Senior Graphic Designer - 3D Motion & Illustration/Animation Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - 3D Motion & Illustration/Animation Artist

Company: Feld Entertainment

Location: Ellenton, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 3, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, designing, and producing dynamic 3D motion graphic systems and templates for a variety of platforms including broadcast television, high-volume video services, and live event graphics across Feld Entertainment's diverse brand portfolio.

• The Senior Artist will be responsible for end-to-end illustration, modeling, rigging, and animation of original productions and truck designs, bringing creative visions to life with expressive character animations and a wide range of emotions.

• A key aspect of this position involves leveraging expertise in 3D and 2D resources, including advanced rendering systems and automated workflows, to significantly expedite project timelines and enhance production efficiency.

• The role demands a strong creative vision and the technical skill set to fully design original concepts that not only meet but exceed producer's direction, all while rigorously maintaining established brand guidelines and aesthetic standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as a Senior Graphic Designer with a strong specialization in 3D Motion Graphics and Illustration/Animation. The description implies a hybrid work arrangement, requiring on-site presence in Ellenton, Florida, for collaborative tasks and team interaction, while allowing for remote work on tasks that can be performed independently. The focus on live events and broadcast content suggests a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment common in the entertainment industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, model, and produce sophisticated 3D and 2D motion graphic systems and templates tailored for broadcast television, high-volume video services, and live event graphics across Feld Entertainment's extensive family of brands.

• Present innovative and creative ideas, demonstrating the ability to work efficiently and cohesively as an integral part of the design department, contributing to a collaborative and productive team atmosphere.

• Develop and implement cutting-edge LED ribbon board displays as part of integrated graphic systems, showcasing an expert understanding of ideation, development, and creation that meets various venue specifications and technical requirements.

• Ideate, concept, sketch, model, rig, light, and animate a variety of short-form narrative animated content, focusing on creating high-quality, expressive character animations that effectively portray a wide range of emotions, utilizing industry-standard software like Maya or Cinema 4D.

• Demonstrate flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs, ensuring project deadlines are met and live events are supported seamlessly.

• Effectively manage and work simultaneously on 5+ projects, prioritizing tasks based on event needs, critical timelines, and departmental objectives to ensure all deliverables are met on schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation and technical execution, emphasizing the need for an artist who can both generate original concepts and bring them to life using advanced 3D and 2D tools. The mention of "LED ribbon board displays" and "venue specifications" points to a need for understanding real-world technical constraints in live event production. The requirement to work on multiple projects simultaneously indicates a need for strong project management and prioritization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design, Animation, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience creating or contributing to teams that have produced broadcast-quality, branded graphic systems. A comprehensive portfolio is essential to demonstrate this experience.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Cinema 4D or Maya, demonstrating advanced capabilities in 3D modeling, animation, and rendering.

• Deep expertise in Adobe After Effects for motion graphics, compositing, and visual effects.

• Advanced skills in Sketch-up for 3D modeling and scene creation.

• Expert capabilities in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, with a keen eye for design principles and typography.

• Proven expertise in tracking and compositing techniques to seamlessly integrate various graphic elements.

• Strong ability to create concept boards, visually communicating ideas and design directions.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to articulate and present concept ideation effectively to senior-level executives and stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working within PC Platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mentoring less experienced staff members, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.

• A leadership mindset, willing to step in and assist with day-to-day workloads and lead by example, prioritizing team success over individual interests.

• Familiarity with project management software such as Adobe Workfront or Microsoft Teams, to aid in workflow organization and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a high level of technical proficiency in specific industry-standard software (Cinema 4D/Maya, After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch-up). The "5+ years of professional experience with a portfolio to match" is a critical requirement, indicating that practical application and a proven track record are highly valued. The preference for leadership and mentoring qualities suggests opportunities for growth and influence within the team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio or reel link is mandatory with every application for consideration, showcasing a range of 3D motion graphics, illustration, and animation work.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate experience in creating broadcast-quality, branded graphic systems, highlighting contributions to team-based projects and individual creative input.

• Include examples of conceptualization, design, modeling, rigging, and animation, particularly showcasing character animation and expressive emotional portrayal.

