The job market is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of the audience, the influx of new knowledge and skills. In nowadays digital world, where creativity is currency, motion design is taking the lead.
You can consider yourself lucky when your hobby becomes your job. For some people, creating videos for TikTok is a hobby that can turn into a profession as a motion designer.
Katerina Sichevska, a motion designer at Universe (the product IT company), tells us about the job market opportunities, the way it influences business and how it combines creativity, marketing and technical skills.
My name is Katya and I've been involved in motion design for the past two years, with a total of seven years of design experience. Before this, I’ve worked in social media and a research channel, where I was partially involved in animation and in graphic design. Like many graphic designers, I, so to say, have "evolved" to the next level.
So, what does a motion designer do?
ChatGPT says a motion designer is a design professional who creates animated graphics, video clips, and other moving content. The main task of a motion designer is to convey information and emotions through motion and animation. But I think it's much more than that.
When you're a motion designer in the marketing department of a product IT company, you're also partially a TikToker, a blogger, a marketer, a creative marketer and, perhaps, even a stereotype breaker.
My task is to create content that attracts users and helps them understand why our application is necessary and useful. Typically, in my work, I deal with 2D animation, linear editing, CGI and more.
How to switch into this field?
Many people enter motion design because of its promising prospects. Today, we encounter dynamic rather than static advertising more and more frequently, and it's quite justified. Dynamic advertising effectively conveys information in a short time, allowing you to focus on specific details. Moreover, it's not too complicated to learn or understand since creativity is your primary requirement. You can acquire the necessary skills through YouTube tutorials and specialized courses.
For graphic designers, it allows them to expand their existing skills. Motion design offers the opportunity to unleash creative potential and to add a variety to the work process. This is particularly attractive for those who seek new ways to express their ideas and who feel constrained in their current roles.
You can "evolve" from various professions related to design. For example, illustration, character animation, video editing and post-production are all closely related to motion design. People who have an experience with such types of work will feel quite comfortable because they’ve already had fundamental knowledge and skills. However, it's not a requirement; even if you're a surveyor, you can still become an excellent motion designer as long as you enjoy it.
Engaging in TikTok video editing as a hobby can transform into a professional activity that brings both material and creative satisfaction.
How does motion design impact business?
Successful creative plays a significant role in performance marketing, and this is the main area of motion designers in the marketing department of IT companies. Motion designers, marketers, and creative marketers work closely, analyzing competitors and generating new ideas.
It's crucial to understand that beautiful design does not guarantee success. It's essential to think about the business aspects because beauty isn't always purchased. Therefore, motion designers serve as creators of strategic content aimed at improving marketing effectiveness.
Effective collaboration between a creative marketer and a motion designer is crucial, as understanding the essence of a creative concept and visualizing its end result allow the motion designer to optimize its creative process, and helps the creative marketer to generate more ideas for successful implementation.
We have a direct influence on the creative, which increases the likelihood of its success. Color choices, sound design, shooting, presentation ideas - these are things that we can offer to the creative marketer. Therefore, motion designers need to delve deeper into market trends, which are often not just about "beautiful visuals."
It is important to focus not only on design and aesthetics, but also on the ultimate goal: making creative content that performs its function effectively.
Let's see the examples of two creatives: the beautiful one and the other one is successful.
Beautiful one
Successful one
Required Hard Skills
Adobe After Effects: the first and the main program you need.
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop: the main helpers, you can choose one that satisfies most of your needs.
Scripts and plugins: help to speed up work in After Effects and create interesting animations.
Sense of timing and animation principles: help to create smooth and high-quality animations.
Color correction, visual effects and editing: skills needed to create professional content.
Soft Skills
Adaptability: continuous improvement and mastery of new aspects.
Time management: control of time, setting priorities, and following deadlines.
Communication: skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.
Critical thinking: important for self-control and continuous improvement.
Visual perception: analysis and understanding the key details.
Intrinsic motivation: passion and enthusiasm for finding original ideas.
Other Important Skills:
Understanding interface design and proficiency in Sketch/Figma/Adobe XD.
Cinema 4D or other tools for 3D work to create three-dimensional objects.
Proficiency in Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional editing.
Note: These skills may vary depending on your field of activity.
Recommendations for Beginners Who Want to Start Their Career in Motion Design
Learn the necessary programs
Start by mastering programs such as Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop. They will become your primary tools.Find a community and a mentor
Look for motion designer communities or get to know a mentor. They can advise about program selection and learning steps.Align with your interests
Determine what you like most about this profession and develop in that direction. Motion design has many facets, and you can choose the one you like the most. When you've tried everything, determine what you like most about this profession and develop in that direction. Motion design has many facets, and you can choose the one you like the most.Take on freelance projects
Start with small freelance projects. This will help you build a portfolio of commercial work and to gain your first experience working with clients.Improve your attention to detail
Analyze and study the work of other motion designers. This will help you expand your creative horizons and use different techniques in your projects.Experiment
Motion design is a creative process. Experiment boldly with your ideas and task solutions.Enhance your technical skills
Deepen your understanding of the technical aspects of motion design, such as timing, animation principles, color correction, and visual effects.Stay actively updated
Keep up with the latest developments of motion design in the world. This field is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay informed about the latest trends and tools.Don't be afraid of mistakes
Your first project may not be perfect, and that's perfectly normal. Learning is a process, and every mistake is a part of that process.
Remember that motion design is a field where creativity and technology intertwine. Your uniqueness and vision may become your strong points.
