Motion Graphics Designers, sometimes just called motion designers, create artwork for the web, television, or film. They use visual effects, animation and other cinematic techniques to bring life to their creations. Today’s Motion Graphics Designer creates live video content, graphics, and animation for handheld electronic devices, web programs, video games, and for smartphones and mobile platforms, including apps.
What does a Motion Graphics Designer do, typically?
Use artistic and creative skill set to create
Most Motion Graphics Designers have an interest or background in art, and/or graphic design. In fact, most Motion Graphic Designers typically have a strong sketch and/or creative/graphic design skill sets, and while pursuing or exploring those opportunities, learn about and add Motion Graphics Design to their list of skills and abilities.
These designers must be skilled at hearing about an idea or concept and then creating a sketch to flesh out that idea or concept. They can often create several versions of a sketch or animation, and edit it frequently before completing the final version. Motion Graphic Designers should be skilled at using constructive feedback to make adjustments as needed by the company or client.
Use a strong background in Animation
The definition of animation is “the state of being full of life or vigor; liveliness.” And that’s what Motion Graphics Designer do – they bring static images to life, through the motion graphics they create, using 2D and 3D animation. As pointed out by Computerhope, “animation is the illusion of movement created by showing a series of still pictures in rapid succession.”
The animation uses still images to generate the illusion of movement. A person who creates animations is called an animator. Motion Graphics Designers then take those animation skills and use 2D and 3D animation to create the motion design that is needed pending on the project being worked on or the client/company needs.
Work closely with creative teams and clients
Motion Graphic Designers are key components of every stage in the creative process, from conceptualization to storyboard, and editing, especially in the movie and TV industry, but also for the web, video, and mobile needs. In addition to strong creative skills, Motion Graphic Designers should have strong interpersonal skills, be able to work as an individual, and part of a team, and meet what are often tight deadlines. They should also know that project needs can change at any moment, and be able to make change and edits, even some that override their creative thought process.
Motion Graphics Designer versus Graphic Designer
Motion Graphics Designers and Graphic Designers are both highly creative, and artistic. Graphic designers create graphics, art, and visual stories for a wide variety of mediums, including print, web, and mobile. Motion graphic design is a subset of graphic design that uses graphic design skills and principles through the use of animation.
That’s where the two get separated. Graphic designers may have outstanding creative skills, but may not work on animation, or use 2D/3D animation elements. A motion designer must be able to use 2D animation as part of their job to succeed as a Motion Graphics Designer, whereas a good graphic designer may never work in or with animation.