• Showcase understanding and application of LED ribbon board display design and integration within broader graphic systems, providing context on project scope and technical requirements.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a separate deliverable, the portfolio should implicitly document the artist's workflow from ideation and concepting through to final execution, including any automation or rendering workflows utilized.

• Evidence of efficient project management and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously should be apparent through the scope and diversity of work presented.

• The ability to present concept ideation effectively suggests a process that includes clear communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is paramount, serving as the primary evaluation tool for technical skill, creative vision, and relevant experience. The emphasis is on demonstrating the entire pipeline from concept to final product, with a specific need to showcase expertise in areas critical to Feld Entertainment's operations like live event graphics and broadcast content. The implied need for process documentation within the portfolio encourages candidates to showcase their workflow efficiency and project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the "Senior" title, 5+ years of experience, and the specialized skill set in 3D motion graphics and animation within the entertainment industry in Florida, a competitive salary range is anticipated. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers with expertise in Cinema 4D/Maya and After Effects in the Florida market, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $110,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Coverage for employees and potentially dependents, supporting overall well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) plan, often with a company match, to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Opportunities for Professional Development: Including potential for training, workshops, and attending industry events relevant to motion graphics and animation.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week. However, the role explicitly mentions the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs, indicating a flexible yet demanding schedule that aligns with live event production and broadcast deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Graphic Designer with specialized 3D and animation skills in Ellenton, Florida, considering the industry and experience level. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in the US, but specific details would need to be confirmed with Feld Entertainment. The working hours emphasize the demanding nature of the entertainment and live event industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Live Touring Family Entertainment. Feld Entertainment operates in a unique niche, producing and presenting large-scale live shows that entertain millions globally. This industry demands high creativity, meticulous planning, and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.

Company Size: Feld Entertainment is a large, established organization. While specific employee numbers for the design department aren't provided, the company as a whole is significant, indicating a structured environment with established processes and potentially diverse teams.

Founded: Feld Entertainment is family-owned and operated, with a long history in producing live entertainment. This suggests a culture that may balance tradition with innovation, valuing long-term relationships and a commitment to quality.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a design department, likely comprising other graphic designers, animators, and potentially project managers. The "Senior Artist" designation implies a lead or experienced individual contributor role within this team.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Creative Director or Art Director, with the Senior Artist potentially mentoring junior staff.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are likely used to inform design choices, especially regarding audience engagement and brand consistency across various platforms.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, given the fast-paced nature of live events and the need to manage multiple projects efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, as highlighted by the use of rendering systems and automated workflows to expedite projects.

Company Website: feldentertainment.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Feld Entertainment's focus on live touring family entertainment suggests a work environment that is dynamic, high-energy, and creative. The company's long history and family-owned nature might foster a sense of community and dedication. The emphasis on collaboration and efficiency is key to managing the complex logistics of their global productions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. The "Senior" designation implies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. The artist is expected to lead by example, mentor junior staff, and handle complex creative challenges independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Artist will likely report to a Creative Director or Art Director within the design department. They will collaborate closely with various project managers, producers, and other creative professionals across different brands and departments.

Operations Impact: The work of the Senior Graphic Designer directly impacts the visual identity and brand perception of Feld Entertainment's major properties. High-quality motion graphics, illustrations, and animations are crucial for engaging audiences across broadcast, digital, and live event platforms, contributing significantly to the overall success and appeal of their productions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific animation software (e.g., advanced rigging, character animation techniques) or explore new technologies in 3D visualization and real-time rendering.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Transition into a lead artist role, managing projects, guiding junior designers, and contributing to strategic creative decisions. The stated willingness to mentor junior staff is a clear indicator of this pathway.

• Creative Direction: Progress towards roles like Art Director or Creative Director, where the focus shifts from individual execution to overseeing creative vision, team management, and strategic planning for larger campaigns or brand initiatives.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Gain experience working across Feld Entertainment's diverse portfolio of brands (e.g., Monster Jam, Disney On Ice), broadening creative scope and understanding of different audience demographics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title signifies a role that not only requires advanced technical and creative skills but also leadership potential. The opportunities for growth are geared towards specialization, increased responsibility, and potential leadership within the creative department, aligning with typical career progression in the design and entertainment industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Ellenton, Florida, and is described as hybrid. This suggests a combination of on-site work at a Feld Entertainment office and remote work. The on-site component is likely crucial for collaborative brainstorming, team meetings, and hands-on work with specific studio equipment or large-scale display testing.

