Motion animation, flat animation, motion graphics and even graphic video representation are the various notations of how individuals recognize moving graphics. We have all seen how motion graphics have survived since the dawn of television and they still have a promising future. Almost everything that we perceive currently has a touch of motion graphic animation, every television show, movie, commercials and more. This field has enjoyed a huge interest and more and more people want to become motion graphic designers or simply put, motion designers. It is a rather trendy branch of design that is connected with the rush development of the recent technologies.
So, if you are among those who want to become motion designers, what do you need in order to push your creative career forward? Let us delve more into that:
Traditional Art Skills
A solid grasp of traditional art is essential as you pursue your motion design career as it not only helps you during the process but gives you ideas on how to communicate the design to your audience. It is way much easier to sketch your ideas on a paper, rather than to create them using computer software. Sketches can be done faster, saving you time and also presenting an opportunity to brainstorm new ideas.
Anyone, without a doubt, can learn how to utilize the software, but when it comes to designing visually appealing and engaging motion graphics, traditional art skills are a must.
Software
Traditional art skills are mandatory, but in this day and age, we just cannot do without software. That being said, you’ll need to have an excellent artistic eye as a motion graphics designer and learn how to use powerful software applications in this field such as 3DS Max, Maya, After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro etc. Of course, there are numerous choices and you have the freedom to pick those that best meet your needs.
A Solid Grasp of Animation
One of the most useful skills in this field is animation. As a motion graphic designer, you need to bring 2-dimensional elements to life via movement. As you may have guessed, an animation is required for this, and despite what you may have heard, motion graphics animation is more than just setting several keyframes. You need a solid grasp of the fundamentals of animation as well as how things move in order to create excellent work.
The principles of animation will equally apply to you as they do to a 3D or 2D character animator. You need to know where to ease in or out, where to exaggerate as well as the ideal type of timing. You might have an excellent design, but if it is not animated correctly, it will make the entire project lack appeal.
Skills in 3D Design
3D elements can now be found in motion design, and their utilization will not stop any time soon. You might have come across a 3D intro in a TV show, commercial, Logo, etc. As such, you will need to acquire these skills if you want to enhance your career and keep up with the rapidly changing industry. There are numerous 3D applications and tutorials out there, and it is all up to you to learn. Limiting yourself to just 2D motion design would be unwise. Expand your scope, and you will get more opportunities when it comes to securing contracts and projects.
Graphic Design Skills
This one is a no-brainer, but we figured out we would include it as it is of the utmost importance in this field. After all, motion design involves bringing graphic elements to life using animation. As such, learning graphic design can help push your motion design projects. It is even of more importance if you plan to become a freelance designer, where in most cases you’ll be asked not just to make the elements move, but create them from scratch. If you plan to work in a large studio, designing the elements probably won’t be in your to-do list, but you can never really predict what type of projects you will be working on. It is also a plus if you come across a graphic designer position.
Interpersonal Communication
You might think that this is not related to design skills, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Excellent motion design begins with communication, making interpersonal communication equally important. Conversing with your clients or the creative directors in an appropriate manner requires proper communication skills. Also, keep in mind that clients aren’t designers and so, it is your job to communicate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. A great motion designer should be able to explain their concepts to employers or clients.
Understanding Typography
Typography is more often than not the driving force of motion graphics. For instance, a motion graphic designer may only use this type to convey the company, service or product to the viewer. Since it is quite prominent in this field, you will need to have an excellent grasp of typography including what compliments a design, the elements that create a typeface, and what is appealing but easy for the audience to read. A proper font can undoubtedly drive your motion design to the next level.
Creative Thinking
As a motion graphic designer, your primary task is to bring a visual element to life. It is ideally your role to know the best way to do it. The client’s idea may not be clear, and you may have very little information to work with. This is where the aspect of creative thinking comes into the picture, the ability to transform a simple idea into a complex and appealing final piece.