Most everyone is familiar with video and animation, but far fewer people are aware of the term motion graphics. However, it’s almost as straightforward as it sounds: the motion graphics field encompasses the creation of moving images and/or text. Animation, advertising videos, and full-length feature films can all include motion graphics.
Professionals who study motion graphics use their knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines. Although motion graphics pros can work can take on many roles, the most common positions have titles like:
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Designer
- 2D Animator
- 3D Animator
- Special Effects Artist
- Video Editor
The Employment Outlook for Motion Graphics
You have probably taken videos with your smartphone, but working in motion graphics requires knowledge of specialized software like that found in the Adobe Creative Cloud. Whether you pursue animation, video editing, or special effects, you’ll want to know where to begin your research.
Because motion graphics apply to multiple fields, salary information for professionals ranges from entry-level to expert. Video Editors can expect to make around $62,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, whereas the median annual salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators runs around $78,000.
However, broad figures like these can be deceptive: Video Editors are combined with Camera Operators in a single category, which may mean that the numbers skew lower. Research your own area to get more detailed information.
Starting a Motion Graphics Career
For many beginners in motion graphics, a monthly subscription to Adobe’s Creative Cloud offers a primary method to gain and sharpen skills. You can subscribe month-to-month to try out programs, or get an annual plan at a reduced rate.
- Research—As a motion graphics beginner, you need to do some research on your own to determine your best approach. You can find salary and employment outlook data through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, or Payscale. Look for postings on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or ZipRecruiter to find salaries for specific positions.
Even armed with salary info, you may want to dig deeper. You might, for example, want to learn more about how Animators work, as opposed to Motion Graphics Designers. Online resources like YouTube videos and articles may help a little, but the following options provide much wider experience and training.
- Internships or part-time work—Motion graphics interns can get a range of on-the-job training, from creating graphics to brainstorming with Designers. Many companies need part-time Designers as well. Although these positions don’t typically pay as well as full-time roles, they can provide a valuable training ground.
- Seminars or Workshops—If you’re starting out in motion graphics, a single class may be your preference. Many course providers offer short workshops in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, or Cinema 4D, a valuable animation tool. However, cobbling together a design education from individual classes won’t work as well as enrolling in a comprehensive program.
- Degrees—Few colleges or universities offer motion graphics degree programs. If you plan to specialize in motion graphics, majors like Digital Media and Design or Video Production and Editing are most likely going to be your options. Graduates from these programs seek to fill a variety of roles, including motion graphics positions.
- Bootcamps—Between the short class option and a four-year degree program, bootcamps and certificates provide in-depth training for motion graphics and video editing students alike.
Noble Desktop offers a targeted Motion Graphics Certificate. You’ll learn industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, as well as the use of Cinema 4D in After Effects. The program can be completed full-time in two months, or part-time in four months. Students graduate with a professional motion graphics demo reel portfolio.
Other Noble bootcamps and certificate programs include the following.
- Video Editing Certificate—If you want to learn motion graphics as part of a broader video editing curriculum, this certificate can offer the most bang for your buck. You’ll study video editing concepts and best practices as you master Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition.
- Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate—This program is a combination of the Motion Graphics Certificate and Video Editing Certificate. Bootcamps include Premiere Pro Beginner and Advanced; After Effects Beginner and Advanced; Cinema 4D; portfolio bootcamps for both Video Editing and Motion Graphics; and a separate training unit on how to get into the video editing and motion graphics industries.
- Premiere Pro Bootcamp—Included in the Video Editing Certificate program, in this 18-hour bootcamp you’ll learn to edit video and audio. The After Effects in Premiere Pro training module is also included.
- After Effects Bootcamp—The After Effects Bootcamp covers its use for motion graphics, animations, and special effects, among other uses. Students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Video Editing Certificate.
Tools for Motion Graphics Pros
Motion graphics pros may use many of the same tools as video editors, but some are more job-specific than others. Among the most popular in the industry-standard tools are the following:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- After Effects—Adobe’s self-proclaimed “industry-standard motion graphics and visual effects software, ” After Effects is prized for everything from 3D design to film credits.
- Animate—Animate works with multimedia, characters, objects and sounds. Adobe also offers a separate Character Animator software.
- Illustrator—Known for designing images and graphics, Illustrator files can be imported into After Effects for animation.
- Photoshop—Like Illustrator, Photoshop integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud software like Premiere Pro and After Effects.
- Premiere Pro—The Premiere Pro video editing software works in conjunction with After Effects. Professionals as diverse as filmmakers, designers, and journalists use Premiere Pro.
Also check out Adobe tools like Premiere Rush, Adobe Express, and Media Encoder.
- Cinema 4D—An industry favorite for animation, Cinema 4D offers advanced design features for video.
- Autodesk 3ds Max—This 3D graphics program from Autodesk was formerly known as 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max. Perfect for 3D animation and modeling, among other uses.
- Maya—Also from Autodesk, Maya software is for 3D animation and visual effects.
- Blender—A free animation program, Blender is the perfect way for beginners in motion graphics to try drawing in 2D and 3D, video editing, modeling, and other features.
- Houdini—Houdini provides animation, design, and other digital pros a way to create digital assets without writing code. It works with Cinema 4D as well as Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max.
- Mocha AE—An After Effects plugin, this powerful tool is a favorite among Animators. It can also be run inside Premiere Pro.
Get Certified
The motion graphics process can include anything from creating 2D sketches to merging objects in complex models. As you build your technical skills, you’ll want to focus on professional development—either growing in your company or looking for other opportunities.
One of the best recommendations for ongoing professional development in the motion graphics field is to get certifications. Most motion graphics and video editing professionals work with Adobe’s Creative Cloud, so consider sitting for the following certifications:
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Certified Professional in Multiplatform Animation Using Adobe Animate
- Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
Additional Adobe certifications cover programs like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator.
Motion graphics and video editing careers require multiple skill sets, but if you learn the main programs and attain meaningful proficiency, you can thrive in this exciting, creative field.