Motion Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Motion Graphic Designer

Company: LA Clippers

Location: Inglewood, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: January 15, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize, design, and animate dynamic graphics and original content for event presentation, marketing, and partnerships.

• Produce high-quality static and animated graphics with minimal direction, from concept to completion, ensuring brand consistency.

• Collaborate closely with designers, marketing, event presentation, digital, broadcast, and social media teams to create custom animations.

• Develop and maintain a consistent overall team brand identity across all visual assets and platforms.

• Contribute to the evolution of the team's image by understanding brand and marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for visual storytelling and brand representation within a high-profile sports organization. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the visual experience for fans both in-arena and across digital platforms, requiring a strong blend of creative artistry and technical proficiency in animation and design software.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create high-quality original static and animated graphics, from initial concept through final delivery, with a high degree of autonomy.

• Develop and manage graphics templates and customized designs to meet specific team usage requirements.

• Produce engaging animated motion graphics for Intuit Dome's advanced LED displays, ensuring visual impact and clarity.

• Foster strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including designers, marketing, event presentation, digital, broadcast, and social producers, to ensure cohesive visual output.

• Understand and implement brand guidelines and marketing objectives to contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the LA Clippers' visual identity.

• Design and create promotional videos, animations, and graphics for various events and campaigns.

• Utilize independent judgment, design principles, and aesthetic concepts to create sample layouts for complex graphics and animations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "minimal direction" and "independent judgment" suggests a need for a proactive and self-sufficient designer. The requirement to work with "various team projects and schedules" highlights the importance of adaptability and strong project management skills in a fast-paced sports environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Animation, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: 2 to 4+ years of professional experience specifically in motion design, with demonstrated work in creating dynamic visual content.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a focus on After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop.

• Strong command of Adobe Illustrator for vector-based graphics creation.

• Proven ability to create high-quality original static and animated graphics.

• Demonstrated understanding of design principles, typography, and visual storytelling.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Strong creative motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to adapt to various team projects and schedules.

• Ability to learn quickly and contribute effectively in a dynamic, fast-growing environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Cinema 4D or other similar 3D software.

• Experience in the sports or entertainment industry, specifically with live event presentation graphics.

• Familiarity with video editing and post-production workflows beyond animation.

• Understanding of broadcast graphics standards and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2 to 4+" years of experience suggests a mid-level role where candidates are expected to be proficient and capable of contributing significantly without extensive oversight. The preference for 3D software indicates a desire for advanced capabilities in creating visually rich and complex graphics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of high-quality motion graphics projects, including static and animated graphics, video edits, and potentially 3D elements.

• Demonstrations of creativity, design sensibility, typography application, and visual storytelling skills.

• Examples of work created with minimal direction, highlighting independent initiative and project completion.

• Projects that illustrate an understanding of brand consistency and the ability to adapt designs for different platforms and audiences.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their creative process, workflow management, and how they approach problem-solving in design challenges.

• Ability to articulate how they translate brand objectives and marketing goals into compelling visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a motion graphics role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's skills, creativity, and technical proficiency. Applicants should curate their best work, focusing on projects that align with the responsibilities outlined and demonstrate the required software expertise.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

• 401(k) plan with company contribution.

• Wellbeing Allowance of up to $1,000 per year.

• Paid vacation and sick time.

• Paid parental leave.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).

• Company-paid Long Term Disability insurance.

• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance.

• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employee, spouse, and children.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Mind health support via Modern Health and Headspace.

Working Hours: The role requires a flexible schedule, including weeknights, weekends, and holidays, to cover high-profile NBA games and events. The standard workweek is likely 40 hours, but event-driven demands will necessitate adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated annual compensation of $70,000 is a fixed figure. The "non-exempt" classification means the employee will be eligible for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week, which is common for event-driven roles. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive, reflecting the standards of a professional sports organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, specifically professional basketball. The LA Clippers operate within a dynamic and fast-paced environment driven by athletic performance, fan engagement, and brand marketing.

