Mid Graphic Designer (Motion Graphics)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Mid Graphic Designer (Motion Graphics)

🔹 Company: SMD Technologies

🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Design

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-24

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Designing graphics for both digital and print, with a strong eye for layout and composition
• Creating short-form animated content for digital, in-store displays, and shelf mocks for presenting to clients
• Designing packaging, POS, flyers, posters, and catalogues that make people stop and stare
• Collaborating with DTP and production teams to ensure flawless handover to print

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of static and motion design skills, with a focus on creating visually appealing and engaging content across various platforms.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Designing graphics for both digital and print, with a strong eye for layout and composition

✅ Creating short-form animated content for digital, in-store displays, and shelf mocks for presenting to clients

✅ Designing packaging, POS, flyers, posters, and catalogues that make people stop and stare

✅ Developing concepts from scratch and seeing them through to print-ready perfection

✅ Working closely with DTP and production teams to ensure flawless handover to print

✅ Helping evolve brand identities across static and motion formats

✅ Applying brand guidelines creatively and consistently across formats and product lines

✅ Staying up to date with packaging, retail, and design trends

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and technical tasks, requiring strong design skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A relevant qualification in Graphic Design, Motion Design, or similar

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a creative design role

Required Skills:

• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (especially After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• A good understanding of design for web and presentation formats
• Experience creating packaging, flyers, POS, and campaign roll-outs (a big plus)
• Confidence in presenting work and explaining creative decisions

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D software (a cherry on top)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing both design and animation work to demonstrate their skills and creativity.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in South Africa is typically between ZAR 350,000 and ZAR 450,000 per annum, based on experience and industry standards.

Benefits:

• Snack Days
• Weekly Staff Lunch
• Employee Wellness Programme

Working Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 weekdays

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: SMD Technologies operates in the consumer goods industry, focusing on the development and distribution of various brands across multiple fields.

Company Size: SMD Technologies has 201-500 employees, providing a medium-sized work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: SMD Technologies was founded in 2005 and has since grown into a global phenomenon with offices in multiple countries.

Company Description:

• SMD Technologies is the leading global product and brand developer in a multitude of fields.
• The company boasts numerous original and partner brands, including Volkano, Sony, Disney, Warner Brothers DC, and more.
• SMD Technologies offers a wide range of products, from electronics to luggage, and everything in between.

Company Specialties:

• Consumer Electronics
• Calculators
• Audio Tech
• Lighting
• Gaming
• Luggage
• Cellular Accessories & Peripherals
• Furniture
• Appliances
• Sporting Goods
• Wearables

Company Website: http://www.smdtechnologies.com

ASSUMPTION: SMD Technologies' diverse product offerings and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-level designers with 3-5 years of experience, seeking to grow their careers in a dynamic and creative environment.

Reporting Structure: The Mid Graphic Designer (Motion Graphics) reports directly to the Head of Studio & Traffic.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, requiring the designer to work from the company's office in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to a wide range of brands and products, fostering versatility and adaptability
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with international teams
• Potential for career progression within the company's diverse product offerings

ASSUMPTION: This role offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and innovative company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: SMD Technologies offers a young and vibrant office space with staff spoils and the best coffee in SA, designed to make employees love working there.

Office Location(s): 2 Lascelles Road, Meadowbrook, Edenvale, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Geographic Context:

• Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, numerous entertainment options, and easy access to outdoor activities
• Gauteng is a highly developed and industrialized province, providing ample opportunities for career growth and networking

Work Schedule: The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 17:00, with a one-hour lunch break.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at SMD Technologies is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, with a focus on employee well-being and satisfaction.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• Design challenge or test
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Design skills and creativity
• Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Showcase your design process and thought behind your work in your portfolio
• Prepare examples of your motion graphics work and be ready to discuss your design choices
• Research SMD Technologies and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Packaging Design, Presentation Design, Animation, Brand Identity, Layout, Composition, Digital Design, Print Design

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve a design challenge or test to assess the candidate's creative and technical skills.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• 3D software (optional, but a plus)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite is essential for this role, while experience with 3D software is a bonus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality without compromise
• Innovation and creativity
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on quality

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative environment?
• Are you passionate about designing visually appealing and engaging content?
• Can you balance working independently and collaboratively with teams?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with SMD Technologies' values and work style will be a strong fit for this role and the company culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the consumer goods industry
• Working in a collaborative environment with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Keeping up with the latest design trends and technologies

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a passion for continuous learning and growth.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Mid-Level Graphic Designer or Motion Graphics Designer position in other consumer goods or design agencies
• However, SMD Technologies' diverse product offerings and global presence provide unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries
• Career progression may include roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or even moving into management or leadership positions within the company

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other mid-level design positions, the unique aspects of SMD Technologies set it apart and offer distinct opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Designing a packaging concept for a new line of consumer electronics
• Creating an animated explainer video for a company's product or service
• Developing a brand identity and style guide for a new product launch

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of tasks and responsibilities that a Mid Graphic Designer (Motion Graphics) at SMD Technologies might encounter.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working at SMD Technologies, according to current employees?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its designers?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the company in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does the company foster a culture of innovation and creativity?

ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare examples of your motion graphics work and be ready to discuss your design choices during the interview
• Research SMD Technologies and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.