Design Lead
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
... meaningful agency or client-facing time and demonstrated growth into higher-level creative ... Motion graphics or animation experience (After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar) * Illustration ...
Design Lead
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
... meaningful agency or client-facing time and demonstrated growth into higher-level creative ... Motion graphics or animation experience (After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar) * Illustration ...
Animation Agency information
What is an animation agency?
An animation agency is a company that specializes in creating animated content for various purposes, such as advertising, entertainment, education, and corporate communications. These agencies typically employ teams of artists, animators, writers, and producers to develop animations ranging from 2D and 3D videos to motion graphics and visual effects. Clients often hire animation agencies to bring their ideas to life, explain complex concepts, or enhance brand storytelling through engaging visuals.
What are the typical collaboration dynamics between animators and other creative professionals in an animation agency?
In an animation agency, animators frequently collaborate with storyboard artists, scriptwriters, sound designers, and project managers to bring concepts to life. Communication is key, as projects often require multiple revisions based on client feedback and interdisciplinary teamwork. Animators may participate in regular meetings to align on creative direction, address technical challenges, and ensure that the final product meets both artistic and client expectations. This collaborative environment fosters both creativity and professional growth, making teamwork a central aspect of daily operations.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at an animation agency, and why are they important?
To thrive at an animation agency, you need strong artistic abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles, and proficiency with industry-standard software, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and sometimes certification in these platforms, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills that enhance collaboration and client relations. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality animations that meet client expectations and deadlines in a competitive creative industry.
What is the difference between Animation Agency vs Animation Studio?
| Aspect | Animation Agency | Animation Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires portfolios, industry experience, and client management skills | Requires technical skills, software proficiency, and creative portfolios |
| Work Environment | Client-facing, project management, collaborative teams | Production-focused, technical teams, creative departments |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used by marketing, advertising, and media companies to outsource animation services | Used by entertainment, gaming, and film industries for in-house or contracted production |
While both Animation Agencies and Animation Studios work within the animation industry, agencies primarily focus on client management and outsourcing animation services, whereas studios are centered on in-house or contracted production of animated content. Understanding these differences helps clients and professionals choose the right partner or career path.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Agency jobs in Utah?
For Animation Agency jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Agency jobs in Utah look for?
The top searched job categories for Animation Agency jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Animation Agency jobs?
Cities in Utah with the most Animation Agency job openings:
Design Lead
Salt Lake City, UT • On-site
Westminster University
Full-time
Posted 15 days ago
Job description
Design Lead
Westminster University
Supervisor: Director of Marketing
Department: Office of Marketing, Communication, and Events
Position Summary
The Design Lead is Westminster's visual brand steward, reporting to the Director of Marketing. This role moves beyond brand maintenance into proactively shaping where Westminster's brand goes next, bringing initiative, strategic vision, and hands-on craft to every project.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and in partnership with the Junior Graphic Designer, the Design Lead originates creative concepts and campaign thinking, translates institutional strategy into compelling visual solutions, and actively problem-solves to elevate the brand across print, digital, social, advertising, and editorial materials. They work cross-functionally with the internal MarComm team and campus partners.
The ideal candidate pairs strong design execution with strategic, big-picture thinking: someone who is constantly asking how Westminster's brand can be stronger, more cohesive, and more distinctive. They're excited to bring that thinking to a mission-driven institution with a strong sense of community and a real commitment to educational values, and they're energized by the cultural and creative life around them.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCREATIVE DIRECTION AND BRAND
- Serve as vision holder for Westminster's brand, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen and evolve the university's visual identity, and contributing creative concepts and strategic design solutions that advance university goals and elevate projects from concept through execution
- Develop wireframes and visual direction for campaign initiatives, partnering with the web team and other campus partners
- Evaluate creative work across departments to identify where visual direction should shift, translating institutional priorities into cohesive visual communications
- Ensure consistency, quality, and brand alignment across all marketing and communications materials, print through digital
BRAND OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Participate in project intake with the Director of Marketing, bringing design-specific questions to define project goals and creative briefs
- Manage individual design projects and deadlines to ensure high-quality, timely execution
- Strategize, design, and produce the Westminster Review magazine, annual event invitations, and other institutional publications
- Translate campaigns across mediums — platform specs, reformatting, ensuring one campaign holds together from print to web
- Develop and maintain university-wide design templates (Canva, PowerPoint, and other branded resources)
- Co-manage print production and vendor relationships (estimates, specs, timelines, delivery); support sourcing of freelance creatives and specialty vendors
- Maintain Westminster's brand portal (CLC Brand Manager 360)
- Present creative work and brand direction to stakeholders, advocating for strategic design
- Solve production and creative challenges proactively
- Stay current on design trends and production best practices
TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP
- Mentor the Junior Graphic Designer and student employees, fostering craft and creative growth; track the team's project pipeline with the Director of Marketing
- Present creative work and brand direction to external stakeholders/clients and internal teams
- Partner closely with the Director of Marketing as a strategic creative counterpart — helping shape direction, not just receiving it
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field
- 7+ years of professional graphic design experience, including meaningful agency or client-facing time and demonstrated growth into higher-level creative ownership
- Strong portfolio demonstrating brand identity and systems-level thinking — not just campaign execution — across print, digital, social, web, and editorial
- Demonstrated experience developing wireframes or UX/interface design for websites or digital products
- Familiarity with Canva and PowerPoint, to support campus clients effectively
- Demonstrated experience presenting creative work to executive stakeholders and/or external clients, and navigating feedback with confidence
- Proven ability to translate a campaign or brand across multiple channels while maintaining cohesion
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; working proficiency in XD or similar
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills
- Motion graphics or animation experience (After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar)
- Illustration skills, or experience writing briefs for and managing illustrators/specialty creatives
- Experience in higher education or another complex, multi-stakeholder institutional environment
- Mentorship experience
- Editorial design experience for print publications (magazines, annual reports, or similar)
- Familiarity with brand portal/DAM systems (e.g., CLC Brand Manager 360) or similar platforms
Diversity and Inclusion:
Promote an Inclusive Westminster through demonstration of the commitments included in the Westminster University Diversity Statement. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related diversity, equity and Inclusion both individually and as related to my field of work, profession or discipline.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Westminster University is committed to a diversified workforce, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination. To this end, Westminster prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on race or ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, disabilities, genetic information, status as a veteran, or any other category or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or city laws.