Supervising Effects Artist

The Supervising Effects Artist is a hands-on creative role within ESPN Creative Studio, responsible for producing high-level custom animations and supervising a team of animators. This position guides the development of high-level content for ESPN's domestic and international platforms, combining expert-level creative execution with strategic supervision, workflow optimization, and talent development. It requires excellence in 2D animation, graphic design, experience in 3D animation, and strong leadership skills.

Must Have

• Supervise and mentor a team of animators and effects artists, both onsite and remote
• Directly manage 2-3 direct reports
• Lead creative reviews, performance evaluations, and provide actionable feedback
• Provide software / technical / workflow leadership across projects
• Create high-level animations and visual effects independently and by directing others
• Maintain expert proficiency in After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Develop hands-on abilities in Cinema 4D and 3D character animation
• Collaborate with management team to assess/staff requests & expand team versatility
• Seek innovation in animation and VFX workflows, including versioning and editing toolkits
• Implement training programs and software trials to enhance team innovation and embrace new technology
• Ensure compliance with departmental and company policies
• Must have excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail
• Must be highly motivated, thrive under pressure, and prioritize strategically
• Maintain high-level output, accuracy, and efficiency
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Animation/Motion Graphics
• Able to work non-standard hours (nights / weekends / holidays)
• Portfolio/demo reel link required with application
• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Good to Have

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop creative staff
• Experience in scripting and expressions for animation workflows
• Familiarity with ESPN animation packages and tools
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent

The Supervising Effects Artist is responsible for producing high-level custom animations and supervising the work of others. This is a hands-on creative role within ESPN Creative Studio, with responsibilities across animation, visual effects, and graphic design. This position oversees daily workload of a team of animators, guiding the development of high-level content for ESPN’s domestic and international platforms. The role combines expert-level creative execution with strategic supervision, workflow optimization, and talent development. It requires excellence in 2D animation and graphic design, experience in 3D animation, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor a team of animators and effects artists, both onsite and remote
• Directly manage 2-3 direct reports
• Lead creative reviews, performance evaluations, and provide actionable feedback
• Provide software / technical / workflow leadership across projects to ensure creativity, quality, and efficiency.
• Create high-level animations and visual effects independently and by directing others
• Maintain expert proficiency in After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and develop hands-on abilities in Cinema 4D and 3D character animation.
• Collaborate with management team to assess/staff requests & expand team versatility
• Seek innovation in animation and VFX workflows, including versioning and editing toolkits
• Implement training programs and software trials to enhance team innovation and embrace new technology
• Ensure compliance with departmental and company policies
• Must have excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail
• Must be highly motivated, thrive under pressure, and prioritize strategically
• Maintain high-level output, accuracy, and efficiency – while prioritizing staff needs ahead of your own

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Animation/Motion Graphics
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Able to work non-standard hours (nights / weekends / holidays)
• Portfolio/demo reel link required with application

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop creative staff
• Experience in scripting and expressions for animation workflows
• Familiarity with ESPN animation packages and tools
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent

Additional Information:

• This is an onsite position based in Bristol, CT