Company Size: As part of the NBA, the LA Clippers organization is a large entity with multiple departments and a significant number of employees dedicated to various aspects of the team's operations, marketing, and fan experience.

Founded: The LA Clippers were founded in 1970 (as the Buffalo Braves) and relocated to San Diego in 1978, and then to Los Angeles in 1984. The team has a rich history within the NBA, aiming to build on its legacy with new facilities and a strong competitive presence.

Team Structure:

• The Motion Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Manager.

• This team collaborates extensively with Marketing, Event Presentation, Digital Media, Broadcast Operations, and Partnership teams.

Methodology:

• Creative output is driven by understanding brand and marketing objectives, contributing to the team's image evolution.

• Emphasis on producing high-quality, original content with a strong design sensibility and storytelling capability.

• Collaborative approach to ensure visual consistency across all platforms and campaigns.

Company Website: https://www.nba.com/clippers

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a professional sports team like the LA Clippers means being part of a high-energy, deadline-driven environment. The culture likely values teamwork, passion for the sport, and a dedication to excellence in all aspects of presentation and communication. The opening of Intuit Dome signifies a significant investment in fan experience and infrastructure, suggesting a forward-thinking and innovative operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Motion Graphic Designer role, requiring 2-4+ years of experience. It is an individual contributor position focused on executing creative tasks and contributing to the visual output of the organization.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Director or a Senior Manager within the Creative Services department. This individual will work within a team of designers and creative professionals.

Operations Impact: The Motion Graphic Designer's work directly impacts fan engagement, brand perception, and the overall presentation of the LA Clippers. High-quality visuals are crucial for in-arena experiences, marketing campaigns, digital content, and partnership activations, all of which contribute to revenue generation and brand value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in After Effects, Premiere Pro, and potentially 3D software like Cinema 4D, and learn new animation techniques and software.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas such as broadcast graphics, in-arena content, or digital animation.

• Creative Leadership: With significant experience and demonstrated success, potential growth into senior designer or art director roles within the Creative Services department.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunity to gain experience working with various departments, broadening understanding of integrated marketing and GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this specific role is focused on design execution, the dynamic environment of a professional sports team offers numerous avenues for professional development. The ability to demonstrate impact on fan engagement and brand perception will be key for career progression within the organization or the broader sports and entertainment industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Inglewood, CA, at the LA Clippers' facilities, likely including offices near the Intuit Dome. This environment is expected to be professional, fast-paced, and collaborative, with a focus on creative output.

Office Location(s): Inglewood, CA. The Intuit Dome is a central piece of the new infrastructure, suggesting the workspace will be modern and equipped with advanced technology.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with designers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Technology Focus: Access to state-of-the-art design software and hardware will be crucial for producing high-quality motion graphics. The Intuit Dome's LED displays will be a significant platform for showcasing work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with creative professionals, brainstorming sessions, and project feedback.

Work Schedule: The role demands flexibility, including weeknights, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate NBA game schedules and other high-profile events. While a standard 40-hour week is implied, event-driven needs will dictate the actual hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on event coverage means the work environment will be dynamic and potentially demanding, especially during the NBA season. Candidates should be prepared for a schedule that may not always adhere to a traditional 9-to-5, Monday-Friday structure, but offers the unique excitement of working within professional sports.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and technical skills.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio and may be given a creative challenge or design exercise to assess their skills, problem-solving abilities, and creative approach in real-time.

• Interviews with Hiring Team: Discussions with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Creative Services team to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of brand objectives.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion about strategic contributions and alignment with organizational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a variety of projects demonstrating skills in different styles, for different platforms (in-arena, digital, social), and for different purposes (promotional, informational, branding).

• Highlight Key Software Proficiency: Ensure projects clearly demonstrate expertise in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. If 3D is included, make sure it's well-represented.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Quantify impact if possible (e.g., "contributed to a campaign that saw X engagement").

• Brand Alignment: Select projects that show an understanding of branding principles and the ability to create cohesive visual identities.

