Having a Career as a Motion Graphics Designer
A career as a 2D Motion Graphics Designer can be rewarding. It combines creativity with the opportunity to earn a good living, and Motion Designers are in higher demand than ever.
However, before you decide to pursue it, you should be aware that it is a serious profession that requires a significant amount of time to become competent in and even more time to master. So, just like any other major decision in life, make sure it’s something you truly want. Recognize that you’ll need to commit to it, especially when things get tough (like the first time you do a big freelance project and your client goes out of business before paying you — hooray). But I can assure you that this world is wonderful and full of fun and adventure.
So, if this is still something that interests you, keep reading!
Why is this guide so important and useful for new motion graphics animators?
The ability to generate motion graphics from personal computers is still in its early stages. 2D motion graphics have only been around for a short time, and there aren’t many resources for newcomers. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get lost, take the wrong turn, and waste a lot of time. My goal is to assist you in avoiding those pitfalls to the greatest extent possible.
Why did I create this guide for you?
I’ve been doing animation for over ten years, since personal computers first became capable of doing it. I’ve picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way, but I’ve also made more mistakes than I can count. I understand how difficult it is to get started and how frustrating it can be as a newcomer. Yes, you will encounter some difficult situations in the beginning, but my hope is that this guide will save you a significant amount of money, time, and headaches!
What exactly are 2D Motion Graphics, and how do they work?
2D Motion Graphics are a type of digital animation that gives images movement (and life). These images can be derived from any digital source. They can be original art, photos, vectors, or any other type of digital image as a starting point. The magic is in the image(s) manipulation — transforming a face into a moving character, a stock photo into a dynamic video clip, and so on. A designer can use 2D Motion Graphics to create full videos, commercials, short films, and much more.
What is the primary benefit of 2D Motion Graphics?
There is a significant advantage that did not previously exist. You can do all of this on your own computer. You can create high-quality animations with just a standard PC with decent specs. 2D Motion Graphics also has a distinct advantage over other types of animation. Traditional animation takes time and is difficult to convert to digital. While a personal computer can perform 3D animation, it takes MUCH more time and processing power to do so.
Which industries make use of 2D Motion Graphics?
Every single one of them. Seriously. It’s the most affordable digital media option for anyone looking to make an impact with video. 2D Motion Graphics are used in a variety of applications including advertising, film, explainer videos, tech videos, television commercials, and more. Every media organization has a high demand for 2D Motion Graphics content.
How to Begin
You must make an important decision about which software to learn. The Adobe programs are recommended by the majority of animators and influencers. This is something I wholeheartedly agree with. The Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard and provides a one-stop shop for all stages of 2D Motion Graphics Animation.
The software you should concentrate on is:
- After Effects by Adobe. This is what you will use for the animation stages.
- Illustrator by Adobe. This is where you can make vector objects (images that can be scaled to any size without sacrificing quality) for use in animation.
- Photoshop by Adobe. Photoshop is a term that everyone is familiar with. You can edit and manipulate images, but you can also create raster images for animation.
Premiere Pro by Adobe. With this, you’ll be putting all of your work together in video format.
In addition to the Adobe Suite, Cinema 4D is a useful tool to learn. It is not an Adobe product, but it is widely used and useful. However, as a beginner, you are not required to know this.
Selecting the Best Computer Hardware
Which computer is best for motion graphic design?
When it comes to choosing a computer, there are four major factors to consider.
- Central Processing Unit
- RAM (random access memory)
- Video Graphics Array
- HARDWARE
You can find out more about the specifics of what you’ll need right here.
What to AVOID
Before you begin, you should read the following advice. I guarantee it will be one of the most valuable tools in terms of saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Don’t just look up “Top 2D Motion Graphics Animation” for ideas.
This is a tricky one that must be grasped. Google is fantastic, but it does not have the ability to do everything. As a result, it does not assess the quality of motion graphics or rank well-written articles among the top results. Instead, you’ll get results from people who understand how to write SEO. In other words, you’ll get a lot of clickbait and SEO experts, not great examples of 2D motion graphics. As a result, you’ll start off on the wrong foot, believing you’re seeing what you need to learn how to do rather than what you actually need to learn how to do. Instead of searching in vain, I’ll provide you with a list of excellent resources at the end of this article.
After Effects is not the same as “Motion Graphics,” and vice versa.
Some beginners (and beyond) believe that motion graphics and After Effects are interchangeable and that you can simply swap one out for the other. Guys, believe me on this. If you switch them, you’ll sound like a novice. After Effects is a piece of software. Motion graphics is a type of animation. You should be able to master both, but keep in mind that one is a tool and the other is an art.
For at least the first three months, avoid fancy tips and tricks from influencers.
Tips and tricks aren’t going to get you anywhere. Yes, they can be used in certain circumstances. But, before you can start looking for shortcuts, you must first learn the fundamentals. You must understand what is really going on behind the tip or trick. You’ll eventually be able to come up with your own tips and tricks! If you are not patient, you may tip and trick yourself into a corner from which you will not be able to escape because you do not understand the fundamentals.
