Freelance Animation Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Deckorators is seeking a creative and driven Visual Media Specialist to help bring our brand, products, and people to life through compelling photo and video content. This role is responsible for planning, capturing, producing, and editing visual media that supports marketing campaigns, product launches, social media, dealer communications, training initiatives, events, and corporate storytelling. The ideal candidate is equal parts visual storyteller and technical producer. They are comfortable behind the camera, in the editing suite, and on location directing talent, managing shoots, and creating content that strengthens the Deckorators brand across digital and traditional channels. This position is ideal for a motivated professional with 3-5 years of experience who is eager to expand their creative capabilities, take ownership of projects, and grow alongside a leading brand in the outdoor living industry.

• Plan, produce, shoot, and edit professional video content for marketing campaigns, product launches, social media initiatives, events, training, and internal communications.
• Capture high-quality photography for products, installations, events, lifestyle applications, and corporate initiatives.
• Develop creative concepts, shot lists, storyboards, treatments, and production plans in collaboration with marketing stakeholders.
• Edit raw footage, photography, and audio into polished, brand-aligned final assets optimized for a variety of platforms and audiences.
• Support content creation at trade shows, dealer events, contractor programs, job sites, product launches, and corporate locations.
• Plan and coordinate shoot logistics, including locations, schedules, equipment, talent, and production resources.
• Work with external creative partners, photographers, videographers, and freelancers when additional resources are needed.
• Manage and maintain photo, video, and digital asset libraries to ensure content remains organized and accessible.
• Help develop and maintain a consistent visual identity across all Deckorators content.
• Stay current on emerging content trends, production techniques, equipment, and software to continuously elevate creative quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Multimedia Production, Communications, Marketing, Film Production, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in photography, videography, content production, or related creative roles.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in both professional photography and video production.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept through final delivery.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing projects, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 20-40 days per year for events, dealer visits, job-site productions, product launches, and other content creation opportunities.
• This is an in-office position based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Experience capturing professional photo and video content using DSLR or mirrorless camera systems.
• Deep understanding of composition, lighting, framing, audio capture, and post-production workflows.
• Experience creating content for social media, web, digital advertising, and marketing campaigns.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to take projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision.

• Experience with drone photography and videography.
• Experience directing on-camera talent and conducting interviews.
• Familiarity with Blender, Cinema 4D, or other 3D rendering and animation tools.
• Experience working in the building products, construction, manufacturing, outdoor living, or related industries.

Takes initiative, embraces ownership, and follows projects through to completion. Thrives in a collaborative environment while working independently with minimal oversight. Has a passion for visual storytelling and creating content that delivers measurable business impact. Is equally comfortable shooting content in a manufacturing facility, on a job site, at a live event, or in a studio setting. Actively seeks opportunities to learn new skills, expand responsibilities, and elevate the quality of their work. Brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to grow their career within a fast-paced marketing organization.

Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating professional photography and video production work. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.