Motion Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Motion Graphic Designer
Company: TKO
Location: Las Vegas, NV - UFC Headquarters
Job Type: Full time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: 2026-08-18
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
-
Conceptualize, design, and execute sophisticated motion graphics packages and toolkits for UFC content across all media platforms, including television, web, and social media.
-
Develop dynamic motion graphics elements that integrate typography, photography, live video, and 3D animation to enhance storytelling and visual appeal.
-
Create robust, customizable graphics templates and toolkits to ensure brand consistency and streamline production workflows for various short and long-form projects.
-
Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary creative team, producers, and editors to deliver high-impact visual content that aligns with UFC's brand identity and project objectives.
-
Execute advanced visual effects, including compositing, motion tracking, and rotoscoping, to elevate the quality and sophistication of UFC's digital and broadcast assets.
π Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the sports and entertainment industry, specifically focused on the UFC brand under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella. The primary focus is on creating visually engaging motion graphics for broadcast, digital, and social media, requiring a strong blend of artistic skill and technical proficiency in animation and visual effects. The "Operations" aspect here is more about the operational efficiency of content creation and brand consistency through well-designed graphic systems, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Conceptualize, design, and produce high-quality motion graphics packages and toolkits for UFC content, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and project briefs.
-
Create compelling motion graphics elements by expertly integrating typography, photography, live-action video footage, and 3D animation to enhance narrative and visual impact.
-
Develop and maintain a library of customizable graphics templates and toolkits to ensure brand consistency across all platforms and facilitate efficient content production.
-
Produce a diverse range of graphics for short-form and long-form projects tailored for television broadcasts, web content, and various social media platforms.
-
Collaborate effectively with the creative team, producers, and editors throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept development to final delivery, ensuring seamless integration of motion graphics.
-
Execute sophisticated visual effects tasks, including compositing, motion tracking, and rotoscoping, to enhance the visual quality and professional polish of UFC's multimedia content.
-
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of all assigned tasks and responsibilities within established deadlines.
-
Proactively identify and implement innovative motion graphics techniques and workflows to improve efficiency and enhance the visual output.
-
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in motion design and visual effects to continuously elevate the quality of work.
-
Contribute to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge, providing constructive feedback, and actively participating in creative discussions.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role focused on the creative and technical execution of motion graphics. The emphasis on "customizable graphics templates and toolkits" suggests a need for creating reusable assets that contribute to operational efficiency in content production. The collaboration aspect points to a team-oriented environment where clear communication and integration with editors and producers are key to successful project delivery.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Motion Design, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience specifically in designing and executing motion graphics for broadcast, digital media, or entertainment.
Required Skills:
-
Advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects for animation, compositing, and motion graphics creation.
-
Expert-level skills in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic asset creation, manipulation, and preparation.
-
Strong understanding and practical application of design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and visual storytelling.
-
Proven experience in 3D animation software, with a strong preference for Cinema4D, for creating and integrating 3D elements into motion graphics.
-
Familiarity with video editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro for integrating motion graphics into timelines and understanding editing workflows.
-
Experience in executing visual effects tasks, including compositing, motion tracking, and rotoscoping.
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and collaborate effectively with team members.
-
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to manage project assets and ensure accuracy.
-
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
-
Proven ability to work independently as a self-starter, taking initiative and ownership of tasks.
-
Capacity to thrive and contribute positively within a collaborative team setting. Preferred Skills:
-
Experience with animation rigging and character animation.
-
Familiarity with real-time graphics engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
-
Knowledge of scripting and expressions in After Effects.
-
Experience working within the sports or entertainment industry.
-
Understanding of broadcast standards and delivery requirements.
π Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily tool-centric, emphasizing industry-standard software for motion graphics and visual effects. The experience level suggests a mid-to-senior role where candidates are expected to be largely independent and capable of leading the technical execution of complex projects. The emphasis on storytelling, typography, and composition indicates a need for designers who can not only animate but also create compelling visual narratives.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional motion graphics work, with a strong emphasis on projects relevant to sports, entertainment, or broadcast media.
-
High-quality video examples demonstrating expertise in After Effects, including complex animations, compositing, and visual effects.
-
Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of the motion graphics created.
-
Examples of graphic packages and toolkits, highlighting their versatility, reusability, and how they contribute to brand consistency.
-
Demonstrations of 3D integration (ideally with Cinema4D) and how it enhances visual storytelling.
-
Proof of proficiency in integrating motion graphics with live video and other media elements. Process Documentation:
-
Ability to articulate the design process from concept to final delivery, including storyboarding, style framing, and client/stakeholder feedback integration.
-
Documentation of workflow optimization strategies used to improve efficiency in motion graphics production.
-
Examples of creating and managing reusable asset libraries and templates for streamlined production.
-
Demonstrated understanding of how motion graphics fit into broader content production pipelines, including collaboration with editors and producers.
π Enhancement Note: For a motion graphics role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to be a visual representation of the candidate's technical skills, creative vision, and ability to deliver high-quality assets that meet specific project requirements. The focus on process documentation is about showcasing how they achieve results, not just the results themselves, which is crucial for understanding their operational approach to design.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Motion Graphic Designers with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Las Vegas, the estimated salary range is between $75,000 and $105,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized skills required, the employer's industry (premium sports and entertainment), and the on-site work requirement.
Benefits:
-
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
-
Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
-
Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.
-
Opportunities for professional development, training, and attendance at industry conferences.
-
Access to company events and potential perks related to UFC and TKO properties.
-
Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
-
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, especially around live event schedules.
π Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in Las Vegas. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions at large entertainment companies, aiming to attract and retain talent. The mention of potential overtime is common for creative roles in live event-driven industries.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Sports & Entertainment, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Digital Media, Content Production. UFC is a premier global MMA organization, and TKO Group Holdings encompasses a portfolio of iconic sports and entertainment brands. This context implies a fast-paced, high-energy, and results-oriented environment where creativity and innovation are highly valued.
Company Size: TKO Group Holdings is a large, publicly traded company (NYSE: TKO) that owns UFC, WWE, and PBR, along with IMG and On Location. This indicates a significant organizational structure with extensive resources and a global reach. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for impact within a large ecosystem, but also a need to navigate established processes and collaborate across diverse departments.
Founded: UFC was founded in 1993, and TKO Group Holdings was formed in 2023 through the merger of WWE and the Endeavor-owned UFC. This blend of established legacy brands with a new, consolidated corporate structure suggests a culture that respects heritage while driving forward with new strategies and efficiencies.
Team Structure:
-
The motion graphics designer will likely be part of the UFC Creative or Production team, which is a specialized unit within the broader UFC marketing and content division.
-
This team likely comprises editors, graphic designers, producers, and project managers who work collaboratively to produce UFC's visual content.
-
Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Senior Motion Graphics Designer, or Head of Production, with close collaboration across other creative disciplines and production departments. Methodology:
-
Data-driven content creation, utilizing fan engagement metrics to inform visual strategies.
-
Agile and iterative design processes, especially around live event production and rapid content deployment for social media.
-
Emphasis on brand consistency and storytelling across all UFC platforms.
-
Collaborative problem-solving and creative brainstorming sessions to achieve optimal visual outcomes.
Company Website: https://www.ufc.com/, https://tkogrp.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes the scale and dynamism of TKO and UFC. For an operations professional, understanding this environment means recognizing the importance of efficient content pipelines, brand consistency across multiple global platforms, and the ability to adapt to the high-stakes nature of live sports and entertainment production.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior Motion Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of professional experience (5+ years) and the ability to work independently, conceptualize creative solutions, and execute complex visual effects. The scope of responsibilities includes creating graphics packages and toolkits, indicating a contribution to the operational efficiency and brand standardization of UFC's visual content.
Reporting Structure: The Motion Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director or Head of Production within the UFC creative department. They will work closely with producers, editors, and potentially marketing teams, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills to align on project goals and deliverables.
Operations Impact: The motion graphics created directly impact UFC's brand perception, fan engagement, and content quality across all platforms. By producing visually compelling and consistent graphics, this role supports the operational efficiency of content creation and enhances the overall viewer experience, which is critical for maintaining UFC's status as a premier sports entertainment brand. Efficient design systems and templates also streamline future content production, directly contributing to operational cost-effectiveness and speed-to-market.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like 3D animation, visual effects, or broadcast graphics packages.
-
Leadership: Potential to advance to a Senior Motion Graphic Designer or Lead Designer role, mentoring junior team members and taking on more complex creative direction.
-
Cross-Functional Exposure: Possibility to work on projects for other TKO properties (WWE, PBR) or collaborate with IMG and On Location, broadening experience in the broader sports and entertainment ecosystem.
