Motion Graphics Designer

Motion graphics designers create the moving words, logos, numbers and text on the screen during a film, television show, commercial or other media project. The credits of a movie, the phone number on an infomercial, the logo of a business during a commercial – these are all examples of motion graphics.

Motion graphics are bits of digital animation which work together to create the illusion of motion. They are typically combined with audio when used in multimedia presentations. Usually displayed by electronic media technology, like audio and video recordings, slide presentations, CD-ROM, multimedia presentations, and online content, motion graphics can also be displayed through manual powered technology, such as a phenakistoscope, thaumatrope, zoetrope, flip book, and more. Motion graphics design is a subset of graphic design, taken to the next level, in that designers adopt graphic design principles in video and film production and apply animation techniques. Designers are typically trained in traditional graphic design, but have learned to incorporate elements of sound, space, and time into their design repertoire.

A motion graphics artist takes his or her creative talents and artistic abilities and creates moving words, logos, text, and numbers on a screen during a TV show, film, commercial, or other media presentation. Motion graphic artists have a strong background in graphic design, but can also come from fields like filmmaking and video game design. Knowledge of a variety of software and computer-based design tools is imperative to work in this field.

On any given day, a motion graphic artist will complete a number of tasks, including:

• Design graphics and animations using computer software and design tools
• Use independent judgment and presentation skills
• Make objects appear lifelike by manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion
• Create basic designs and drawings with pen and paper
• Script, plan and create animated sequences under tight deadlines
• Convert static objects into animated objects through modeling and optical scanning
• Pick fonts to complement final animation
• Stay up-to-date on all design software, and current with trends in color and visual aesthetics

Most employers require candidates to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Animation, Computer Graphics, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree programs most commonly include coursework in drawing, painting, animation, and film. Many vocational and technical colleges also offer digital media and design programs that award bachelor’s degrees.

Most motion graphic artists work in the motion picture and video industries, advertising agencies, TV stations, and for scientific and technical service agencies. Artists and animators work from home or in an office environment during normal working hours.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for animators and multimedia artists was nearly $76,560 in 2017. Employment of multimedia artists and animators in the US is projected to grow about six percent from 2014 to 2024, due to increasing demand for visual effects and animation within the film, video game, and TV industries.