Motion Graphics Classes in NYC or Live Online

What is Motion Graphics?

Digital and graphic designers are in high demand in various markets to produce eye-catching and memorable visuals for websites, movies, television shows, and much more. Often, they rely on multiple specialists who can create unique and engaging work. For example, a Motion Graphics Designer may produce various extra elements for videos that general graphic designers can’t. What exactly is motion graphics, and why does it require specialized training? 

Motion graphics is the art of building animated artwork and assets for television, film, web apps, and even advertisements using digital tools. Specialists in this skill set use programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create great projects. They often work alongside motion graphics designers, 2D animators, and 3D animators to finalize engaging, appealing, and attractive results that enhance video projects in potent ways. 

Anyone interested in this career can choose from multiple engaging, exciting, and educational courses that will enhance their skills and ensure they walk away confident in their abilities. Before discussing these programs and their benefits, it’s a good idea to learn more about motion graphics, why it’s a popular learning option, and more. The following information can help learners understand this topic and make smart decisions about their creative careers. 

Why Learn How to Use Motion Graphics? 

With so many unique tech-related careers on the market, why should people learn motion graphics instead of, say, programming, web design, or even artificial intelligence? This skill set is a powerful way for visually creative artists to make more money in an exciting and engaging career. While all graphic designers have the potential for substantial salaries, motion graphics specialists utilize a unique range of abilities that require specialized training and knowledge.

In fact, these powerful new skills can transform a person’s life for the better and give them more creative outlets. Even people who don’t start a new, exciting motion graphics career may find these new techniques worth learning. With the help of an intensive and detailed bootcamp education, they can broaden their horizons, solidify their knowledge, and give themselves the inside scoop they need to feel comfortable producing motion graphics. They can use it to:

• Build Personalized Content: People who master motion graphics can use Adobe Illustrator and other software to create engaging and personalized content. For example, if they’re a YouTube producer or want to join this competitive market, funny and well-designed animations create a more professional look for their projects.
• Boost a Creative Portfolio: Digital artists who master motion graphics can easily tap into this diverse and engaging skill set to expand their creative portfolio when looking for work. For example, they can add detailed animations and visual effects to their 2D and 3D work to show off their diversity and boost their chances of finding a job. 
• Start a Business: Who says that motion graphics specialists have to make money for anybody but themselves? Many start one-person businesses or go freelance, meaning they can pick and choose with whom they work. While not the right choice for everybody, ambitious and skilled digital artists might find this a gratifying career path indeed.
• Help Family and Friends: Imagine being able to produce full-scale video projects for friends or family members at special events. For instance, motion graphics experts could produce unforgettable animations, digital slideshows, and projections for a wedding ceremony to a) make it more special and b) earn a little extra cash on the side.

These benefits make mastering motion graphics in an intensive bootcamp a rewarding experience. It’s particularly advantageous for anyone with a strong visual understanding and the ability to create consistent and appealing animations for diverse projects. Even individuals who don’t transition into a career in this market can walk away happy with their education. For instance, they may use motion graphics in their hobbies and side hustles to make more cash.

What You Will Learn in a Motion Graphics Course?

Students taking a motion graphics course will study multiple subjects in an intensive environment to reinforce their innate talent in exciting ways. They’ll study multiple skills, theories, and techniques to more deeply understand this subject and prepare for an exciting career in design. The following subjects are covered in just about every motion graphics program, and mastering them will ensure graduates feel comfortable in their new roles.

Graphic Design Skills

Students working in motion graphics typically start by studying subjects like typography, color theory, composition techniques, and general layout concepts. After all, motion graphics lessons focus heavily on these underlying, foundational techniques and use them to produce appealing and effective animations and videos. Even better, mastering these abilities helps graduates work in related fields, including graphic design, web design, and other visually oriented job markets.

Animation Principles

Motion graphics specialists are essentially animation specialists who produce attractive videos and graphics to enhance their work projects. As a result, they must learn important animation concepts like keyframe animation, easing, timing, and motion paths. These critical techniques help produce engaging and, most importantly, realistic styles. Usually, courses build off of general graphic design skills to help students more deeply understand these critical techniques.

Storytelling 

All motion graphics, animations, and videos should tell a story. Whether they simply try to let viewers know why they need a product or create an extended, sustained narrative, these projects use storytelling concepts to communicate with viewers. In their courses, learners will understand how to craft narratives with motion, text, and audio. They’ll also study how to convey messages effectively, pace their projects smoothly, and create meaningful messaging outlets.

