Race Car Paint Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendrick Motorsports, a leader in the auto racing industry is seeking an experienced Graphic Designer to join its in-house Creative Services team. This position develops original creative concepts and detailed visual designs for race car paint schemes, fire suits, crew apparel, team equipment and other physical assets, bringing Hendrick Motorsports and partner brands to life across a wide range of applications.

This is a hands-on role with a strong emphasis on technical illustration and production design. It requires the ability to translate creative concepts into precise, production-ready artwork while navigating partner brand standards, competition requirements and NASCAR design specifications.

The position also provides specialized 3D modeling and rendering capabilities, including the ability to create detailed vehicle models from scratch and produce high-quality renderings for presentations and marketing materials.

Success requires strong design judgment, technical proficiency, exceptional attention to detail and the ability to efficiently manage a high volume of revisions, recurring deliverables and changing priorities.

This is an on-site position based at Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, North Carolina. Remote work is not available, and the role does not require travel.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Illustration & Design

• Develop original race car paint schemes that creatively integrate Hendrick Motorsports and partner identities.

• Create detailed technical illustrations and production artwork for race cars, fire suits, crew apparel, team equipment and other physical assets.

• Develop cohesive designs across multiple applications while maintaining consistency between vehicles, uniforms, equipment and other team assets.

• Translate creative concepts into accurate, production-ready files with careful attention to dimensions, placement, color and other technical specifications.

• Adapt designs across multiple races, partners, vehicles and applications, including frequent revisions and variations.

• Work within partner brand standards, competition requirements and NASCAR rules and design specifications while maintaining a high creative standard.

• Exercise exceptional attention to detail when managing sponsor placement, logos, colors, design elements and production specifications.

• Develop creative concepts for special paint schemes, announcements, milestone programs and other marketing initiatives.

• Review final deliverables for accuracy, brand alignment and production readiness.

3D Modeling & Rendering

• Build detailed, accurate 3D vehicle models from scratch for rendering and creative applications.

• Create and maintain 3D models as vehicle designs, bodywork and other visual elements evolve.

• Produce presentation-ready vehicle renderings using professional 3D modeling and rendering software.

• Apply paint schemes, decals, materials, lighting and other visual details to create accurate, high-quality representations of finished vehicles.

Creative Production & Collaboration

• Manage revisions, approvals, version control and final-file preparation.

• Maintain organized templates, project files, 3D models, assets and historical artwork.

• Collaborate with fellow designers, marketing personnel, competition departments, partners, vendors and production providers.

• Support other Creative Services projects as needed, including marketing campaigns, internal communications, environmental and campus branding, merchandise, corporate presentations and fan-facing experiences.

Required Skills:

• Strong technical illustration and production design capabilities

• Strong typography, layout, composition and color theory

• Advanced image manipulation and photo-retouching capabilities

• Strong creative concept development skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and quality control

• Ability to interpret and work within partner, competition and NASCAR design requirements

• Ability to translate creative designs into precise, production-ready artwork

• Ability to manage a high volume of assignments, revisions and recurring deliverables

• Strong organizational, file management and version control practices

• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Advanced 3D modeling and rendering capabilities, including the ability to create detailed models from scratch

• Strong understanding of 3D modeling, materials, texturing, lighting and rendering

• High level of professionalism and collaboration

Software and Technical Proficiency:

• Adobe Photoshop (advanced)

• Adobe Illustrator (advanced)

• Adobe InDesign (advanced)

• Professional 3D modeling and rendering software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, KeyShot Studio, Cinema 4D or Unreal Engine (advanced)

Hendrick Motorsports currently uses Autodesk 3ds Max, but candidates may use the professional 3D platform that best supports their workflow. Regardless of platform, candidates must demonstrate the ability to create original, detailed 3D models from scratch in addition to texturing and rendering existing models.

Advanced knowledge of:

• RGB and CMYK workflows

• Large-format production and prepress preparation

Working knowledge of:

• Adobe Lightroom

• Adobe Acrobat

• Digital asset management

• File optimization and production specifications

Qualifications:

• Degree or professional training in graphic design, visual communications or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

• Five or more years of professional graphic design experience

• Portfolio demonstrating strong technical illustration, original creative work, production design and technically detailed applications

• Professional experience in 3D modeling and rendering, including demonstrated experience creating detailed models from scratch

• Portfolio must include examples that clearly demonstrate the candidate's original 3D modeling work, not solely the application of graphics, materials or textures to existing models

• Experience designing for physical applications such as vehicles, apparel, uniforms, equipment or large-format displays

• Experience working within established organizational, partner and technical design requirements

• Experience in professional sports, motorsports, entertainment or an agency environment preferred

• Knowledge of auto racing culture and the NASCAR industry highly desirable

Hendrick is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf.