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Motion Graphics Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

smartdept. is searching for a 3D Product Visualization Designer for a product design client located ... A portfolio that shows photorealistic CGI product or packaging renders, not motion graphics or 2D ...

Senior Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

... motion graphics, animations, and visual effects that drive engagement and tell stories Create and ... designers, copywriters, strategists, and clients throughout the production process Use Adobe ...

Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Reporting to the Creative Director , the Graphic Designer will work collaboratively with the ... Support basic video and motion content creation using Canva, CapCut, or similar platforms. Brand ...

Showing results 21-40

Motion Graphics Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$37

$70

How much do motion graphics designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion graphics designer in Chicago, IL is $37.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.70 and $43.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motion graphics designer?

Motion Graphics Designers are creative professionals who use animation, visual effects, and graphic design to create engaging moving images for film, television, advertising, video games, and digital platforms. They combine artistic skills with technical software knowledge to design visual elements like animated logos, title sequences, explainer videos, and infographics. Their work helps communicate ideas, tell stories, or enhance the visual appeal of content by adding motion to otherwise static graphics. Motion Graphics Designers typically use tools such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Adobe Premiere Pro. They often collaborate with other designers, editors, and marketing teams to deliver visually compelling projects.

What does a motion graphics designer do?

Motion graphics designers use video and visual design to present an idea or story. Marketing campaigns, technical illustrations, computer graphics, and eLearning platforms all use motion graphics designers. A motion graphics designer's responsibilities are to create quality content that connects with the audience. In this role, you collaborate with a team to develop creative artwork and film animation viewed on handheld electronic devices, the internet, and TV. You may start your design by developing a storyboard, then create a series of graphics, editing and implementing images as you go. Before publication, you review your work and make adjustments as necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion graphics designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motion Graphics Designer, you need strong graphic design abilities, animation techniques, and a solid understanding of visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in design, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help designers collaborate with teams and deliver compelling content. These skills are crucial for producing visually engaging and technically sound motion graphics that meet client or project objectives.

How does a motion graphics designer typically collaborate with other creative professionals on a project?

Motion Graphics Designers frequently work alongside art directors, video editors, animators, and sound designers to bring visual concepts to life. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing drafts for feedback, and integrating motion elements with live-action footage or static graphics. Clear communication and openness to constructive criticism are essential, as projects may go through several revisions before final approval. This team-based approach ensures the final product aligns with the project's vision and meets client expectations.

What is the difference between Motion Graphics Designer vs Video Editor?

AspectMotion Graphics DesignerVideo Editor
Required SkillsAnimation, graphic design, Adobe After Effects, Adobe IllustratorVideo cutting, color correction, audio editing, Adobe Premiere Pro
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, media companiesFilm production, TV stations, online content creation
Industry UsageMarketing, advertising, digital mediaFilm, television, online video platforms

While both roles involve working with video content, Motion Graphics Designers focus on creating animated graphics and visual effects, whereas Video Editors primarily assemble and refine raw footage. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals choose the right skill set for their projects.

Are motion graphics designers in demand?

Motion graphics designers are in demand across industries such as advertising, entertainment, and digital media, driven by the increasing need for engaging visual content. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects and a strong portfolio can improve job prospects, especially as companies prioritize multimedia marketing and branding efforts.

How much does a motion graphics designer make?

The average salary for a motion graphics designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals with strong skills in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D can earn higher salaries or freelance rates.

Is it hard to get a job in motion graphics design?

Getting a job as a motion graphics designer can be competitive, as it often requires a strong portfolio, proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D, and relevant experience or education. Building a solid skill set and networking can improve employment prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Motion Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Motion Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Motion Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Motion Graphics Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Motion Graphics Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Motion Graphics Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,944 per year, or $38 per hour.

3D Visualization Designer

smartdept. inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

smartdept. is searching for a 3D Product Visualization Designer for a product design client located remotely. The ideal candidate will come with 3+ years of experience. This is a project based, fully remote, ongoing contract opportunity that can fluctuate up or down depending on project needs.
This role blends industrial design thinking with polished, photorealistic 3D rendering. You will not just be visualizing concepts, you will be building the actual package and product mockups, from structure through final render, that clients see as near final. Comfort in both the technical side (accurate mockups, correct proportions, print ready structure) and the artistic side (photoreal lighting, materials, and composition) is essential.
What You'll Do:
Build accurate structural mockups of packaging, kits, and products from technical specs or reference. Create photorealistic 3D renders of packaging, product kits, and occasionally apparel or wearable items for retail ready and presentation ready visuals. Composite and retouch renders into polished, client ready final images. Translate a creative brief into multiple concept directions, balancing industrial design accuracy with strong visual storytelling. Prepare artwork and structural files for print and production.
What You'll Need:
A portfolio that shows photorealistic CGI product or packaging renders, not motion graphics or 2D graphic design samples. Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, for compositing and final polish. Understanding of packaging structure, dielines, and print production requirements. An eye for lighting, material, and composition that reads as true to life, not stylized or illustrative.
Experience:
3+ years experience in 3D rendering, industrial design, or packaging visualization required.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
Rhino, Substance Painter, Adobe Dimension, background in CPG or retail packaging, experience rendering apparel or wearable products

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About smartdept.

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

smartdept. is a nationwide creative, digital, and marketing talent resource. We provide companies with freelance, contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire candidates for on-site, remote, and hybrid opportunities. Our ability to service customers of all sizes, while still taking a boutique approach to service, allows us the best chance to cultivate the successful relationships we value. Our detailed matching process lets us really get to know everything about our talent – their short- and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, favorite playlist, go-to social media influencer, you name it. So when you present us with your criteria, we can provide the most ideal candidate, not just the most available one.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2001

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