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What is the nature of working in Motion Design?
I held an interest in animation before Tech. I stumbled upon Motion Design.
Motion Design plays a key role in online product design, from what I understand.
I notice they create work in After Effects for advertisements or brands that rely on visual communication (Thinking of companies that make YouTube videos sometimes, or commercials for educational purposes).
What is the day-today of working in Motion Design? Anything helpful to know about the field?
Any Motion Designers or professionals in adjacent fields (Graphic Design, Product Design), I'd love to hear from you.
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4 answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hello there!
Working in motion design involves creating visually engaging and dynamic graphics, animations, and visual effects for various media platforms. Here are some key aspects and considerations of working in motion design:
Visual storytelling: Motion design is often used to tell stories or convey information through the use of moving visuals. Whether it's for advertising, films, television, user interfaces, or social media content, motion designers use their creativity to visually communicate messages effectively.
Animation and movement: Motion designers bring static elements to life by adding movement, transitions, and animated effects. They work with software tools such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Autodesk Maya to create motion graphics, character animations, 3D visuals, and special effects.
Collaboration: Motion designers often work as part of a creative team. They collaborate closely with directors, producers, graphic designers, illustrators, and other professionals to bring their vision to life. Effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to feedback are crucial in this collaborative process.
Technical skills: Proficiency in software tools and technical skills are essential in motion design. Motion designers should have a strong understanding of animation principles, typography, color theory, composition, and visual effects. They need to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and software advancements to create high-quality and visually appealing work.
Flexibility and adaptability: The field of motion design is constantly evolving, and projects can vary widely in terms of style, scope, and timeline. Motion designers should be adaptable and open to learning new techniques and technologies. They should be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage deadlines, and handle revisions and iterations.
Portfolio-driven profession: Building a strong portfolio is crucial in motion design. Potential clients and employers often assess a motion designer's abilities through their previous work. Therefore, it's important to showcase a diverse range of projects that highlight creativity, technical skills, and storytelling abilities.
Continuous learning: Motion design is a field that requires continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends. It's beneficial to participate in workshops, online courses, conferences, and networking events to expand your skills, learn from industry professionals, and stay inspired.
Freelancing or employment: Motion designers can work as freelancers, offering their services to clients on a project basis, or they can be employed by design studios, advertising agencies, film production companies, or in-house creative teams of organizations. Both paths have their pros and cons, and it's essential to consider factors such as stability, creative freedom, and work-life balance when deciding which route to pursue.
Working in motion design can be exciting and rewarding for those who enjoy combining creativity with technical skills. It offers opportunities to contribute to various industries, from entertainment and advertising to user experience design and digital media. The field provides a platform for continuous growth, innovation, and the ability to create visually captivating experiences that engage and inspire audiences.
Working in motion design involves creating visually engaging and dynamic graphics, animations, and visual effects for various media platforms. Here are some key aspects and considerations of working in motion design:
Visual storytelling: Motion design is often used to tell stories or convey information through the use of moving visuals. Whether it's for advertising, films, television, user interfaces, or social media content, motion designers use their creativity to visually communicate messages effectively.
Animation and movement: Motion designers bring static elements to life by adding movement, transitions, and animated effects. They work with software tools such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Autodesk Maya to create motion graphics, character animations, 3D visuals, and special effects.
Collaboration: Motion designers often work as part of a creative team. They collaborate closely with directors, producers, graphic designers, illustrators, and other professionals to bring their vision to life. Effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to feedback are crucial in this collaborative process.
Technical skills: Proficiency in software tools and technical skills are essential in motion design. Motion designers should have a strong understanding of animation principles, typography, color theory, composition, and visual effects. They need to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and software advancements to create high-quality and visually appealing work.
Flexibility and adaptability: The field of motion design is constantly evolving, and projects can vary widely in terms of style, scope, and timeline. Motion designers should be adaptable and open to learning new techniques and technologies. They should be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage deadlines, and handle revisions and iterations.
Portfolio-driven profession: Building a strong portfolio is crucial in motion design. Potential clients and employers often assess a motion designer's abilities through their previous work. Therefore, it's important to showcase a diverse range of projects that highlight creativity, technical skills, and storytelling abilities.
Continuous learning: Motion design is a field that requires continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends. It's beneficial to participate in workshops, online courses, conferences, and networking events to expand your skills, learn from industry professionals, and stay inspired.