Do not begin freelancing immediately after learning the fundamentals.
Once you’ve put together a few nice-looking animations, it’s easy to feel like a pro. Then you think to yourself, “It’s time to go make some money.” Take my word for it: don’t enter the freelancer pool just yet. At that point, you’ll only receive low-quality projects from clients who don’t want to pay much, if anything at all. Always be on the lookout for clients who promise you won’t get paid but will get “a lot of exposure.” No, you will not. Furthermore, exposure does not pay the bills.
Don’t exaggerate your abilities.
Don’t try to learn from tutorials designed for advanced animators. You’ll feel overwhelmed and disappointed, and you’ll be tempted to give up. You’ll be overwhelmed with negative emotions and want to give up because you became too complex before you were ready. Allow yourself some time and be patient. It will arrive.
Don’t experiment too much with plugins and scripts.
Here’s another difficult one. Many newcomers will fall for this and neglect the fundamentals. You may believe that plugins and scripts will assist you in completing tasks quickly and efficiently. However, there is no substitute for understanding the fundamentals. Even if the script assists you in some way, keep in mind that the quality, creativity, and solutions stem from your mind and the decisions you make. This isn’t to say you should avoid all plugins and scripts, but you should start with an idea and then look for a solution, not the other way around.
Don’t be let down!
No matter how talented you are, or how many tutorials you watch, you will make mistakes from time to time. That’s how almost everything works. If your first attempts fail, you’re in the same league as everyone else. You’ve got to start somewhere. As previously stated, 2D Motion Graphics is a very serious profession that, like any other, requires time and experience. Be patient and focus on getting a little better with each project, and quality will follow.
The Rules and Fundamentals of Learning Motion Graphics
Practice. It’s crucial. You probably don’t remember, but the first 100 times you tried to tie your shoe, you couldn’t get it right. 2D Motion Graphics is no exception to the rule that practice makes perfect. You must practice, practice, and practice some more.
Observe as well as practice
I’ve noticed that many beginners only watch tutorials. That’s absurd, and it won’t work. It is simple to watch videos because there is no work involved. But make no mistake: you must put in the effort. While you’re watching, practice. You won’t be able to keep up, and that’s okay. Simply press the pause button and perform the action, or go back and rewatch the section you missed. Make use of that method. You learn by doing rather than watching.
Begin by learning Adobe After Effects and Illustrator.
Begin with After Effects and Adobe Illustrator. These are the main programs you’ll use to produce your best work. And focus more on After Effects — say, 75 percent / 25 percent. Only learn from tutorials designed for beginners that take you from zero to hero step by step. Once again, the fundamentals are essential. Even if you have some knowledge, don’t disregard the beginner tutorials because you may have missed something or learned from incorrect sources, and that one small missed step could make everything much more difficult.
Where can I learn about motion graphics online?
I suggest starting with lynda.com and skillshare.com. You can also find great tutorials on schoolofmotion.com, but only after you’ve mastered the fundamentals.
Recommendations for Books on Motion Graphics
The Illusion of Life (Disney Animation)
Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas created this book. The book covers the 12 fundamentals of animation and was written long before motion graphics existed, but it is still one of the most important books for any animator, including motion graphics.
Richard Williams’ Animator’s Survival Kit
This is also one of the most important animation books you can read. It goes over the fundamentals of animation in great detail and shows you how to do it step by step. It’s enjoyable to read and even more enjoyable to learn alongside. It’s so good that it may inspire you to animate even if you’ve never considered it before.
Creating Motion Graphics
After you’ve established your foundation by practicing, practicing, practicing, look for a job as an intern in a small or medium-sized studio. If you can afford it, agree to work for free. It may seem counterintuitive, but making yourself available will teach you so much. Don’t think of it as if you’re working for free; instead, think of it as if you’re attending the best school and you don’t even have to pay for it. You’ll be working with people who have experience in all aspects of production, not just animation. That’s a good thing, because that’s who you’ll be working with in this job. You’ll learn how to organize your work, manage your time, collaborate with others, understand client preferences, and much more.
Other Work Experience
You may discover along the way that some countries or even cities produce more animators than others. Much of this is due to the environment in which they live. Italians, for example, are immersed in beautiful design, from art to architecture. Their minds are already trained to produce beauty. You should practice doing the same with animation. Surround yourself with only great work. Only high-quality animation will be shown. Only the best can teach and inspire you. Here are some great studios and groups that consistently produce outstanding work:
What Are Some Good Websites for Motion Design Inspiration?
- http://www.giantant.ca
- http://oddfellows.tv/
- http://buck.tv
- https://vimeo.com/channels/motionde
Final Thoughts
As I previously stated, the world of 2D Motion Graphics is incredible. It’s both creatively satisfying and financially rewarding for those who put in the effort. I’d like to summarize the most important points once more:
- Instead of just watching tutorials, practice, practice, practice.
- Only use the best work as examples to strive for.
- Take your time
Good luck, and have a good time!