Motion & Graphic Designer

KDC LLC
Full-timeβ€’$80k-85k/year (USD)β€’Chicago, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Motion & Graphic Designer

Company: KDC LLC

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-05-21T18:14:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is critical for enhancing KDC LLC's brand storytelling and campaign execution through compelling visual content.

  • The Motion & Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual assets, from animated graphics to static designs, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

  • A key aspect of this position is the integration of a marketing-minded approach, where creative output is strategically aligned with audience intent and campaign objectives.

  • The role demands strong collaboration with marketing and community teams to drive creative concepts from ideation through to final production, ensuring impactful digital presence.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Motion & Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes a "marketing-minded perspective," indicating this is not purely a design execution role but one that requires strategic input into campaign development and audience engagement. The focus on "brand storytelling" and "campaign development" suggests a need for a designer who understands how visuals contribute to broader marketing goals.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce high-quality motion graphics, animations, and visual assets for various mediums including digital, social media, web, marketing campaigns, and overall brand initiatives.

  • Apply a marketing-centric approach to all creative work, ensuring designs are tailored to specific audiences, intended purposes, and chosen channels.

  • Adapt and translate creative concepts across different formats and platforms while maintaining a cohesive brand narrative and identity.

  • Develop visually compelling graphics, illustrations, and layouts that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines.

  • Actively participate in the early stages of concept development and campaign ideation, contributing creative input beyond just final production.

  • Collaborate closely with marketing and community management teams to brainstorm creative concepts and execute projects from inception to completion.

  • Edit and enhance video content, integrating animation, transitions, sound effects, and other special effects to elevate visual storytelling.

  • Efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while upholding rigorous quality standards.

  • Continuously research and stay updated on the latest design trends, animation techniques, and industry best practices to bring fresh perspectives to the team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic contribution. The emphasis on "early-stage concepting and campaign development" and "marketing-minded perspective" suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate how their design work drives business outcomes, not just aesthetic appeal.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Multimedia Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience as a Video Animator and Graphic Designer, demonstrated through a robust portfolio.

Required Skills:

  • Expertise in industry-standard design and animation software, including Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.

  • Strong foundational knowledge of animation principles, typography, color theory, and visual composition.

  • Proven ability to conceptualize creative ideas and articulate them effectively to team members and stakeholders.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage complex projects.

  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment.

  • Experience in creating visual assets for digital, social, and campaign-based marketing initiatives.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with 3D animation software such as Blender or Cinema 4D.

  • Familiarity with UI/UX design principles and their application in digital interfaces.

  • Basic understanding of HTML/CSS, particularly as it relates to web design and digital asset implementation.

  • Knowledge of video production workflows and familiarity with production equipment.

  • Experience in adapting creative assets for different social media platforms and digital channels.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred as "2-5 Years" based on the typical progression for a Motion & Graphic Designer role requiring proficiency in multiple advanced software packages and a Bachelor's degree. The "Preferred Skills" suggest a desire for candidates who can contribute to a broader digital design ecosystem beyond just animation and graphics.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of motion graphics, animations, and graphic design projects.

  • Evidence of strong conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving applied to design challenges.

  • Examples demonstrating the ability to adapt creative concepts across different mediums and platforms while maintaining brand consistency.

  • Projects that highlight an understanding of audience, intent, and impact, reflecting a marketing-minded approach.

Process Documentation:

  • Examples of how creative briefs are translated into visual concepts and final assets.

  • Demonstrations of workflow management for multiple simultaneous projects, including timeline adherence.

  • Case studies or project examples that explain the design process, from initial ideation to final execution and delivery.

  • Visuals that showcase an understanding of brand guidelines and how they are applied and maintained across different creative outputs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on marketing-mindedness and campaign development, the portfolio should not only showcase technical skill but also strategic thinking. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "why" behind their design choices and how they contribute to business objectives.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

  • Company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

  • Company-paid Short-Term Disability (STD) with no waiting period.

  • Company-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance.

  • Optional purchase of additional Life and AD&D Insurance for enhanced coverage.

