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Freelance Motion Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... design. * Art direct creative execution across internal teams, agencies, and freelancers, providing ... Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); motion and 3D skills ...

... design. * Art direct creative execution across internal teams, agencies, and freelancers, providing ... Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); motion and 3D skills ...

Brand Creative Sr. Manager

Lansing, MI · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

... design. * Art direct creative execution across internal teams, agencies, and freelancers, providing ... Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); motion and 3D skills ...

MI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

... design. * Art direct creative execution across internal teams, agencies, and freelancers, providing ... Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); motion and 3D skills ...

Our thoughtful craftsmanship, timeless design, and spirited stories inspire our customers to live ... Collaborating with freelance agencies on larger brand videos Post-Production - Video Editing

Our thoughtful craftsmanship, timeless design, and spirited stories inspire our customers to live ... Collaborating with freelance agencies on larger brand videos Post-Production - Video Editing

... and motion skills, design technologists and prototypers. This team works in small, rapid-moving ... or freelance work) with direct ownership of shipped features used by real customers at scale. 3+ ...

Art Director

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

... motion graphic and interaction design skills, including Flash, Ajax, Flex and emerging platforms ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Art Director

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

... motion graphic and interaction design skills, including Flash, Ajax, Flex and emerging platforms ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Freelance Motion Design information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$41

$115

How much do freelance motion design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance motion design in Michigan is $41.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance motion design?

Freelance motion design involves creating animated graphics and visual effects on a project-by-project basis, rather than working as a full-time employee for one company. Motion designers use tools like After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Blender to produce videos, advertisements, explainer animations, and more. As freelancers, they manage their own clients, set their rates, and have flexibility over their work schedules. This career requires both creative and technical skills, as well as the ability to communicate with clients and meet deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance motion designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Motion Designer, you need a strong foundation in animation principles, graphic design, and proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. Familiarity with project management tools and, in some cases, a portfolio or motion graphics certification can be advantageous. Exceptional communication, time management, and creative problem-solving skills help freelancers collaborate effectively and meet client expectations. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality work on time, maintain client relationships, and succeed in a competitive freelance market.

How do freelance motion designers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

Freelance motion designers often work with multiple clients at once, making clear communication essential for successful project delivery. They usually establish expectations upfront by discussing project timelines, deliverables, revisions, and feedback processes in their contracts or proposals. Regular check-ins—via email, video calls, or project management tools—help keep both parties aligned and minimize misunderstandings. By proactively sharing progress updates and seeking feedback at key milestones, motion designers ensure the final product meets client needs while staying on schedule.

What is the difference between Freelance Motion Design vs Motion Graphics Artist?

AspectFreelance Motion DesignMotion Graphics Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, proficiency in design softwarePortfolio, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client sitesStudio, agency, or freelance
Employer/IndustryClients across various industriesMedia, advertising, entertainment
Search/Comparison IntentYesYes

Freelance Motion Designers and Motion Graphics Artists often share similar skills and work environments, such as proficiency in animation software and working with clients or studios. The main difference is that Freelance Motion Designers operate independently, managing their own clients and projects, while Motion Graphics Artists may work within studios or agencies. Both roles require a strong portfolio and creative skills, but freelancers have more flexibility and responsibility for business management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Design jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Motion Design jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Motion Design jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Motion Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Motion Design job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,489 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

$81K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Publicis Groupe rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated marketing agency


Job description

Company description
Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities. Digitas delivers ambitious outcomes via unique solutions that include Creative Experiences, Integrated Media, Addressable Relationships, Social Marketing and Total Commerce. Celebrated by AdAge as Data and Insights Agency of the Year, U.S Campaign's Brand Experience Agency of the Year, Media Network of the Year and celebrated by Forrester and Gartner, Digitas serves the world's leading brands through a global network comprised of more than 5,500 employees across over 65 offices in 43 countries.
The Digitas culture is made up of fearless, inventive and generous Unicorns of all kinds.
Overview
In this role, you'll lead the concept, design and execution of groundbreaking visual solutions for integrated, cross-channel initiatives including large Web initiatives, online advertising and digital marketing. The amazing conceptual power and exceptional design skills that you bring to the team will be put to use daily as you assist the Creative Director in leading a best-in-class creative team. Day to day, your role will include:
  • Creating a range of powerful, viable concepts and designs for each project, partnering with copywriters to ensure the copy direction and visual presentation work together to make the concept powerful and compelling
  • Communicating visual designs, motion design, concepts, and storyboards through presentations - and getting clients to approve (and love) the recommended designs
  • Expertly leading teams of designers and production artists to flawlessly execute cross-channel and digital work
  • Deftly juggling multiple projects while inspiring & motivating both your creative teammates and your clients

Qualifications
We're looking for a Senior Art Director who is both tremendously qualified and awesome to work with, which usually includes:
  • Proficiency in Figma required, auto experience is a plus
  • Energy, a sense of humor and an open & curious mind (yes, these things really do matter)
  • Exceptional conceptual and design skills and a robust portfolio that shows your talent in both print and Web
  • Strong experience on large cross-channel and/or direct-marketing initiatives across media, both online and off, and a mastery of Web production and the capabilities within digital channels
  • An expert understanding of Photoshop, Image Ready, Illustrator, and Quark/InDesign - plus (ideally) an understanding of Flash, After Effects, and video production
  • A four-year degree, formal design training, plus five to seven years of art direction and strong digital design experience, preferably in a creative agency
  • A knack for strategic brainstorming, campaign development, creative brief development and creative execution
  • Familiarity with prompt-based interaction and commonly used generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL• E, Midjourney) is a plus, especially for tasks like ideation, research, or content generation.

Got the sparkle? Apply if you believe your unique skills are a fit.
Additional information
Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.
Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMTTACompliance@publicis.com.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation Range: USD $81,225.00 - USD $111,100.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/1/2026.

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