foleon and AI-assisted creative tools, enhancing technical proficiency.

• Mentorship: Benefit from the company-wide mentoring program for career guidance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role within a dynamic media company, emphasizing the need for strong operational skills like time management and project execution. The growth opportunities align well with career progression in both creative and operational aspects of design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy & Process: "Describe your approach to generating creative concepts for a brand like The Drum. How do you ensure your designs align with marketing strategies and drive business objectives?" (Prepare to discuss your ideation process, research methods, and how you link design to revenue/reach.)

• Motion Graphics Expertise: "Walk us through a complex motion graphics project you managed from storyboard to final delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them using tools like After Effects?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating technical skill and problem-solving.)

• Brand Consistency: "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of deliverables, from social media animations to print collateral?" (Discuss your methods for adherence to brand guidelines and maintaining visual identity.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage feedback from multiple internal teams or clients on a design project. How did you navigate differing opinions and ensure a successful outcome?" (Prepare an example showcasing communication, resilience, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "The Drum values innovation and efficiency. Can you give an example of how you've applied these values in your previous roles?" (Connect your experiences to the company's stated values.)

• Working in a Fast-Paced Environment: "This role requires working to tight deadlines. How do you prioritize your workload and manage stress when juggling multiple projects?" (Highlight your organizational and time management strategies.)

• Interest in The Drum: "Why are you interested in The Drum, and what excites you about this specific Graphic Designer & Motion Artist role?" (Showcase your research and genuine enthusiasm.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects. For each, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final impact or outcome.

• Highlight Motion Graphics: Dedicate significant time to showcasing your motion design work. Explain the technical aspects and creative decisions behind your animations.

• Demonstrate Operational Skills: For projects where applicable, discuss how you managed deadlines, collaborated with others, or optimized your workflow.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be clear, concise, and engaging. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly. Aim for a presentation that is both visually appealing and informative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on linking creative skills with operational efficiency and business impact. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process, problem-solving abilities, and how their work contributes to broader GTM goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer & Motion Artist position:

• Submit Your Application: Click the application link and complete the required fields.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of experience, expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects), motion graphics capabilities, and project management skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio link is prominently displayed. Select your strongest work, focusing on motion graphics and examples that demonstrate brand consistency and project management. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail during an interview.

• Research The Drum: Understand their brand, target audience, recent content, and the industry they serve. This will help you articulate your understanding of their needs and your fit for the role.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common design brief structures and practice creating quick concepts or solutions under timed conditions.

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

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