Motion Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Motion Graphic Designer

Company: Zynga (Small Giant Games)

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: November 07, 2025

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute high-volume video and motion graphics advertising content for mobile game titles within Zynga's portfolio.

• Collaborate with marketing, creative, and performance teams to develop compelling ad creatives that drive user acquisition (UA) and meet key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Contribute innovative ideas and concepts, leveraging industry trends and value propositions to capture audience attention effectively.

• Identify and propose process improvements to optimize the creative pipeline and enhance overall work quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a Motion Graphic Designer, the emphasis on User Acquisition (UA), performance indicators, and creative pipeline optimization strongly aligns it with Marketing Operations and Creative Operations functions within a GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy. The need for "efficient, high-volume pipeline" and "meeting KPIs" are core operational concerns.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a high volume of video and motion graphics advertising content for various game titles, focusing on User Acquisition (UA) campaigns.

• Collaborate closely with Production Leads, Creative Producers, and Performance Marketing Managers to conceptualize and produce video ads that align with audience demographics and performance goals.

• Generate fresh creative concepts and variations based on market trends, game value propositions, and selling points, translating them into engaging 10-60 second ad creatives.

• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements, best practices, and workflow enhancements within the creative production pipeline to boost efficiency and output quality.

• Work with internal creative teams to refine concepts and ensure all visual assets meet brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Maintain a keen understanding of current mobile game industry trends and competitor creative strategies to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly highlight an operational focus on content production efficiency and performance-driven creative development, common in marketing operations roles supporting user acquisition.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for this level of creative role. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in developing and executing video creatives, with a strong portfolio showcasing motion graphics and animation work.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe After Effects, including advanced plug-ins such as Red Giant and Trapcode Suite.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for asset creation and manipulation.

• Extensive experience utilizing AI tools for video production and asset generation.

• Advanced understanding of animation principles, including timing, easing, and visual storytelling.

• Strong conceptual and visual design skills, with a proven ability to translate ideas into compelling visual executions.

• Exceptional design aesthetic with demonstrated skills in composition, color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• A strong artistic foundation, with a meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Profound understanding of the mobile game industry, including player demographics and engagement drivers.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Demonstrated familiarity with the game "Empires & Puzzles" from a player or marketing perspective.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Unity, including the ability to capture gameplay footage for creative assets.

• 3D skills and understanding of the 3D pipeline for generating creative assets.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and broader graphic design capabilities.

• Understanding of User Acquisition (UA) strategies and consumer-facing ad experiences across social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and partner ad networks.

• Experience supervising external designers and providing actionable feedback to improve creative quality against KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite versions, plug-ins, AI tools, and industry understanding suggests a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time, a common requirement in high-volume marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a strong foundation in motion graphics and animation principles, showcasing a range of creative executions.

• Examples of video ad creatives specifically for mobile games, highlighting an understanding of the genre and target audiences.

• Case studies or examples showcasing the execution of high-volume creative content with quick turnarounds.

• Demonstrations of how you've leveraged AI tools in your creative process.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for creating motion graphics, from initial concept to final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Ability to articulate how they approach process improvements and contribute to optimizing creative pipelines.

• Examples of how they have collaborated with marketing teams to ensure creative assets meet specific performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on high-volume creative production and UA, a portfolio needs to showcase not just aesthetic talent but also the ability to produce under pressure and contribute to operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Motion Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Helsinki, Finland, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €65,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Helsinki, the demand for specialized creative skills, and the typical compensation for roles within the gaming industry.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to work on exciting, fun, and highly successful mobile game projects.

• Access to an extremely talented and supportive team of colleagues.

• Significant autonomy and responsibility within your role.

• Convenient office location in downtown Helsinki.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak project periods, common in the fast-paced gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on research from Finnish job market data for creative roles and adjusted for the gaming industry's competitive landscape. Benefits are listed as provided, with an assumption of standard comprehensive offerings typical for a company of Zynga's size.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Mobile Gaming. Zynga, as a label of Take-Two Interactive, operates within a highly competitive and dynamic global gaming market. Small Giant Games specifically focuses on successful mobile game development and live operations.

Company Size: Zynga is a large global organization (part of Take-Two Interactive), while Small Giant Games operates as a more focused, independent-minded studio within it. This structure allows for both the resources of a major player and the agility of a smaller team.

