Freelance 2D Motion Graphics Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Brand Creative Sr. Manager

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customers’ requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.

Job Summary

As the Brand Creative Senior Manager for Air Lift Company, you will own the creative vision and visual identity of the Air Lift brand, ensuring every touchpoint, from packaging and product graphics to campaigns, events, and digital, looks, sounds, and feels unmistakably Air Lift Portfolio of Brands. You are responsible for defining and governing the brand identity system, setting the creative direction for major brand moments, and elevating the quality and consistency of creative output across internal teams and external partners. This role is for you if you are a senior creative who can set a bold brand vision and roll up your sleeves to art direct the work that brings it to life.

What you'll do:

• Manage, mentor and develop creative talent, raising the design and storytelling capability of the marketing creative team.
• Own and evolve the Air Lift brand identity system, including logo usage, color palette, typography, photography style, tone of voice, and design standards.
• Set the creative direction for major brand initiatives, including product launches, campaign platforms, motorsports activations, and trade show experiences.
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines and asset libraries, ensuring consistent application across packaging, product, digital, print, and environmental design.
• Art direct creative execution across internal teams, agencies, and freelancers, providing clear briefs, feedback, and approvals that raise the quality of the work.
• Lead the creative development of campaign concepts for organic, paid, and channel marketing, partnering with content and media teams on execution.
• Design and oversee brand experiences at events and activations, from booth design and vehicle graphics to signage and premium items.
• Manage creative agency and vendor relationships, including selection, scoping, budgets, and performance.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or a related field.
• 8+ years' progressive creative experience, including art direction or creative leadership roles; agency and in-house experience both valued.
• A portfolio demonstrating brand identity systems, campaign creative, and environmental or experiential design.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); motion and 3D skills a plus.
• Able to develop strategies, define action plans, and share results.
• Ability to frame forward-looking solutions, aligned with business goals and customer needs.
• Experience in the automotive aftermarket, automotive culture, or enthusiast brands, preferred

What we offer:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Generous 401(k) with up to 8% company matching
• A supportive and inclusive company culture that prioritizes work/life balance
• Professional development to help grow your career
• Paid time off and paid holidays