Motion Designer - who is this, what is the salary, what do you need to know and where to learn.

Who is a motion designer?

A motion designer is a specialist who creates animation and visual effects for video, advertising, television, social media, mobile applications, and other digital platforms. Their job is to bring graphics to life and convey messages through movement.

Motion design combines graphics, animation, sound, and video effects to create impressive visual stories. This is a promising direction in professional development, and the demand for such specialists is growing every year.

What does a motion designer do?

A motion designer performs a wide range of tasks, including:

1. Concept development - creating ideas and scripts for animation projects.
2. Working with graphics - using static images, illustrations, and 3D objects for further animation.
3. Animation - adding movement to elements using specialized software.
4. Editing and post-production - processing video, color correction, sound overlay, adding special effects.
5. Creating promotional videos - developing dynamic content for brands and marketing campaigns.
6. Working with 3D animation - creating realistic or stylized three-dimensional objects.

What a motion designer does depends on the specifics of their work.

Where to start and where can you learn?

To become a motion designer, it is not necessary to have a specialized education, but skills in working with graphics and video are required. You can learn independently or at specialized courses.

Available learning options include:

1. Online courses, such as Projector, Skillbox, Udemy, Coursera, Prometheus, EdEra.
2. Universities and art schools, such as KNUUTD, NAOMA, Lviv Polytechnic.
3. Self-education through YouTube channels with tutorials and studying necessary software.

It is important to remember that to succeed in this profession, it is necessary to continuously develop and improve your skills.

What should a motion designer know?

To be a sought-after specialist, a motion designer must possess the following skills:

1. Software such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve.
2. Design fundamentals, including composition, typography, color theory, and basics of UX/UI.
3. Animation principles, such as working with keyframes and speed curves, dynamics of movement, and animation physics.
4. Programming basics, particularly Expressions in After Effects (JavaScript) and Python for automation in 3D software.
5. Soft skills, such as creativity, the ability to tell stories through movement, diligence, and teamwork skills.

How to find a job?

The job search for a motion designer begins with compiling a portfolio showcasing the best works and skills. You can also take on freelance projects and showcase work on freelancer platforms such as Upwork, Behance, Fiverr. Working at graphic design or video production agencies is also a good option.

Salary

The salary of a motion designer depends on experience, skills, and the type of employer. On average, in Ukraine, motion designers earn from 20,000 to 50,000 UAH per month. Highly qualified specialists can earn more, especially on the international market or as freelancers, but this depends on the number of orders and their complexity.

Pros and cons of the profession

The profession of a motion designer has its pros and cons. Advantages include creativity and the possibility of self-expression, demand for professionals, flexibility in work schedules, and high wages. Disadvantages include significant Time expenditure, competition in the market, and the need for constant self-education.

Books for motion designers

For self-education, you can read the following books:

1. 'The Animator's Survival Kit' (Richard Williams)
2. 'Motion Graphics: Principles and Practices from the Ground Up' (Alex J. White)
3. 'Designing with Motion' (Tina Negrín)
4. 'After Effects Apprentice' (Chris & Trish Meyer)
5. 'Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects' (Chris & Trish Meyer)

These books contain useful tips and techniques for motion designers at various levels.