Founded: Zynga was founded in 2007; Small Giant Games was founded in 2013. This history indicates established expertise and a proven track record in the gaming industry.

Team Structure:

• The motion graphics role is embedded within the marketing team, likely reporting to a Production Lead or Creative Producer.

• Close collaboration is expected with Performance Marketing Managers, Creative Producers, and other members of the internal creative team.

Methodology:

• Data-driven creative development, with a strong emphasis on meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) for User Acquisition (UA).

• Agile and iterative workflows to accommodate high-volume production and quick turnarounds.

• Focus on continuous learning and improvement of products, processes, and team collaboration.

• Emphasis on transparency, low hierarchy, and individual ownership and responsibility.

Company Website: https://www.zynga.com/, https://www.smallgiantgames.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Small Giant Games emphasizes a culture of empowerment and agility, suggesting that while part of a larger corporation, the day-to-day environment might feel more like a nimble startup, which is attractive to many operations and creative professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Motion Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and professional experience, with the expectation of independent contribution and the ability to manage multiple projects. It's a key contributor role within the marketing operations pipeline.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Production Lead or Creative Producer, working closely with Performance Marketing Managers. This structure facilitates direct input into UA campaign strategies and creative execution.

Operations Impact: The Motion Graphic Designer directly impacts the success of User Acquisition campaigns by creating visually engaging advertisements that drive downloads and player engagement. Their work is crucial for the company's ability to acquire new players and grow its game portfolio's user base, directly influencing revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced animation techniques, AI-driven creative tools, or specific game genres within Zynga's portfolio.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Senior Motion Graphic Designer role, supervising junior designers, leading creative projects, or taking on more strategic creative direction for UA campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with game development teams, product managers, and broader marketing functions to gain a holistic understanding of the gaming business.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and training to stay ahead of creative and technological trends in game marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here leans towards creative specialization and project leadership within the marketing operations framework, rather than a traditional management track, which is typical for specialized creative roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the company's conveniently located office in downtown Helsinki. This suggests a collaborative, in-person work environment designed for team interaction.

Office Location(s): Helsinki, Finland. The downtown location likely offers good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "extremely talented and helpful colleagues," fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere conducive to creative work.

• The office is likely equipped with industry-standard creative software and hardware necessary for high-quality motion graphics production.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing and creative teams will facilitate idea sharing, feedback, and alignment on campaign objectives.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the fast-paced nature of the gaming industry and UA campaigns may necessitate flexibility and occasional overtime to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role in a collaborative environment is important for candidates who thrive on in-person team dynamics and direct feedback loops, which can be beneficial for rapid creative iteration in UA.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, creative style, and relevant experience. Be prepared to highlight your expertise in Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and AI tools.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise or a portfolio review session where you'll present your work, discuss your creative process, and explain your design choices. Focus on showcasing your animation principles, composition, and problem-solving skills. For this role, demonstrating experience with high-volume output and mobile game creatives will be key.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion about your experience, how you approach collaboration, your understanding of the mobile game industry, and your ability to meet performance-driven creative demands. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with "Empires & Puzzles" and how you'd approach creating ads for it.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall contribution to the team and company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest motion graphics work, with a clear emphasis on video ad creatives for mobile games. Include examples that demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe After Effects, AI tools, and your understanding of animation principles.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your creative process, the tools used, and any measurable results or KPIs achieved (if applicable). For UA work, this could include metrics related to click-through rates or engagement.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a variety of styles and approaches to showcase your adaptability and conceptual thinking. If you have experience with Unity or 3D, ensure those examples are readily available.

• Tailor to Zynga: Research Zynga's current game portfolio and marketing campaigns. If possible, include a speculative piece or a case study that aligns with their brand and target audiences.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear descriptions and high-quality video playback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a creative challenge that tests your ability to generate concepts quickly and execute them efficiently within specified constraints (e.g., time limit, specific game asset usage).

• Practice articulating your creative decisions, focusing on how your design choices support marketing objectives and audience engagement.

• Familiarize yourself with Zynga's games, particularly "Empires & Puzzles," and consider how you would approach creating compelling ad content for them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to articulate not just what they created, but why, and how it aligns with business objectives like User Acquisition.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Core tool for motion graphics and animation. Advanced plug-ins like Red Giant and Trapcode Suite are explicitly mentioned, indicating a need for deep expertise.

