How to become a motion graphics designer

How to become a Motion Graphics Designer

Becoming a motion graphics designer entails developing creative skills and technical expertise through education and practical experience. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

Bachelor’s Degree
While formal education is not always necessary, several degrees are especially relevant to working and succeeding in the filed:

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or visual communication provides a strong foundation in design principles, which are essential for creating motion graphics. A degree in animation or film production can also be valuable, particularly if you're focusing on creating 3D animations or working with VFX. Some universities offer degrees specifically in multimedia arts or interactive media, which include coursework in motion graphics and video production.

Associate Degree or Certificate
These levels of education require a shorter time commitment and are more affordable than a bachelor’s degree, and still offer solid foundational knowledge in design and motion graphics. It is, however, important to note that associate degrees and certificates may not qualify job seekers for certain opportunities.

Online Courses and Tutorials
Online learning platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer motion graphics-specific courses, where you can learn at your own pace. These courses range from beginner to advanced and focus on industry-standard tools and software.

Regardless of the education path you choose…

Build a Strong Foundation in Graphic Design
Start by learning the fundamentals of graphic design, including composition, color theory, typography, and visual storytelling. Understanding these design principles is crucial for creating effective motion graphics.

Learn Motion Graphics Tools and Software
Master the tools used in motion design. These include: Adobe After Effects (core software for animation and motion graphics); Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (for creating graphic assets); Cinema 4D, Blender, or Maya (for 3D animations); and Premiere Pro or other video editing software (for integrating animations with footage).

Experiment with tools like Figma, Lottie, or Principle if you’re interested in UI / UX motion design.

Learn Animation Principles
Study the 12 Principles of Animation – squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, straight-ahead action and pose-to-pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out, arc, secondary action, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing, and appeal – to make animations look natural and dynamic. Resources like Disney’s The Illusion of Life and online tutorials can help you grasp these techniques.

Practise and Build a Portfolio
Apply what you learn by creating personal projects, animations, and mock client work. Start with simple projects like animated logos, kinetic typography, or explainer videos and build up to more complex designs.

A strong portfolio is key to landing jobs as a motion graphics designer. Include a variety of motion graphics work (2D, 3D, typography, animations), freelance work, or passion pieces. A well-curated showreel (a short highlight video showcasing your best animations) can demonstrate your sense of design, composition, and storytelling, and your proficiency with design tools. Share your work on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, Vimeo, or your personal website.

Gain Experience
Gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions. They allow you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Many agencies, production companies, and digital studios offer internships that help build industry-specific knowledge and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Stay Updated and Keep Learning
Motion design trends and tools are constantly evolving. Follow industry leaders and communities to stay inspired. Watch content from Motionographer, School of Motion, or MoGraph Mentor. Follow tutorials on YouTube and expand your knowledge with new software.

Certifications
There are certifications available for motion graphics designers that can help demonstrate expertise in key tools and techniques and improve job prospects. Generally, candidates earn certification by completing required training and passing an exam. Here’s a summary:

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – Adobe Certified Expert credentials are available for Adobe products like Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. These certifications validate proficiency in Adobe software, which is essential for most motion graphics design work.
• Cinema 4D Certification – Cinema 4D is widely used for 3D motion graphics, and obtaining a certification in this software can enhance your credibility in 3D design and animation. Maxon, the creator of Cinema 4D, offers certification for different levels of expertise.
• Autodesk Certifications – Autodesk offers certifications for its popular software tools like Maya and 3ds Max, which are used for 3D animation and motion design, and are particularly applicable if you are interested in 3D modeling, VFX, or game design.
• School of Motion Certifications – The School of Motion offers in-depth courses specifically focused on motion graphics, animation, and design. They offer a certification upon completing certain courses, such as Animation Bootcamp and Illustration for Motion.
• Google Analytics Certification (for Marketing Motion Design) – If you specialize in motion graphics for digital marketing (e.g., ads, social media), a Google Analytics certification could be useful for understanding how your visual content impacts user behavior and engagement.
• Apple Certified Pro (Final Cut Pro) – If you work with video editing or want to branch into video production, being an Apple Certified Pro in Final Cut Pro could be beneficial.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the motion graphics design community:

• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – The AIGA is one of the largest and most influential professional associations for design, covering graphic design, motion graphics design, and other creative fields.
• Motion Graphics Collective – The Motion Graphics Collective is a community for motion designers, animators, and VFX artists. It connects designers across the world, fosters collaboration and learning, and offers job postings and project showcases.
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) SIGGRAPH – ACM’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH)) is an international community that brings together professionals in computer graphics, interactive techniques, and visual effects. It is one of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the field.
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) – AMPAS is the organization behind the Oscars and is involved in promoting and celebrating achievements in motion pictures, including animation and visual effects. While membership is exclusive to those in the film industry, AMPAS offers resources for anyone working in animation and motion graphics.
• International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) – ASIFA is a global organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating animation in all its forms. It provides support to animators working in motion graphics, traditional animation, VFX, and digital media.
• Designers + Geeks – This is a creative community that connects designers with technologists. It hosts meetups and events focused on the intersection of design, technology, and innovation.
• Creative Cow - Creative Communities of the World – Creative Cow is an online community for professionals in film, video, and motion graphics. It’s known for its extensive forums, tutorials, and resources related to creative software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D.
• International Game Developers Association (IGDA) – The IGDA is an organization for game developers, but motion graphics designers working in game design, user interfaces (UI), and visual effects will find it relevant.
• Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) – SMPTE is a leading international organization for motion imaging and media technologies. It focuses on advancing the technical aspects of film, television, and digital media production, including motion graphics and visual effects.