Office Location(s): Ellenton, Florida, specifically within Manatee County. This location is central to Feld Entertainment's operations and likely houses key creative and production teams.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction among designers, animators, and other creative professionals. This is essential for the brainstorming and feedback loops inherent in creative projects.

• Access to industry-standard hardware and software is implied, including powerful workstations capable of handling complex 3D rendering and animation tasks, as well as potential access to specialized hardware for live event graphics testing.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the creative team, producers, and potentially operations staff involved in live events will be frequent, supporting efficient workflow and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, but the nature of live event production means flexibility is required, including potential work on nights, weekends, and holidays. This schedule is typical for roles supporting live productions where deadlines are non-negotiable and events occur outside of traditional business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration. The emphasis on working with live events and broadcast content implies a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable schedule, requiring adaptability from employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, with a strong emphasis on the mandatory portfolio/reel link. Candidates will be assessed for meeting the minimum experience and software proficiency requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Assessment: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio by the hiring team. This stage evaluates the quality, creativity, technical execution, and relevance of the work to Feld Entertainment's brands and production needs.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview: A discussion focusing on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how candidates handle challenges. Questions may include scenarios related to managing multiple projects, receiving feedback, and working within brand guidelines.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: An opportunity to assess cultural fit, communication style, and synergy with the existing creative team. This may involve discussing past collaborations and leadership potential.

• Potential Challenge/Work Sample: Candidates might be asked to complete a small creative challenge or provide a more detailed walkthrough of a specific project from their portfolio, demonstrating their process and problem-solving approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate 3D motion graphics, illustration, and character animation for broadcast or live events.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort. Use concise descriptions to explain the concept, your process, and the outcome.

• Demonstrate Process: Include examples that show your workflow, from initial sketches and storyboards to final renders. This can include concept boards and behind-the-scenes insights.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your reel and project examples highlight mastery of Cinema 4D/Maya, After Effects, and other required software.

• Adherence to Brand: Select projects that demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines and deliver cohesive visual systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Feld Entertainment's various properties (e.g., Monster Jam, Disney On Ice) to grasp their visual styles and target audiences.

• Practice Core Skills: Brush up on your 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and compositing techniques in your primary software.

• Prepare to Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate your thought process, design decisions, and technical choices clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or producer.

• Focus on Efficiency: Given the mention of expedited projects, be prepared to discuss how you approach tasks to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their work but also to articulate their creative and technical processes in detail. The potential for a work sample or challenge means practicing core skills and understanding Feld Entertainment's brand aesthetic is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Software: Cinema 4D or Maya (Expert proficiency required). These are core tools for modeling, rigging, lighting, and animating 3D assets and motion graphics.

• Motion Graphics & Compositing: Adobe After Effects (Expert proficiency required). Essential for creating dynamic motion graphics, integrating 3D elements, and final compositing.

• 3D Modeling (Supplementary): Sketch-up (Expert proficiency required). Likely used for rapid prototyping, scene blocking, or specific modeling tasks.

• 2D Design & Illustration: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop (Expert skills required). Crucial for creating 2D assets, textures, concept art, and final image manipulation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Adobe Workfront or Microsoft Teams (Understanding is preferred). These tools are used for task management, team collaboration, workflow tracking, and communication, essential for managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Rendering Systems & Automated Workflows: The description mentions utilizing these to expedite projects, indicating that familiarity with render farms, scripting, or automation techniques within 3D/motion graphics pipelines is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard creative software. Expert-level proficiency in Cinema 4D/Maya and Adobe After Effects is non-negotiable. The mention of "rendering systems and automated workflows" suggests that candidates with an understanding of pipeline efficiency and automation will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on generating fresh, cutting-edge ideas to produce visually stunning and engaging content.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working efficiently and cohesively as part of a department, sharing ideas, and supporting team members.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing broadcast-quality graphics and animations that meet or exceed producer's direction and brand standards.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and adapt to changing business needs, including working nights and weekends.

