Designer II

About the team

The Visual Storytelling group within ESPN Creative Studio brings together creative directors, art directors, animators, concept artists, visual journalists, photo editors, web developers, graphic designers, and strategy producers. Their work spans ESPN’s live events and studio programming, ESPN.com, the ESPN app, ESPN+, and broader digital and marketing experiences.

This team shapes the look and feel of the ESPN brand by developing on-air identity systems, producing digital and interactive storytelling, creating key art, overseeing product art, and building cohesive creative systems across platforms.

Role overview

ESPN Creative Studio is seeking a Designer II to join its Visual Storytelling team. The role focuses on hands-on design and motion work across multiple platforms, with both quick-turn assignments and longer-term projects. The designer will partner with teams across content, product, marketing, and broadcast, while contributing to the ongoing evolution of ESPN’s brand within direct-to-consumer initiatives.

What you will do

• Create design assets using Adobe tools for both immediate and extended project timelines.
• Support senior creative leaders by developing television graphics, key art, short-form edits, motion packages, brand systems, social templates, and marketing materials.
• Work closely with creative and editorial partners to strengthen ESPN storytelling.
• Deliver polished design and motion solutions that raise creative quality.
• Fit into established team processes and production workflows.
• Turn creative direction and assignment details into custom layouts and animated executions.
• Keep communication clear with production and project partners through tools such as Teams, email, and Asana so expectations and timelines stay aligned.
• Bring forward ideas, show initiative, and remain open to learning new software and approaches.
• Stay productive under pressure while balancing several daily assignments.
• Maintain strong standards for speed, accuracy, consistency, creativity, and on-time delivery.
• Identify, report, and help resolve equipment, software, or workspace issues.
• Adapt quickly, stay eager to learn, and contribute flexibly to day-to-day needs.
• Apply sound judgment to support efficient and scalable long-term design structures.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional experience in motion and design within a creative studio or media company.
• Solid understanding of motion principles, typography, composition, and visual hierarchy.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
• Proven ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Good problem-solving ability and a focus on fast, effective outcomes.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• An online portfolio or demo reel that demonstrates design, creativity, and typography skills.
• Interest in evolving design and animation trends, particularly in direct-to-consumer environments.
• A dependable home-work setup with reliable internet access.
• Preferred: experience with Cinema4D.
• Preferred: familiarity with Figma.
• Preferred: understanding of design for direct-to-consumer platforms.
• Preferred: awareness of sports design trends and ESPN’s competitive position.
• Required education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this Connecticut-based role is $70,300 to $96,500 per year, calculated on a 40-hour work week. Weekly hours may change depending on business needs. The actual offer may differ based on internal equity, candidate location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may also be included, along with a full benefits package that can cover medical, financial, and other offerings depending on the level and position.

Additional information

Some responsibilities and expectations may vary as business needs change, including scheduled hours. This position is based in Bristol, Connecticut and is intended to be performed onsite.