  • Voluntary critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage options.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

  • 10 paid company holidays throughout the year.

  • Tuition Reimbursement program to support continuous learning and development.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time, on-site role.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range of $80,000 - $85,000 per year for a Motion & Graphic Designer in Chicago, IL, with 2-5 years of experience, aligns with industry benchmarks for roles requiring specialized software skills and a Bachelor's degree. This range reflects the cost of living in a major metropolitan area and the demand for creative talent with marketing acumen. The benefits package is robust, typical of established companies seeking to attract and retain skilled professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: KDC LLC operates within an industry that likely requires significant marketing and brand communication efforts, given the emphasis on visual content creation and campaign development. This suggests a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where creativity and strategic thinking are valued.

Company Size: The specific size of KDC LLC is not provided, but the comprehensive benefits package and structured hiring process (indicated by the ADP ATS) suggest a well-established organization, likely mid-sized to large, with dedicated HR and operational functions.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's presence on ADP's recruitment platform implies a degree of professionalization and established operational procedures.

Team Structure:

  • The role reports into a marketing or creative department, collaborating closely with marketing and community teams.

  • This suggests a cross-functional team environment where design is integrated into broader marketing strategies.

Methodology:

  • Emphasis on data-driven creative decisions, aligning visuals with audience understanding and campaign intent.

  • Agile or iterative approach to campaign development, involving early concepting and collaboration.

  • Focus on brand consistency and storytelling across all visual communications.

  • Commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices in design and animation.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=e41988a2-d9f6-450f-8a8d-ab734065ff83&ccId=19000101_000003

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's specific industry is not detailed, but the job description's focus on marketing, brand storytelling, and campaign development strongly implies a business that relies heavily on external communication and marketing to drive growth. This context is crucial for understanding how the Motion & Graphic Designer role contributes to overall business objectives.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an individual contributor role at an intermediate level, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a position for a skilled professional who can work independently but also contribute to team projects and strategic discussions.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Head of Design, depending on the specific departmental structure within KDC LLC. Collaboration with marketing and community teams is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on KDC LLC's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall digital presence. High-quality visuals and engaging animations can significantly influence audience engagement, brand recall, and conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like 3D animation, UI/UX design, or advanced video editing techniques.

  • Creative Leadership: Potential to move into senior designer or lead designer roles, mentoring junior staff and taking ownership of larger creative projects.

  • Strategic Contribution: Development into a role with more input on campaign strategy and visual direction, bridging creative execution with marketing objectives.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in different marketing functions through collaboration, potentially leading to roles in broader marketing or brand management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is likely within the creative or marketing departments. Advancement would involve taking on more complex projects, leading creative initiatives, and potentially managing junior designers or contributing more significantly to strategic marketing planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within KDC LLC's facilities.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL, specifically within the 60601 zip code, which is a central business district. This location offers accessibility and proximity to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment is expected to be conducive to creative work, likely with access to necessary design software and hardware.

  • Opportunities for collaboration with marketing and community teams will be present, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

  • The physical requirements suggest a standard office setting where employees are expected to be mobile within the office space.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions, with expectations for presence during normal business hours.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value KDC LLC places on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and potentially direct mentorship within a physical workspace. Candidates should be prepared for a standard office work schedule and environment.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative output.

  • Creative Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design or animation challenge, or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their skills and problem-solving approach.

  • Team Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members (marketing, community teams) to evaluate technical skills, creative vision, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work that highlights motion graphics, animation, and graphic design skills, with a strong emphasis on marketing applications.

  • Demonstrate Versatility: Include projects that show adaptability across different mediums (digital, social, web) and styles.

  • Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and the final outcome, especially how it met marketing objectives.

  • Highlight Marketing Acumen: Clearly articulate how your designs served a specific marketing purpose, audience, or campaign goal. Quantify impact if possible.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge brief, paying close attention to objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

  • Focus on Strategy: Even in a short challenge, try to articulate the strategic thinking behind your creative choices.

  • Time Management: Practice completing creative tasks within a set timeframe, as this will be crucial if a timed exercise is part of the process.

  • Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to present your work and explain your rationale clearly and concisely.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "marketing-minded perspective" means the portfolio review will likely scrutinize how well a candidate's work aligns with business goals, not just aesthetic appeal. Candidates should be ready to discuss the "why" behind their creative decisions and their impact.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation creation.

  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, illustrations, and logo design.

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic design.

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design and print collateral, potentially digital layouts.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, understanding how their work performs on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics, website traffic driven by campaigns) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, but awareness of how visual assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns might be advantageous.

Preferred Tools:

  • 3D Animation Software: Blender, Cinema 4D (for advanced visual effects and asset creation).

  • UI/UX Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for understanding interface design principles).

  • Web Development Basics: HTML/CSS (for understanding how designs are implemented on the web).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The "Preferred Skills" indicate a desire for a designer who can contribute to a broader digital design ecosystem, suggesting a forward-thinking team that values multifaceted creative talent.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: Valuing fresh ideas and novel approaches to visual communication.

  • Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared and projects are developed collectively.

  • Marketing-Mindedness: A core value that emphasizes understanding and contributing to marketing objectives through design.

  • Brand Stewardship: Commitment to upholding and enhancing the company's brand identity and storytelling.

  • Quality & Precision: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished work with meticulous attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing and community teams, requiring clear communication and shared understanding of goals.

  • Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes.

  • Proactive Contribution: Encouraging team members to contribute ideas and solutions beyond their immediate task assignments.

  • Efficiency: Balancing creative output with timely delivery to meet campaign deadlines and project schedules.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "marketing-minded perspective" is a key cultural indicator. It suggests that KDC LLC values designers who think strategically about how their work impacts business outcomes, rather than just focusing on aesthetics. This implies a culture of accountability and a drive for results.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Marketing Objectives: Successfully translating marketing goals into visually compelling and effective designs that resonate with target audiences.

  • Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Digital Trends: Staying ahead of the curve in animation techniques, design styles, and platform-specific best practices.

  • Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Efficiently prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Platforms: Ensuring a unified brand message and visual identity across a wide array of digital and potential physical touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to master advanced features within the Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design and animation software.

  • Industry Workshops & Conferences: Attending events focused on motion graphics, animation, and digital marketing to gain insights and network.

  • Cross-functional Skill Development: Learning about marketing strategy, content creation, and campaign management through collaboration.

  • Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior creative professionals or marketing leaders within KDC LLC.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in the creative and marketing fields. The growth opportunities are tailored to a designer's career path, emphasizing skill enhancement and strategic involvement.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?"

  • "Walk us through a project where your design significantly contributed to a marketing campaign's success. What was your process, and what were the results?"

  • "How do you approach creating motion graphics for different social media platforms (e.g., Instagram Stories vs. LinkedIn)? What are the key considerations?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do you stay updated on the latest design and animation trends?"

  • "What are your thoughts on the role of a Motion & Graphic Designer within a marketing team?"

  • "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you prefer to work with marketing and community managers?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, detailing the problem, your solution, and the impact.

  • Focus on Marketing Impact: For each piece, clearly articulate the marketing objective and how your design achieved it. Use metrics if available.

  • Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, software proficiency, and decision-making rationale.

  • Tailor to KDC LLC: Highlight projects that align with KDC LLC's industry or target audience, demonstrating relevant experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe beyond technical skills to assess strategic thinking, marketing acumen, and collaborative capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the business value of their creative work.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Motion & Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the ADP recruitment portal.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant motion graphics, animation, and graphic design projects. Ensure they showcase your ability to apply a marketing-minded approach and adhere to brand storytelling principles.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite) and experience in campaign development, digital assets, and video editing. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Prepare Your Case Studies: Be ready to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your creative process, challenges, and the impact of your work on marketing objectives.

  • Research KDC LLC: Understand the company's industry, brand presence, and target audience to better articulate how your skills align with their needs.

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

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and a strong portfolio showcasing video animation and graphic design skills. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is required, with 3D animation and UI/UX knowledge preferred.