At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead 3D and motion design projects for global tech clients, creating stunning visual content.
- Company: Join a dynamic design agency in London with a collaborative and creative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects with top brands and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative design, shaping stories that captivate audiences.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in 3D design, expert in Cinema 4D and After Effects, strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Design Director specialised in 3D to join our Design & Production team in London, initially on a 3-month contract with the view to extend.
Working alongside the other Directors within the Design team, you’ll lead the agency’s 3D and motion output on one of our global technology clients.
- Function overview
- Design & Production
We are a tight-knit team of 3D artists & animators, designers & illustrators, photographers & videographers, coders & brand builders who create thumb-smashing content for some of the biggest brands in the world.
You will work closely with a whole host of departmental specialists, from Insights to Community to Strategy, to deliver transformational social-first work for our clients.
Our Conversational Creative relies on innovation, through a deep knowledge of the latest platform features and production techniques, combined with an acute understanding of what people are talking about and why it’s important to them and their communities.
To be a part of the Design & Production team, you must be a pixel-loving, idea-generating, creative collaborator who likes to tell stories that move.
- Specific bullets on role
- Technology
You will own the creative and the craft on product-led work, taking hero devices and client briefs from client CAD and product data through to photoreal CGI branded content that gets their audiences interested.
Turning that into launch films, social cutdowns, key visuals and always‑on content.
You will set the visual bar for how these products are seen, and you will be hands‑on in setting it.
- 3D & motion craft
- Own the end‑to‑end 3D pipeline: concept, look development, modelling, shading, lighting, animation, rendering and compositing.
- Build and art direct complex animation sequences in Cinema 4D and After Effects, delivered to both broadcast and social specifications
- Set and maintain scene, shader, naming and render standards so work is consistent, reusable and clean to hand over
- Interrogate client CAD and 3D source files early, and flag what is missing or unusable before it becomes a delivery risk
- Own quality control on every frame that leaves the department
- Creative direction & clients
- Lead creative direction on 3D and motion projects from brief through to final delivery.
This isn’t just fancy whip pans of products, its building stories and advertising effectively.
- Confidently present, explain and defend work to clients, and build the relationships that let good work through
- Translate technical constraints into plain language for clients, strategists and account teams
- Contribute to and shape pitches and concepts for new work, helping sell the agency’s 3D and motion capability
- Pipeline, planning & resourcing
- Working with our Studio Manager, you will schedule and sequence 3D deliveries across multiple concurrent projects, building in render time, review rounds and contingency
- Write clear, unambiguous briefs for freelance 3D artists, animators and external studios, and manage their output to deadline, budget and quality
- Work with Production and account teams on timings, budgets and realistic client‑facing deadlines
- Team
- Share knowledge — tools, techniques and workflow
- Stay across developments in real‑time, procedural and AI‑assisted 3D workflows, and bring the genuinely useful ones into the pipeline
- Ideal
- Experienced creative with 6+ years in 3D and motion design, with significant time on technology, consumer electronics or automotive brands
- Deep, demonstrable Cinema 4D expertise across modelling, lighting, shading, animation and rendering
- Strong After Effects and wider Adobe CC skills for compositing, edit and finishing
- Experience leading teams and overseeing multiple, diverse projects simultaneously
- Agency background, with an understanding of social‑first delivery and platform specifications
- A reel that proves the craft — photoreal advertising product work especially
Essential
- Cinema 4D — advanced – Animation, modelling, texturing, lighting
- Physically based rendering — Redshift preferred - Octane, Arnold or equivalent
- After Effects — motion graphics, compositing and finishing
- Photoreal product visualisation and hard-surface
- End-to-end pipeline ownership and technical problem solving
- Client‑facing confidence — presenting, pitching and creative direction
- Scheduling and resourcing 3D deliveries
- Briefing and managing freelancers and external studios
- Meticulous attention to detail — lead on quality control
- Excellent communicator
- Extensive Knowledge In
- Cinema 4D (essential)
- Redshift, Octane or Arnold (essential)
- After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere (essential)
- Houdini, Blender, Unreal Engine or Substance (desirable)
- Familiarity with CAD and interchange formats and their clean‑up — STEP, OBJ, FBX, USD, Alembic (desirable)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
DESIGN DIRECTOR - 3D & MOTION in City of Westminster employer: 1000heads
At 1000heads, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. As a remote German-speaking Freelance Influencer Marketing Manager, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team in Berlin while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid or remote arrangements. We are committed to your professional growth, offering access to diverse projects and the chance to make a significant impact in the influencer marketing landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DESIGN DIRECTOR - 3D & MOTION in City of Westminster
✨Build a Killer Portfolio
Make sure you have a stunning online portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight a variety of styles and create case studies for projects that explain your thought process — this will help potential clients see your versatility and creativity!
✨Tap into Design Communities
Get active in online design communities like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups. Engaging in conversations, sharing your work, and giving feedback can help you connect with other creatives and potential clients who might be looking for freelance designers!
✨Leverage Social Media
Show off your designs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter! Use relevant hashtags and engage with other graphic designers and brands. This could lead to opportunities where businesses discover you through your posts and reach out for projects.
✨Network Like a Pro
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and previous clients know you're available for freelance work. Sometimes the best gigs come from referrals, so make sure to get your name out there — you never know who might need a designer like you!
We think you need these skills to ace DESIGN DIRECTOR - 3D & MOTION in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your biggest selling point. Make sure to showcase a diverse range of work, highlighting not just finished pieces but your design process too. Include case studies that illustrate how your designs solved problems for clients or communities!
Tailor Your CV to Shine:While CVs in graphic design might be less formal, it's crucial to effectively present your skills. Focus on including relevant software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your designs. Highlighting your adaptability and unique style can make your CV stand out!
Be Clear About Your Rates:As a freelancer, transparency is key! When applying to 1000heads for the DESIGN DIRECTOR - 3D & MOTION position, be upfront about your rates and what those include—like revisions or additional services. This builds trust and helps potential clients understand what they’re getting for their investment.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:A cover letter is your chance to connect with 1000heads beyond your designs. Talk about why you’re drawn to their projects and how your freelance work aligns with their vision. This personal touch can make a huge difference in standing out among other applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1000heads
✨Show Off Your Best Work
As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your superpower. Make sure to curate a selection that showcases your style and versatility—think about what pieces best represent the type of projects you'd want to work on with 1000heads. Be prepared to discuss the ideas behind each piece and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Familiarity with design software is crucial, especially programmes like Adobe Creative Suite or other tools relevant to the job. Be ready for some technical questions that may dig into your proficiency—1000heads might want to know how you approach design challenges using specific software.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Freelancing is all about collaboration, so take some time to research 1000heads's past design projects. Understand their branding and design language. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your skills to align with their vision and add value to their team.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
Freelancing means you’re selling not just your skills, but your unique perspective. When you're chatting with 1000heads, clearly convey what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to illustrate how your background, skills, and experiences can benefit their projects, ensuring they see you as a valuable addition to their creative team.
