Explore a career in motion graphics with this guide on how to become a motion graphics designer, the skills you'll need, and info on motion graphic jobs.
A motion graphics designer works with animation, audio, and visual effects to create moving content and graphics for various media, such as television, the internet, and film. Motion graphic designers work with creative teams to incorporate design elements into a project.听
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career in motion graphics design, also called motion design, typically requires a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field and a portfolio of your work.
Motion graphic designers most often use Adobe software programs. Photoshop and Illustrator are two of the more common programs used in the creative process, and Cinema4D is a 3D modeling software program that鈥檚 more advanced. Learn more about motion graphics and the skills and education you鈥檒l need to start a career as a motion graphics designer.听
Read more: What Does a Graphic Designer Do? And How Do I Become One?
Motion graphics is a type of animation that transforms static designs into moving pictures. The animations are typically in two- or three-dimensional format and sometimes have sound.听
Motion graphic designers use software programs to create visual narratives digitally or on television. Videos, apps, games, advertisements, and anywhere movement is required to connect with the audience all use motion graphics.
Motion design is using visual effects and graphics for film making and creating videos. Professionals in this field are called motion graphic designers or motion graphics artists.听
As a motion graphics designer, your role will be to create graphics and two-dimensional and three-dimensional animation from conceptualization to the final product.听
Other job duties include:
Working with various design programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.听
Working in a creative team
Creating motion designs for social media platforms such as Meta and Instagram
Meeting with clients to address their needs
Selecting audio, visuals, typography, and other design elements聽
Job duties may also include onboarding new members added to your team and overseeing day-to-day operations.
A career in motion graphics requires an understanding of design principles such as layout, typography, and color theory. You鈥檒l need to be a creative thinker and know the principles of motion graphics and animation.
Mastering design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects is essential. While technical skills are necessary, traditional art skills help brainstorm ideas on paper.听
Good communication skills are essential not only for talking to clients, coworkers, and employers but you鈥檒l want to discuss your designs in a manner that the general public can understand.
As a motion graphics designer, you can choose to be self-employed or work for a company. As do technical and scientific agencies, advertising and public relations agencies hire motion graphics designers. The motion picture and video industries offer job opportunities, and software publishers and computer-related industries need motion graphic designers.
Positions are typically available in the entertainment and non-entertainment fields, and more than half of motion graphics designers are self-employed [].
Motion graphics are a type of animation that does not involve storytelling or a narrative. It uses self-contained animation to convey information or emotion. You can implement motion graphics for a movie鈥檚 opening title, kinetic typography, onboarding animation, and social media GIFs.听
Conversely, animation is a broad field that many types of moving design fall under, such as stop motion, cartoons, and claymation. It's comprised of cinematic effects and storytelling techniques. Animation generally involves a talking and moving character or characters that tell a story.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for special effects artists and animators is $99,060 as of November 2024 []. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $57,090, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $169,580.
The BLS projects motion graphics design jobs to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033 [], which is as fast as the average for all occupations, with approximately 6,700 openings each year over the decade. Many of these openings will likely result from the need to replace workers who leave the profession for other careers or exit the labor force. Attrition due to retirement and the economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession are also factors.听
As consumer demand for video games and more sophisticated television and movie special effects grows, the need for motion graphic designers will likely grow. The increase in smartphone and app use may also positively impact the motion design industry.
To work as a motion graphics designer, you鈥檒l typically earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, develop skills in animation and the programs used to create it, gain work experience, build a portfolio, and continue to expand your skills.
According to Zippia, 74 percent of graphic designers hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree, and 12 percent earn an associate degree. Less than 10 percent have a master鈥檚 degree ].
Read more: Your Guide to Graphic Design Degrees
A portfolio of your best work allows you to show prospective employers and clients your talent and graphic skills.听 You can show your animation portfolio on a personal website or blog, and your resume should include a working link to your portfolio.听
Your portfolio can include work from your education and client experience. If you don鈥檛 have enough content, you can design mock-ups of fictitious projects.听
Keeping your skills fresh and up-to-date is vital in the quickly-changing world of motion graphics design. Because it鈥檚 a relatively new field, you鈥檒l want to keep up with the latest technology and design concepts. Practice using the tools of the trade, and be sure to update your software regularly and keep apprised of any fixes to graphic design programs. Networking with other professionals can help you stay current with industry trends.
Develop new skills or strengthen your existing skills with courses. Learn about game design with a Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization offered by Calarts on 糖心vlog官网观看 or Getting Started with Adobe Spark.
One way to gain experience in motion graphic design without a job is by volunteering your service to a business or organization. Offer an animated logo or other relevant artwork and add it to your portfolio and resume.听
You can also find internships at design companies, banks, and movie studios. If you鈥檙e a college student, you may find an internship program on campus or through your school鈥檚 resource center.
Joining organizations such as the Graphic Artists Guild can provide insightful information for gaining work experience. You might also consider attending a Mograph meet-up, where you can network with others in the field.听聽
Take advantage of social media, too. Set up a professional page on Facebook or Instagram, post new designs, and don鈥檛 be shy about self-promotion. A social media page can generate clients and introduce you to other motion graphic designers.
Technology constantly evolves, and graphic design programs update and change as companies release new versions. As a motion graphics designer, you鈥檒l want to keep up with the changes and take additional courses or training when needed. Tutorials are available online, and you can take advantage of any continuing education opportunities.听
For example, Canva is a design platform that offers hundreds of templates that you can animate and fine-tune for different social media websites. You can find an advanced-level Canva course on 糖心vlog官网观看.
A career in motion graphics design can be rewarding and fun. Once you鈥檝e decided to follow your passion for graphic design, you鈥檒l want to decide what educational path you prefer. You might consider starting by learning the Fundamentals of Graphic Design before enrolling in a four-year degree program.听
Talk to others in motion graphics design, and don鈥檛 be shy about asking questions. Many artists enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-3." Accessed November 10, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-5. Accessed November 10, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-6." Accessed November 10, 2024.
Zippia. 鈥渨ww.zippia.com/motion-graphics-designer-jobs/education/." Accessed November 10, 2024.
Editorial Team
糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.