• Mentorship & Leadership: A willingness to share knowledge, mentor junior staff, and lead by example, investing in the team's growth and success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with producers, marketing teams, and event production staff to ensure graphic elements align with overall show concepts and brand messaging.

• Constructive Feedback: An openness to receiving and incorporating creative feedback from producers and senior team members to refine designs and animations.

• Proactive Communication: Excellent communication skills are essential for presenting concepts, discussing project requirements, and coordinating efforts within a busy department.

• Shared Vision: A collective effort to bring Feld Entertainment's family entertainment experiences to life through compelling visual storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of individual creative contribution and strong team collaboration. The emphasis on mentorship and leading by example suggests a supportive yet performance-driven environment. Adaptability to the demands of live event production is a key cultural expectation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Volume: Managing 5+ projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with demanding deadlines for live events and broadcast content.

• Creative Demands: Consistently generating fresh, innovative concepts that meet diverse brand requirements and producer direction for multiple properties.

• Technical Complexity: Mastering and applying advanced 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing techniques for broadcast-quality output.

• Adapting to Venue Specifications: Designing effective LED ribbon board displays and live event graphics that adhere to varied venue technical constraints.

• Balancing Artistry with Brand Guidelines: Ensuring creative vision aligns with strict brand identities and corporate standards across different Feld Entertainment properties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Cinema 4D, Maya, or After Effects, potentially through specialized courses or workshops.

• Emerging Technology Exploration: Exposure to new techniques in 3D animation, real-time rendering (e.g., Unreal Engine), or virtual production relevant to live entertainment.

• Mentorship Program: Formal or informal opportunities to learn from senior artists and potentially mentor junior designers, enhancing leadership and communication skills.

• Industry Exposure: Attending industry conferences or events related to motion graphics, animation, and live event production to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Cross-Brand Project Experience: Gaining exposure to the unique creative challenges and audiences of Feld Entertainment's diverse portfolio of brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the high-stakes nature of live entertainment production and the need for both creative excellence and operational efficiency. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing technical mastery, leadership capabilities, and staying current with industry advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex 3D motion graphics project you conceptualized and executed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them, particularly regarding meeting producer direction and brand guidelines?" (Focus: Process, problem-solving, client satisfaction)

• "How do you approach designing animated content for live event LED displays, considering varying venue specifications and the need for high visual impact?" (Focus: Technical understanding, adaptability, creative execution)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Feld Entertainment's mission and its diverse range of live entertainment properties?" (Focus: Company alignment, passion for the industry)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your creative work from producers or senior executives?" (Focus: Professionalism, receptiveness to feedback)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Reel: Start with your strongest, most relevant work. Keep it concise (ideally under 2-3 minutes) and visually dynamic.

• Context is Key: For each project showcased, provide a brief written or verbal explanation detailing your role, the project's goals, the software used, and the outcome.

• Highlight 3D Motion Graphics & Animation: Ensure these specific skill sets are prominently featured, demonstrating expertise in Cinema 4D/Maya and After Effects.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples that illustrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines for clients or properties.

• Demonstrate Your Process: If possible, include a brief segment showing concept art, storyboards, or wireframes to illustrate your creative workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and the ability to integrate into Feld Entertainment's fast-paced, collaborative culture. Portfolio presentation is critical, requiring candidates to clearly articulate their contributions and processes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Crucially, ensure your resume highlights your 5+ years of experience and expert proficiency in Cinema 4D/Maya, Adobe After Effects, Sketch-up, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "contributed to the successful launch of X broadcast graphic packages").

• Curate and submit your portfolio or reel link. Prioritize work demonstrating broadcast-quality branded graphic systems, 3D motion graphics, illustration, and character animation. Clearly label your contributions to team projects.

• Prepare to discuss your workflow, creative process, and how you handle feedback and tight deadlines. Practice articulating your experience with LED displays and live event graphics.

• Research Feld Entertainment's various brands. Understand their visual identity and audience to better align your portfolio and interview responses with the company's needs and creative direction.

⚠️ 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.