Freelancing or employment: Motion designers can work as freelancers, offering their services to clients on a project basis, or they can be employed by design studios, advertising agencies, film production companies, or in-house creative teams of organizations. Both paths have their pros and cons, and it's essential to consider factors such as stability, creative freedom, and work-life balance when deciding which route to pursue.
Working in motion design can be exciting and rewarding for those who enjoy combining creativity with technical skills. It offers opportunities to contribute to various industries, from entertainment and advertising to user experience design and digital media. The field provides a platform for continuous growth, innovation, and the ability to create visually captivating experiences that engage and inspire audiences.
I am absolutely floored by this! You provided excellent information about the field. I'm excited to learn more about it. Thank you so much!
Tianna
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Daniel had some great explanations! I'd also add that it's not always about a long or extended motion interaction. Sometimes it's just about small delightful moments when you see some movement on the page as it loads, or how it transitions from one page to the next. You have to balance the amount of motion with the user's patience - too long and it gets aggravating, too short and maybe they missed it. You want it to enhance the user experience and not detract from it.
Hello! That's a good tip to know. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Tianna
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Hi Tianna,
A typical day usually starts by meeting with marketing professionals and creative directors who give background and context for a project.
Then, you might touch base with other creative professionals like graphic designers, copywriters, and video editors who you'll be working with.
Once your role in the project is clear and you have the design files you need, you can start on the real motion design work. This typically involves software like Adobe After Effects and Maxon Cinema 4D.
From there, it's all about collaboration and communication to check in with your team as you make progress and revise work based on their feedback.
Let me know if you'd like any more specificity about any part of the process.
A typical day usually starts by meeting with marketing professionals and creative directors who give background and context for a project.
Then, you might touch base with other creative professionals like graphic designers, copywriters, and video editors who you'll be working with.
Once your role in the project is clear and you have the design files you need, you can start on the real motion design work. This typically involves software like Adobe After Effects and Maxon Cinema 4D.
From there, it's all about collaboration and communication to check in with your team as you make progress and revise work based on their feedback.
Let me know if you'd like any more specificity about any part of the process.
Updated
Jiadi’s Answer
Hi Tianna,
As a motion designer working in an advertising post-house, here’s a rundown of what a typical day looks like for me:
1. Collaborating with Producers and Clients:
As a motion designer in a post-house, you receive projects from producers at the studio. These producers bid on projects and win them, which they coordinate with you and the clients to initiate a project. Throughout the entire process, they communicate with you and the client until the spot is delivered to the client. The duration of these projects varies depending on the project’s complexity. Sometimes, they can be completed in just two rounds of notes due to the client’s limited time for collaboration. Conversely, some projects can take months to finish.
2. Proficiency in After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere:
These three software programs are the most commonly used tools for motion designers. In my experience, about 80% of projects require After Effects. However, there may be instances where you need to assist an editor with graphic design in Premiere Pro. It’s crucial for a motion designer to be proficient in both After Effects and Photoshop, as most clients create their designs in Photoshop before the motion designer begins the project.
3. Collaboration with Other Departments:
From time to time, you’ll work internally with other departments, such as audio and other motion designers. As a motion designer, you’ll spend some time managing files so that other team members can work efficiently.
Hope this was helpful to you!
As a motion designer working in an advertising post-house, here’s a rundown of what a typical day looks like for me:
1. Collaborating with Producers and Clients:
As a motion designer in a post-house, you receive projects from producers at the studio. These producers bid on projects and win them, which they coordinate with you and the clients to initiate a project. Throughout the entire process, they communicate with you and the client until the spot is delivered to the client. The duration of these projects varies depending on the project’s complexity. Sometimes, they can be completed in just two rounds of notes due to the client’s limited time for collaboration. Conversely, some projects can take months to finish.
2. Proficiency in After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere:
These three software programs are the most commonly used tools for motion designers. In my experience, about 80% of projects require After Effects. However, there may be instances where you need to assist an editor with graphic design in Premiere Pro. It’s crucial for a motion designer to be proficient in both After Effects and Photoshop, as most clients create their designs in Photoshop before the motion designer begins the project.
3. Collaboration with Other Departments:
From time to time, you’ll work internally with other departments, such as audio and other motion designers. As a motion designer, you’ll spend some time managing files so that other team members can work efficiently.
Hope this was helpful to you!