• Keep it Concise: Curate your best work and ensure the portfolio is easy to navigate and review.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your creative process and how you approach developing motion graphics from a brief.

• Practice articulating your design choices and the rationale behind them.

• Familiarize yourself with the LA Clippers' current branding, visual style, and recent marketing campaigns.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and incorporate it into your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary gatekeeper for this role. Candidates must ensure it is polished, relevant, and clearly demonstrates the required technical and creative skills. The ability to articulate their process and design rationale is as important as the visual output itself.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • After Effects: Essential for motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing, assembling sequences, and final rendering.
  • Photoshop: For raster image editing, creating assets, and texture work.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and scalable design elements.

• 3D Software (Preferred):

  • Cinema 4D: Highly preferred for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. Other similar 3D software proficiency may be considered.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how visual content performs across digital platforms (e.g., engagement metrics on social media) could be an advantage.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects, is non-negotiable for this position. Familiarity with 3D software like Cinema 4D significantly enhances a candidate's profile, indicating a capability for more complex and visually rich animations, which are increasingly relevant for modern sports presentation and digital content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to create visually compelling and original content that pushes creative boundaries.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and providing constructive feedback.

• Brand Stewardship: Commitment to maintaining and enhancing the LA Clippers' brand identity and visual consistency.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing high-caliber work that meets professional standards.

• Adaptability & Agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with evolving project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with marketing, event presentation, digital, broadcast, and social media teams to ensure seamless visual integration across all touchpoints.

• Feedback & Iteration: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to refine designs and animations.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Contributing to group efforts to overcome creative challenges and meet project objectives efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are passionate about sports and entertainment, possess a strong creative vision, and can effectively communicate and collaborate within a professional sports organization's unique environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The demanding schedule of an NBA season requires quick turnaround times for graphics and animations, especially around game days and events.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual assets align with the LA Clippers' brand identity across numerous platforms and collaborators.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping up with evolving motion graphics software, techniques, and display technologies (e.g., advanced LED systems at Intuit Dome).

• Balancing Creative Vision with Requirements: Translating marketing objectives and team needs into visually impactful and effective motion graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to master new features in Adobe Creative Suite or explore advanced techniques in 3D animation.

• Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile projects for a major sports franchise provides valuable portfolio pieces and industry recognition.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior creative professionals within the organization.

• Networking: Building connections within the sports and entertainment creative industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of sports presentation, contributing to a state-of-the-art venue like Intuit Dome. The challenges are directly tied to the excitement and demands of professional sports, offering significant learning and growth potential for a motivated motion graphics designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a motion graphic from concept to final delivery for a live event." (Focus on workflow, software, and collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different visual assets and platforms for a major sports team?" (Highlight understanding of branding and adherence to guidelines.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for the LA Clippers and contributing to the Intuit Dome experience?" (Demonstrate passion for sports and the organization.)

• "How do you collaborate with non-designers (e.g., marketing, partnerships) to achieve project goals?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest work first.

• Narrative: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key pieces within a limited timeframe, highlighting the most impactful aspects.

• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to discuss specific techniques or software features used in your work.

• Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with the requirements of the role, such as sports-related graphics or dynamic animations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their technical skills but also their understanding of brand, storytelling, and collaboration within the specific context of a professional sports team. Being able to articulate their creative process and value proposition is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the NBA Careers website.

• Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator), 3D software (if applicable), and any relevant motion design projects, especially those in sports or live events.

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest and most relevant motion graphics work, ensuring it is easily accessible and showcases your design sensibility, technical skills, and storytelling ability.

• Prepare to discuss your creative process, how you approach collaboration, and your understanding of brand identity in the context of a professional sports team.

• Research the LA Clippers' recent visual campaigns, branding, and the features of Intuit Dome to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the organization's needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided information and industry standards. Candidates are encouraged to review the official job posting for any specific details and to prepare thoroughly for the application and interview process.