Motion Graphics Artist (Vector/2D Animation Specialist) - Volunteer Role Job at

About Us:
The Donovan’s Venom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on creating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education for all. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and fine art. We aim to inspire, empower, and uplift communities by fostering a love for music and the arts through our commitment to education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, which drives us to continually expand our reach and enrich the lives of those we serve.
Position Overview
The Motion Graphics Artist (Vector/2D Animation Specialist) will transform static vector illustrations and design assets into polished, engaging animations that support the organization’s creative projects, educational initiatives, and digital communications.
This role is ideal for a detail-oriented motion designer with strong expertise in 2D vector animation, kinetic typography, shape animation, and character rigging. The successful candidate will create fluid animations, seamless loops, and explainer sequences while maintaining organized, editable project files and ensuring visual consistency across deliverables.
Key Responsibilities
2D Vector Animation:

Animate pre-layered vector illustrations, icons, and graphic assets into smooth, visually engaging motion sequences, explainer segments, and looping animations.
Motion Design Development:

Create dynamic 2D motion graphics, including shape transformations, transitions, animated infographics, and visual storytelling elements.
Kinetic Typography:

Design and animate text-based visuals that communicate key messages clearly and creatively across digital platforms.
Character and Shape Rigging:

Develop and animate character rigs, shape layers, and vector elements to enable fluid movement and reusable animation workflows.
Keyframe Animation:

Apply advanced keyframe techniques, easing, timing, spacing, and graph editor controls to achieve polished, natural-looking motion.
Asset Preparation:

Import, organize, and prepare vector assets from Adobe Illustrator for animation while preserving clean paths, layer structures, and editable elements.
Project File Management:

Maintain organized Adobe After Effects and Illustrator project files with clearly named layers, structured compositions, reusable assets, and efficient workflows.
Storyboard Collaboration:

Work with creative team members to interpret storyboards, develop animation concepts, and translate visual direction into effective motion sequences.
Feedback and Iteration:

Refine animations based on feedback regarding timing, composition, transitions, visual hierarchy, and overall design quality.
Export and Optimization:

Prepare animation deliverables for digital use, including optimized video files, GIFs, and, where appropriate, lightweight Lottie/JSON animations for web and application integration.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in motion graphics, 2D animation, vector animation, or a related creative discipline.
Expert proficiency in

Adobe After Effects and Adobe Illustrator .
Strong understanding of keyframe interpolation, easing, timing, spacing, and graph editor workflows.
Experience animating vector shapes, typography, icons, and layered illustrations.
Knowledge of composition, visual hierarchy, color, transitions, and motion design principles.
Ability to maintain clean, structured, and editable project files.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to incorporate feedback constructively.
Effective communication, collaboration, and time-management skills.
A portfolio or showreel demonstrating relevant motion design and animation work.
Preferred Technical Skills
Experience with the

Overlord plugin

for transferring vector artwork between Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.
Familiarity with Lottie and Bodymovin workflows for exporting web-ready animations in JSON format.
Experience with character rigging tools, shape-layer animation, and reusable motion systems.
Knowledge of file-size optimization, animation performance, and web-compatible export settings.
Familiarity with Figma or other design and prototyping tools.
Experience creating accessible, engaging visual content for educational, nonprofit, or arts-related projects.
Expected Deliverables
Animated vector illustrations and graphic assets.
Seamless motion loops and short explainer animations.
Kinetic typography and animated visual elements.
Organized, editable After Effects project files and supporting Illustrator assets.
Optimized video exports and, when required, Lottie/JSON deliverables.
Revised animation versions incorporating approved feedback.
Collaboration and Reporting
The Motion Graphics Artist will collaborate with the Creative Director, design team, communications team, and relevant project stakeholders. The role will involve receiving creative direction, sharing progress updates, participating in feedback cycles, and delivering assets according to mutually agreed project timelines.
Benefits of Volunteering
Build a professional portfolio through practical motion design projects.
Gain experience creating animation assets for a mission-driven nonprofit.
Strengthen technical skills in vector animation, motion design, and digital content production.
Collaborate with a creative team and receive feedback on project deliverables.
Contribute to initiatives that expand access to fine arts and music education.
Receive an award or recognition letter documenting volunteer service, subject to the organization’s applicable policies and eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs.
As a 100% volunteer-led U.S. nonprofit organization, we may engage volunteers located outside the United States. International volunteer participation is subject to applicable U.S. sanctions and export-control requirements, data privacy and information-security requirements, background screening where appropriate, and confirmation that the volunteer’s country and assigned responsibilities have been approved by the organization.