Senior Designer

The Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL) houses and conserves artwork created for the production of Disney’s animated feature length and short films from the 1920s until present day. The collection comprises more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images. The ARL Design team provides visual design and creative resources across a variety of projects, from exhibition and graphic design to digital and media. If you’re an expert in visual design, love animation, and have a passion for creating visual and experiential stories, this role may be for you!

The Senior Designer will draw upon a rich legacy of animation artwork dating over 100 years to develop creative experiences for guests in museums, theme parks and resorts, cruise lines, and a variety of projects in collaboration with partners across The Walt Disney Company and beyond. Projects may include exhibition layouts and installation, books/catalog design, presentations, social media creative, web, motion graphics, video/media, print collateral, merchandise, and more, for internal and external-facing executions. This individual will work closely with the Design Manager, ARL Managing Director, with additional collaboration and support to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Communication Design & Branding team.

The ideal candidate will be a resourceful problem solver and possess deep knowledge and passion for design, typography, layout, and animation, with experience in exhibitions. Working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment alongside designers, artists, studio teams and vendors, you’ll bring a fresh perspective in telling the visual stories of the films, work and people at Disney Animation.

Responsibilities:

• Create appealing, informative, and accessible exhibit concepts and layouts through sketches, renderings & overlays, using demonstrated knowledge of floorplans and elevations
• Design presentations and pitches, infographics, visualizations, and media across multiple platforms that communicate animation concepts at various levels, to various audiences, internal and external-facing
• Illustrate or retouch historical artwork, with an ability to match existing styles
• Manage projects from concept through delivery, including planning, production, and installation, prioritizing tasks, communicating progress and meeting deadlines, ensuring quality
• Build and prepare print-ready graphic files for all uses, including large-format installation
• Provide and accept creative notes feedback from internal/external partners
• Collaborate closely with the Walt Disney Animation Studios Communication Design & Brand team to maintain Disney Animation brand guidelines through its visual touch points including (but not limited to) print, digital/web, video content, social media, environmental, and merchandise
• Develop visual design of websites, digital communications, etc. for the ARL
• Capture images and footage of completed projects for publishing, marketing materials, and documentation
• Mentor interns and/or oversee temporary labor for projects

Qualifications:

• 6+ years experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume creative studio (in-house and/or agency) for an entertainment/technology brand
• Proven ability in design; understanding of typography, layout, form, color, environment/space; well versed in design process and print production methods
• Proven ability in visual, exhibition, & interior design; expert understanding of typography, layout, form, color, environment/space; well-versed in design process and production methods
• Demonstrated high-level proficiency in: visual design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma), 3D design software (Sketchup, Blender), video editing software (Premiere, AfterEffects), presentation software (Keynote); Google Workspace (Slides, Docs, Forms, etc.)
• Demonstrated basic understanding of coding (HTML, CSS) in order to partner with developers
• Proven experience in camera and video/audio recording equipment operation
• Excellent time management and visual, written, verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong collaboration and relationship building skills
• Passionate about creating effective data-informed designs
• Strength in creative problem solving and passion for creating meaningful user experiences
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both collaboratively and autonomously on multiple projects simultaneously and effectively
• High level of execution and strong attention to detail and organization
• Demonstrated ability to effectively take direction and feedback with a positive attitude
• Physically able to lift, push, pull or physically maneuver a minimum of 35 lbs. of materials and/or supplies for installation and/or basic art handling
• Some travel required
• We’re looking for a resourceful problem solver, learner and tinkerer!

The hiring range for this position in California is $70,300 to $90,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.