-
Skill Development: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest technologies and creative trends in motion design and visual effects.
π Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this creative role contributes to operational efficiency and brand consistency, and how career progression within such a large organization can offer diverse opportunities for skill enhancement and leadership.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This is an on-site role at UFC Headquarters in Las Vegas, NV. The environment is expected to be dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced, typical of a leading sports and entertainment organization.
Office Location(s): UFC Headquarters, Las Vegas, Nevada. This location provides proximity to major entertainment venues and a hub for sports media production.
Workspace Context:
-
The workspace will likely be a creative studio environment equipped with high-performance workstations, large monitors, and access to necessary software and hardware for motion graphics production.
-
Expect a collaborative atmosphere where designers work closely with editors, producers, and other creative professionals.
-
Opportunities for direct interaction with teams involved in live event production, broadcast, and digital content creation.
-
Access to TKO's extensive media assets and potentially state-of-the-art production facilities.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of live events and broadcast deadlines, flexibility and willingness to work extended hours or weekends during peak periods may be necessary to ensure timely delivery of critical content.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the on-site nature and the fast-paced, collaborative culture of a major sports media company. The "workspace context" highlights the need for specialized equipment and the importance of integration within a larger production workflow.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications and creative output.
-
Technical Interview/Test: A practical assessment, potentially including a live design challenge or a review of specific portfolio pieces, to evaluate your proficiency in After Effects, Cinema4D, and other required software. This may involve creating a short animation or solving a design problem within a time limit.
-
Creative/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and members of the creative team to assess your conceptual thinking, storytelling ability, communication skills, and cultural fit within the UFC creative department.
-
Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion with senior leadership about your experience, career aspirations, and how you can contribute to TKO's overall vision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize projects demonstrating motion graphics packages, broadcast elements, and dynamic visual storytelling.
-
Highlight Process: For key projects, include brief explanations of your role, the creative process, challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Visuals of storyboards, style frames, or behind-the-scenes work can be beneficial.
-
Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly exhibits expertise in After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and ideally Cinema4D. If using other 3D software, be prepared to explain its application.
-
Showcase Versatility: Include examples that span different styles and formats (e.g., broadcast opens, social media animations, informational graphics) to demonstrate adaptability.
-
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and presented professionally (e.g., a dedicated website, Vimeo, or Behance profile).
Challenge Preparation:
-
Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints.
-
Time Management: Practice creating short motion graphics pieces within tight deadlines to simulate interview conditions.
-
Storytelling Focus: Even in a short exercise, focus on conveying a clear message or narrative through your animation and design.
-
Technical Execution: Be prepared to explain your technical approach, software choices, and any specific techniques used to achieve your results.
-
Brand Alignment: Consider the UFC brand identity and how your proposed solution aligns with it.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates on how to prepare for the interview process, focusing on the critical role of the portfolio and the nature of potential design challenges in a creative industry context.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Adobe After Effects: The core software for motion graphics animation, compositing, and visual effects. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in its features, including keyframing, expressions, and plugins.
-
Adobe Photoshop: Essential for creating and optimizing graphic assets, textures, and backgrounds for motion graphics.
-
Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector-based graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations that maintain scalability without quality loss.
-
Maxon Cinema 4D: A key requirement for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, used to integrate 3D elements seamlessly into 2D motion graphics.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
While not directly a design tool, understanding how analytics inform content performance (e.g., engagement rates on social media) can influence design choices. Familiarity with platforms that report on video engagement would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:
-
Not directly applicable to this role's core function. Video Editing & Compositing:
-
Adobe Premiere Pro: Proficiency or familiarity is expected for integrating motion graphics into video timelines and understanding editing workflows.
-
Final Cut Pro: An alternative professional video editing software, familiarity with which is also a plus.
-
Adobe Premiere Pro: Proficiency or familiarity is expected for integrating motion graphics into video timelines and understanding editing workflows.
-
Final Cut Pro: An alternative professional video editing software, familiarity with which is also a plus.
-
Compositing Software: Beyond After Effects, familiarity with tools like Nuke or Fusion could be advantageous for complex VFX tasks.
π Enhancement Note: This section details the specific software stack required, emphasizing the industry-standard tools that a motion graphic designer must master. The inclusion of video editing software highlights the need to understand the broader content production pipeline.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and explore new visual techniques to keep UFC content fresh and engaging.
