Freelance Animator / Motion Designer Job at Amika in New York

amika means friend. we're a fearless, Brooklyn-born, salon-raised haircare brand + a friend to all hair, hairstylists, the planet + you.

we're rooted in clinical results. each product is infused with our intoxicating scent + powered by our superfruit soul, sea buckthorn. known as one of earth's most omega-rich plant sources, this potent berry nourishes your skin, scalp + strands.

we're a proud pal to the planet + certified B-Corp. from sustainably sourced ingredients + recyclable packaging to our energy-saving production processes, we pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, waste + energy to reach Net Zero by 2030.

having grown up in salons, we know better than anyone how important stylists are-they're our confidantes + community. Think of us as your at-home hairapist, here to empower self-expression + bring joy to your haircare experience. all hair is welcome™.

the job:

amika is looking for Animators / Motion Designers at various levels to join our in-house creative team's roster. This role is ideal for motion creatives who are self-starters, thrive in fast-paced environments, and love bringing brands to life through movement, typography, and visual storytelling.

You'll work across social-first animations, campaign extensions, product storytelling, and brand moments-collaborating closely with video editors, art directors, and the director of video production to create dynamic motion work across platforms like ctv, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, paid media, e-commerce, and retail. This is a great opportunity to grow your motion craft while contributing to a globally loved beauty brand with a strong creative POV.

location: brooklyn, ny (must be based in nyc + have the right to work in the US)

what you'll do:

• Translate creative briefs, storyboards, and static designs into compelling motion graphics and animations

• Create social-first animations, animated typography, transitions, and graphic systems for digital campaigns

• Support video editors with motion overlays, title cards, transitions, and animated assets

• Collaborate closely with the Associate Art Director, Video & Animation to ensure motion work aligns with amika's brand identity and creative vision

• Adapt animations for multiple formats and aspect ratios (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, paid media, web, retail screens)

• Prepare motion assets for delivery using best practices for file structure, exports, and platform specs

• Maintain a high bar for timing, easing, rhythm, typography, color, and polish

• Stay current on motion design trends, social formats, and evolving animation styles-especially within beauty, fashion, and culture

must haves:

• 3+ years of professional animation or motion design experience (level calibrated based on portfolio)

• NYC-based and able to work Eastern Time hours

• Proven self-starter who can work independently and take ownership of motion tasks

• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments

• Strong proficiency in After Effects

• Solid understanding of motion fundamentals: timing, spacing, easing, and visual hierarchy

• Strong eye for typography, composition, and brand-driven motion systems

• Experience creating social-first motion content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts

nice to haves:

• Experience in beauty, fashion, lifestyle, or culture-driven brands

• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere Pro for motion/video integration

• Experience / familiarity with video editing

• Experience with 2D animation, animated typography, or graphic-led storytelling

• Knowledge of Cinema 4D, Blender, or other 3D tools

• Illustration skills or experience animating illustrations

• Familiarity with Photoshop and Illustrator

ready to apply?

please click the link below that will bring you to our careers page where you can submit your application + resume (cover letter optional). a member of our team will be in touch soon!