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Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics Jobs in Michigan

HARMAN International

3D Motion Designer-Unity

Novi, MI · On-site

Experience integrating motion with real-time 3D scenes and interactive environments * Exposure to prototyping methods, usability testing, or user research * Experience contributing to innovation ...

Stellantis

UX Motion Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Our global creative team consists of a diverse group of User Experience Designers, Interaction Designers, 2D/3D Visual Designers, Motion Graphic Artist, Researchers, and Prototypers. We are ...

Stellantis

UX Motion Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Our global creative team consists of a diverse group of User Experience Designers, Interaction Designers, 2D/3D Visual Designers, Motion Graphic Artist, Researchers, and Prototypers. We are ...

General Motors

Senior Motion Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Deliver polished design assets such as layouts, sketches, motion graphics, and user journeys that ... Motion, animation, or conceptual 3D*** **5+ years** of professional experience in UX Design ...

General Motors

Senior Motion Designer

Warren, MI

$95K - $102K/yr

Deliver polished design assets such as layouts, sketches, motion graphics, and user journeys that ... Motion, animation, or conceptual 3D * 5+ years of professional experience in UX Design, Product ...

General Motors

Senior Motion Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Deliver polished design assets such as layouts, sketches, motion graphics, and user journeys that ... Motion, animation, or conceptual 3D * 5+ years of professional experience in UX Design, Product ...

Morley

Art Director (Remote - Michigan)

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$114K - $120K/yr

... motion graphic studios and marketing / communications executives * Contribute independently and ... Skilled in 3D modeling programs such as Blender, Cinema 4D or Maya * Automotive experience

Morley

Art Director (Remote - Michigan)

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site +1

$114K - $120K/yr

... motion graphic studios and marketing / communications executives * Contribute independently and ... Skilled in 3D modeling programs such as Blender, Cinema 4D or Maya * Automotive experience

Stellantis

CGI Artist

Auburn Hills, MI

This includes taking 3D data models and creating imagery using programs such as Keyshot, Maya, and ... This role is also responsible for creating or editing backgrounds and supplemental graphics, as ...

Stellantis

CGI Artist

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

This includes taking 3D data models and creating imagery using programs such as Keyshot, Maya, and ... This role is also responsible for creating or editing backgrounds and supplemental graphics, as ...

Ottawa Infotainment

UI/UX Design Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

Unity or 3D visualization tools * Motion graphics or animation * Blender, 3ds Max, or other 3D tools * Interest in automotive HMI or embedded interfaces * Experience building portfolio-quality ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game development, motion graphics, and digital art creation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game development, motion graphics, and digital art creation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics JobsIndependent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics Jobs in Michigan

Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics information

What is an independent contractor 3D motion graphics artist?

Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics artists are professionals who create animated visual content using 3D computer graphics, often working on a freelance or contract basis. They collaborate with clients from industries such as advertising, film, gaming, and marketing to design animations, visual effects, and motion graphics that enhance storytelling and visual communication. As independent contractors, they manage their own schedules, client relationships, and project workflows, often working remotely or on short-term assignments. Their work involves using software like Cinema 4D, Blender, or Maya to bring creative concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor 3d motion graphics artist?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics Artist, you need strong expertise in 3D animation, modeling, and visual storytelling, typically backed by a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Cinema 4D, After Effects, Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and knowledge of plugins or rendering engines is often required. Exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret client briefs and work independently with multiple stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of compelling motion graphics that meet client expectations and deadlines in a competitive freelance market.

What are some common challenges independent contractors face when working on 3d motion graphics projects for multiple clients?

Independent contractor 3D motion graphics artists often juggle multiple projects with varying deadlines, client expectations, and design styles. Time management and effective communication are crucial, as balancing feedback cycles and revisions from different clients can be challenging. Additionally, staying updated with the latest software and industry trends is important to remain competitive. Many contractors also need to manage their own business operations, such as invoicing and contracts, alongside creative work.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics vs 3D Motion Graphics Designer?

