Who We Are
The Heist is the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, a Brief-to-Built agency. The team brings together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work across brand films, broadcast spots, social campaigns, and experiential content. Collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an Art Director, Motion who can lead with vision, inspire teams, and push creative boundaries across a variety of motion design projects. In this hybrid hands-on and leadership role, you will take ideas from concept to execution, including storyboarding, styleframing, directing motion designers, and overseeing high-caliber 3D and 2D content for social, branded, commercial, and experiential campaigns.
You will collaborate with fellow creatives and cross-functional teams to shape the visual direction of projects ranging from digital micro-content to full-length animated pieces, while mentoring junior talent and maintaining efficiency throughout the production pipeline.
What You'll Be Doing
- •Lead concept development and the realization of creative direction for motion projects
- •Create styleframes and storyboards that define tone, motion language, and aesthetic
- •Oversee and participate in the execution of 3D and 2D motion graphics, ensuring quality and cohesion
- •Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and designers to shape campaign narratives
- •Give thoughtful and actionable feedback that elevates the work
- •Direct small to mid-size teams of animators and designers across various projects
- •Contribute to pitch decks, treatments, and new business efforts when needed
- •Stay ahead of industry trends, tools, and techniques to continuously elevate creative output
What You'll Bring
- •A stunning portfolio demonstrating strong art direction in motion across multiple styles and platforms
- •7+ years of experience in motion design or animation, with at least 1-2 years in a senior or leadership role
- •Strong background in visual storytelling, typography, color theory, and design principles
- •Expertise in Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere)
- •Familiarity with Houdini, XParticles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter is a bonus
- •Excellent communication skills, both visual and verbal
- •Ability to manage timelines, provide mentorship, and balance hands-on work with strategic thinking
- •A deep passion for craft and a desire to push what is possible in motion
Compensation and Benefits
- •Compensation: CAD 120,000 - CAD 150,000 per year
- •Monday to Thursday in office, Fridays remote optional
- •Flexible time off including paid vacation and sick days
- •Comprehensive extended health benefits
- •Consistent culture and team-building events
- •Employee recognition and incentive programs
- •Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year
- •Office lunches, branded swag, unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
- •Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
- •Dog-friendly offices
- •Flex work and travel options