-
Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-caliber work that meets stringent broadcast and digital standards.
-
Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and supporting collective project goals.
-
Efficiency & Agility: The ability to adapt quickly to changing project demands and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines, a hallmark of operations in fast-paced media.
-
Brand Stewardship: A dedication to upholding and enhancing the UFC brand identity through consistent and impactful visual design.
Collaboration Style:
-
Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with producers, editors, writers, and marketing teams, bridging creative vision with project execution.
-
Feedback-Driven Process: An open environment where constructive criticism is welcomed and used to refine designs and improve project outcomes.
-
Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing techniques, workflows, and industry insights among team members to foster collective growth and innovation.
-
Proactive Communication: Regular check-ins and clear communication channels to ensure alignment on project status, creative direction, and potential roadblocks.
π Enhancement Note: This section translates the core values and collaboration styles relevant to a creative team within a large sports entertainment company, emphasizing how these impact the daily work and operational flow of a motion graphic designer.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Pace of Production: The high volume of content produced by UFC (40+ live events annually) requires designers to work efficiently and manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
-
Brand Consistency Across Platforms: Maintaining a cohesive visual identity across diverse platforms (TV, web, social media, international markets) while adapting to each platform's specific requirements.
-
Evolving Technology: Staying current with rapidly advancing motion graphics software, hardware, and visual effects techniques to maintain a competitive edge.
-
Creative Demands: Constantly innovating and delivering fresh, engaging visual content that captivates a global audience and stands out in a crowded media landscape.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Advanced Software Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops for mastering new features in After Effects, Cinema4D, and other relevant software.
-
Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading motion design and VFX conferences (e.g., NAB Show, SIGGRAPH) to learn about emerging trends and network with peers.
-
Cross-Property Collaboration: Potential to contribute to projects for other TKO brands (WWE, PBR), offering exposure to different creative styles and production workflows.
-
Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and creative directors, gaining insights into career progression and leadership skills within the industry.
π Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges and growth avenues, framing them in the context of operations within a high-volume, dynamic creative industry, and highlighting how continuous learning is essential for career development.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe your process for creating a motion graphics package for a major sporting event. What are the key stages, and how do you ensure brand consistency and impact?" (Focus on your workflow, template creation, and brand alignment).
-
"How do you approach integrating 3D elements with live-action footage in After Effects? Walk us through a specific example from your portfolio." (Demonstrate technical skill and creative problem-solving).
-
"Imagine you have conflicting feedback from a producer and an editor on a graphic. How would you navigate this situation to reach a resolution while maintaining creative integrity?" (Assess communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills). Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What excites you most about working for UFC and TKO Group Holdings? How do you see your skills contributing to our brand?" (Show genuine interest and connect your abilities to their mission).
-
"Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to meet specific brand guidelines or project requirements. How did you ensure the final output was both on-brand and visually compelling?" (Highlight adaptability and understanding of brand stewardship).
-
"How do you stay updated on the latest trends in motion graphics and visual effects, and how do you incorporate these into your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and innovation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Narrative Arc: For each key project in your portfolio, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the final impact.
-
Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples of typography, composition, 3D integration, compositing, and storytelling within your presented work.
-
Technical Walkthrough: Be ready to briefly explain the technical process behind a complex piece, demonstrating your understanding of the software and workflows.
-
Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how your graphics improved engagement, viewership, or brand recognition, present it. Even qualitative feedback is valuable.
-
Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time by being concise and focusing on the most relevant aspects of each project.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, tailored interview questions and preparation advice, focusing on how a motion graphic designer can articulate their operational approach to creative work, demonstrate technical prowess, and align with the brand and culture of a major sports entertainment company.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Motion Graphic Designer position at TKO:
-
Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
-
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your expertise in motion graphics packages, broadcast design, 3D integration (Cinema4D), and visual effects. Prioritize work relevant to sports and entertainment.
-
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of professional experience, proficiency in After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema4D, and any relevant experience in broadcast or digital media production. Use keywords from the job description.
-
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and collaborative approach. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially complete a design challenge.
-
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UFC's current branding, recent broadcast graphics, social media content, and TKO's overall portfolio. Understand their brand voice and visual aesthetic.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Motion Design, Graphic Design, or equivalent experience, along with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema4D is required.