AspectIndependent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics3D Motion Graphics Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant software skills, sometimes freelance certificationsDegree in Graphic Design, Animation, or related field; portfolio
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or on-site, project-basedIn-house or agency setting, full-time or part-time
Employer UsageHired directly by clients for specific projectsEmployed by companies or agencies to create motion graphics

The main difference is that Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics professionals work independently on a project basis, often freelancing, while 3D Motion Graphics Designers are typically employed by organizations or agencies. Both roles require strong skills in 3D software and a solid portfolio, but their work settings and employment structures differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Motion Graphics jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of 3D Motion Graphics jobs in Michigan are:

Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics jobs near you

3D Motion Designer-Unity

Novi, MI • On-site

Harman International Industries
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Harman International Industriesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
About the Role
We are looking for a senior, hands-on Motion Designer with deep real-time implementation expertise in Unity to join our award-winning Automotive Design team in Novi. You will lead the creation of premium motion systems, micro-interactions, and real-time UI transitions that elevate in-vehicle experiences across clusters, IVI, AR HUD, and next-generation cockpit concepts.
This role goes beyond motion craft and execution. It requires ownership of motion direction across programs, the ability to define scalable motion frameworks, and strong collaboration with UX, UI, Product, Engineering, and leadership teams. You will help shape the future of real-time motion in automotive HMI, drive quality and consistency across multiple initiatives, and serve as a senior point of reference for motion design implementation in Unity.
Your Team
You'll join HARMAN Automotive Design, a global, award-winning design studio bringing together UX/UI, Product, Industrial, Communication, and Motion Designers. Our team spans Germany, the US, China, Korea, and Japan, working across time zones and disciplines with a shared commitment to design excellence, emotional storytelling, and real-world impact.
What You Will Do
  • Lead the design and implementation of high-quality motion for automotive HMI, including transitions, micro-interactions, UI behaviors, and motion systems
  • Own real-time motion execution in Unity using Timeline, Animator, state machines, and VFX Graph where appropriate
  • Translate UX flows and UI designs into premium motion principles that support usability, hierarchy, brand expression, and product differentiation
  • Define and scale reusable motion patterns, standards, guidelines, and documentation across programs and platforms
  • Partner closely with UX, UI, Product Management, and Engineering to align motion direction with product goals, technical feasibility, and embedded constraints
  • Build advanced motion prototypes to validate concepts, communicate intent, and accelerate decision-making with stakeholders
  • Drive animation and VFX optimization for embedded hardware performance through profiling, testing, and implementation best practices
  • Provide senior-level guidance in reviews, workshops, and critiques, helping raise the overall quality bar of the team
  • Mentor designers and contribute to capability building in real-time motion, Unity workflows, and motion systems thinking
  • Improve internal pipelines, handoff practices, and asset organization to support scalable production and more efficient collaboration
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives involving next-generation cockpit experiences, real-time prototyping, and innovation demos
  • Act as a key motion design representative in cross-functional discussions, helping teams make informed decisions around implementation quality, feasibility, and design consistency

What You Need to Be Successful
  • 8+ years of experience in motion design, with strong work in digital products, real-time, interactive systems, or automotive HMI
  • Strong motion fundamentals including timing, transitions, composition, typography, and visual storytelling
  • Advanced Unity experience implementing animation and interaction behavior in production or production-like environments, not only rendering or visualization
  • Proven ability to define motion systems and reusable frameworks, not just create one-off animations
  • Strong understanding of performance optimization for mobile, embedded, or real-time environments
  • Proficiency with After Effects and solid knowledge of modern motion workflows across concept, prototyping, and implementation
  • Familiarity with 2D and 3D pipelines and tools such as Blender or Cinema 4D for supporting assets and motion development
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills, with confidence presenting to stakeholders and influencing decisions across design and engineering
  • Experience mentoring others, leading reviews, and raising craft quality within a team
  • Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy in ambiguous or fast-moving project environments

Bonus Points if You Have
  • Deep automotive HMI experience across cluster, IVI, AR HUD, or other safety-critical interfaces
  • Experience creating motion frameworks or design system guidance for large-scale product ecosystems
  • Familiarity with Unity URP, HDRP, Shader Graph, and VFX Graph
  • Experience integrating motion with real-time 3D scenes and interactive environments
  • Exposure to prototyping methods, usability testing, or user research
  • Experience contributing to innovation pitches, concept demos, or future-facing product vision work

What Makes You Eligible
  • Based in the United States and authorized to work without visa sponsorship
  • Fluent in English and comfortable collaborating across cultures and disciplines
  • Able to work on-site at our Novi, MI studio as needed
  • Open to occasional travel for project reviews, HARMAN offices, or global design workshops

What We Offer
  • Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a flexible schedule with a culture that encourages work-life integration and global collaboration
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products
  • Professional Growth: Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University's academies
  • Recognition & Rewards: Participate in the "Be Brilliant" program to celebrate achievements and contributions
  • Wellness Benefits: Competitive packages that promote well-being and work-life balance
  • Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse workplace that fosters professional and personal growth in a supportive, collaborative environment
  • On-Campus Facilities: Access to the HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Support for further education and skill development through tuition reimbursement programs

You Belong Here
HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you - all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.
About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology
Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.
Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.
If you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!
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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. (www.harman.com)
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Salary Ranges:
$ 108,750 - $ 159,500
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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