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for asset creation, manipulation, and preparation for animation.

• AI Tools for Video Production: A key requirement, suggesting familiarity with generative AI platforms for video, image creation, or animation assistance.

• Unity: Preferred skill for capturing gameplay footage, indicating a direct link to in-game assets and experiences.

• Adobe Illustrator: Preferred skill for graphic design and asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core motion graphics role, but awareness of how creatives are deployed and tracked within marketing automation platforms might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific Adobe Suite plug-ins and AI tools indicates that candidates must have hands-on, advanced proficiency with these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: While not explicitly stated for operations, the core business is gaming, so an understanding of player experience and what resonates with them is implicitly valued.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The focus on KPIs and performance metrics in UA necessitates a data-informed approach to creative development.

• Efficiency and Speed: The "high-volume pipeline" and "quick turnarounds" emphasize the value placed on operational efficiency and rapid execution.

• Innovation and Creativity: The need for original ideas and contributing concepts highlights the value of creative thinking and pushing boundaries within marketing.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Explicitly mentioned multiple times, indicating a strong emphasis on working effectively with others.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with frequent interaction between motion designers, creative producers, performance marketers, and potentially other stakeholders.

• Expect a feedback-driven environment where ideas are shared openly, and constructive criticism is used to refine creative output.

• A team-first attitude is crucial for navigating the demands of high-volume production and meeting shared campaign goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to balance creative freedom with operational rigor, demanding both artistic talent and an understanding of performance marketing metrics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Volume Production Demands: Consistently producing a large quantity of high-quality creative assets under tight deadlines is a primary challenge.

• Balancing Creativity with Performance: Effectively translating performance marketing objectives and data insights into compelling, engaging creative content requires a unique skill set.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: The rapidly evolving landscape of social media advertising and AI tools requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Adapting to Diverse Game Titles: Creating effective creatives for a portfolio of games with different genres and target audiences requires versatility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Mastery: Deepen expertise in After Effects, explore new AI creative technologies, and potentially gain proficiency in 3D software or game engines like Unity.

• Performance Marketing Acumen: Develop a stronger understanding of UA strategies, campaign optimization, and how creative impacts key marketing metrics.

• Creative Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead creative projects, and contribute to the strategic direction of marketing creative.

• Industry Exposure: Attend relevant industry events, workshops, and training sessions focused on motion graphics, game marketing, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to hone skills in performance-driven creative production, a highly sought-after specialization within marketing operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a motion graphic ad for a mobile game, focusing on efficiency and meeting UA KPIs." (Prepare to walk through a specific case study, highlighting your workflow, tool usage, and how you'd iterate based on performance feedback.)

• "How do you balance artistic vision with the specific creative briefs and performance goals of a marketing campaign?" (Discuss your approach to client/stakeholder management and how you incorporate feedback.)

• "Imagine you need to create 10 variations of a single ad concept for A/B testing. How would you approach this efficiently?" (Focus on your understanding of batch processing, template usage, and creative segmentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working for Zynga and Small Giant Games specifically?" (Research their latest games, company values, and recent news. Show genuine interest in their portfolio, especially "Empires & Puzzles.")

• "How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations common in game marketing?" (Emphasize your organizational skills, prioritization techniques, and ability to stay calm and focused.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: Don't just show your work; tell the story behind it. Explain the objective, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the results.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work. For UA creatives, this could be engagement rates, click-through rates, or download conversions.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your workflow, particularly how you utilize tools like After Effects, Photoshop, and AI. Highlight your efficiency and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to mobile game advertising and high-volume production. If you have experience with "Empires & Puzzles," make sure to point that out.

• Be Ready for Live Edits/Challenges: While not guaranteed, be prepared for the possibility of a brief live editing task or a discussion about how you would approach a hypothetical creative challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also operational efficiency, understanding of performance marketing, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best motion graphics work, with a strong emphasis on video ad creatives for mobile games. Highlight your expertise in Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and AI tools, and be ready to discuss your creative process and any performance metrics achieved.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to align with the job description, using keywords such as "motion graphics," "video production," "User Acquisition (UA)," "Adobe After Effects," "AI tools," and "mobile gaming." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, skills, and creative process. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Zynga's games, particularly "Empires & Puzzles," and how you would contribute to their marketing efforts.

• Research Zynga & Small Giant Games: Understand their company culture, values, and current game portfolio. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.