Software Tools 

Motion graphics specialists typically use various types of software tools and programs to create attractive, engaging, and unforgettable work. These include things like After Effects, Cinema 4D, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Blender, Maya, DaVinci Resolve, Animate, Houdini, Final Cut Pro, and Ds Max. These tools often operate in similar ways but might have different uses. Thankfully, courses usually focus on one or more of these products to improve understanding.

Time Management 

Producing intensive motion graphics projects requires a strong understanding of time management that helps keep information moving smoothly and efficiently. For example, they need to know how to set realistic timelines, how to manage their workloads, and how to avoid complex and costly delays. By learning how to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects at the same time, they can get their projects done on time and avoid production problems.

Which Fields Utilize Motion Graphics? 

While motion graphics are used in many fields, there are a handful of specialized motion graphics industries that graduates can transition into after graduation. These markets typically hire many animation specialists who can produce appealing, attractive, and engaging work. The projects they’ll do will vary based on the specific field, which makes it essential for learners to carefully research what job feels right to them. Here are a few industries to consider.

Film and Television 

The expansive film and television markets provide lots of work for high-quality motion graphics designers. Even simple local news stations need experts who can brighten up their presentations with attractive animations and cute graphics. However, huge film companies also need experts to create special effects. With a job growth potential of about 5% in the next 10 years, it’s clear that this market will only grow and become even more impressive for designers.

Web Design

Web designers often utilize motion graphics on websites or when producing instructional videos for their consumers. After all, viewers can get bored just staring at text on sites and need something fun and engaging to catch their eye without slowing down a site’s loading speed. Thankfully, this market looks like it’s going to jump by a ridiculous 23% in the next 10 years. With that kind of industry growth, motion graphics specialists need to check out their options.

Advertising

Marketing and advertising are always in high demand because companies rely on them to reach a broad audience. Digital marketers, in particular, look to have a market increase of 8%, which is faster than usual. Thankfully, these companies need motion graphics specialists who can produce fun and unforgettable animations and videos. They might design entire ad campaigns to create brand-consistent work that makes a company more popular and appealing to viewers.

Video Gaming

No, motion graphics specialists in video games don’t actually code or create games. Instead, they work as special effects specialists to bring a little more excitement to each product. They fall under the heading of animators and special effects artists, a field that’s growing at a 4% rate. While not quite as fast as other markets here, it’s still on par with the rest of the economy. For people who love gaming, it’s a fun way to break into the field without learning programming.

What Careers Are Available in Motion Graphics?

An exciting career in motion graphics will help learners use their skills in creative and innovative ways. They’ll join one of the many markets mentioned above and create attractive and unforgettable animations and videos. Within these career paths, there are many job roles and potential earnings that can help them make good money and live comfortably. Here are a handful of possible positions in motion graphics to seriously consider after graduation:

• 2D Animator: A 2D Animator helps create storyboards, backgrounds, and characters when producing interesting, engaging, and attractive artwork. They may work with tools like Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop within many industries. Typically, these specialists earn about $62,000 on average nationally and about $99,000 in LA.

• Video Editor: As a Video Editor, graduates will work on films and videos from the initial scripting to the post-production stages. They focus on bringing the director’s vision to life with cutting-edge editing, storyboard designs, and sound editing. This position earns an average salary of $66,000 in America or up to $104,000 in Washington, D.C.

• Video Manager: In a Video Manager position, motion graphics experts will develop projects from ideation all the way to post-production. Storyboards, scripts, audio, and all other elements fall under their control. Salaries in this position average around $69,000, while in Dallas, Texas, video managers earn up to $166,000 or even higher.

• Motion Graphics Designer: A Motion Graphics Designer utilizes these skills to produce high-quality work in fields like software, live video, video games, applications, web, television, and film. Typically, they earn around $75,000 a year in America, though this salary may get higher in bigger cities such as Chicago or even New York City.

• 3D Animator: Becoming a 3D Animator gives learners the chance to produce three-dimensional images and animations that mimic human and animal behavior for a variety of different film and television projects. Expect salaries of around $94,000 on average in America and up to a high of around $173,000 in Chicago and Miami. 

What Motion Graphics Courses Are Available?

People fascinated by this subject can choose from multiple live online motion graphics classes that can reinforce their knowledge, ensure they feel confident, and minimize potential misunderstandings. Just as importantly, these programs help learners create a work portfolio showing their abilities to potential employers. Here are a handful of great courses that serious students can sign up for to master motion graphics and walk away confident in their skills.

Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a popular learning platform that provides innovative and exciting education in various subjects. Located in New York City, their virtual education provides a live environment where students can interact with their professors. With 1-on-1 mentoring, payment plans, personalized learning schedules, and much more, Noble stands tall among its many competitors. They’re the hands-on provider many people trust to provide fantastic education.

Motion Graphics Certificate 

Motion Graphics Certificate lasts about a month on weekdays or four months in a part-time evening setup. Costing around $3,500, it covers multiple subjects and helps students learn this subject quickly and efficiently. For example, they’ll master programs like After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite. Even better, they’ll get hands-on support from a skilled professor who fully understands this subject, one who can help them work through difficulties with ease. 

Ledet Training

Ledet Training offers multiple educational opportunities on various subjects such as digital graphics, mobile development, and motion graphics. Their programs include a fast-paced environment that gets learners through lessons quickly. Courses are usually a little less costly but often require multiple sessions to obtain a certificate. When finished, learners should understand motion graphics thoroughly and feel confident applying these skills in their work.

Adobe After Effects 101—After Effects Essential 

Adobe After Effects 101—After Effects Essential is a three-day course that costs $1,300 and offers a comprehensive look at After Effects. This tool helps learners create motion graphics and visual effects to enhance videos and other projects. Note that this is just the first class in a multi-stage learning experience. Further courses take about three days, cost between $1,300 and $1,800, and help graduates walk away with a full grasp of After Effects and its many uses.

NextGen Bootcamp

NextGen Bootcamp is a subsidiary of Noble Desktop that focuses on middle and high school students. Their courses typically occur during the summer and reinforce essential lessons to help young teens develop their abilities. Their programs include an intensive camp-like experience that makes them more fun for learners. Even online training classes will feel a bit like summer camp and give high schoolers the engaging experience that they deserve to learn.

Animation with After Effects Summer Program

Animation with After Effects Summer Program is a 20-hour course that costs $1,300. Students will learn to create fun and engaging animations using various software tools. Each session focuses on specific projects to help graduates walk away with a portfolio of interesting and impressive work. As they progress through this course, they’ll learn skills like motion tracking and 3D layer animation to produce stunning results that reinforce their overall abilities.

School of Motion 

School of Motion offers multiple training experiences to help learners master tech-related skills. Designed to provide a hands-on experience in design, it uses a project-based method to help build foundational skills that reinforce a graduate’s abilities. Rather than focusing on what the school calls “cool tricks” with asynchronous sessions, graduates work alongside fellow students and a teacher in a virtual environment to build on their strengths one day at a time.

Cinema 4D Basecamp

Cinema 4D Basecamp offers 12 weeks of video training, podcasts, and PDF guides with personalized critique from a professor. They also get access to a 24/7 learning community with fellow students where they can talk about sessions and build their skills. Costing only $1,100 to complete, this course helps to reinforce base knowledge in motion graphics and includes a verified credential that graduates can share with potential employers after graduation.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a well-known professional social media site where people can set up career profiles, share their resumes, and apply for work. Users can also share blogs, interact with others, and get detailed training in various courses. LinkedIn education focuses on asynchronous learning, which means students take classes when they want. When they’re done, they earn a badge to share on their LinkedIn profile that shows off their abilities.

Explore Motion Graphics and Visual Effects

Explore Motion Graphics and Visual Effects is a 19-hour program featuring 10 video sessions that teach essential motion graphics skills. As they learn in this course they’ll master tools like After Effects and Cinema 4D that build on their knowledge base. Once they near the end, they should feel comfortable working hands-on with Adobe tools and other software tools. Even better, they’ll likely walk away confident in their skills and ready to work in a great career.

Should I Learn Anything Else Alongside Motion Graphics?

Like any complex skill, motion graphics isn’t a uniform thing that exists in isolation. In fact, it’s a bright idea to learn other related skills that can reinforce a graduate’s overall understanding and their chances of finding a job. These include concepts from related industries and markets, as well as techniques and tools shared between them. The following extra lessons will reinforce a student’s overall knowledge and make it easier for them to start a motion graphics career.

Web Design Concepts 

Often, motion graphics projects go up on websites, where they create engaging visuals that draw in viewers and keep them around. While it’s not necessary to know things like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in depth, understanding their basics can help motion graphics specialists working in this field. Thankfully, they’re typically not as complex as programming tools like Python or C++, so graduates should feel comfortable studying them outside their classes.

Storyboarding 

Storyboarding is the process of mapping out a video project, including its actions, camera changes, and dialogue, to make producing it easier. A map, like a storyboard, streamlines production and gives motion graphics experts a guide to deliver impressive results quickly. Thankfully, many courses cover these subjects to ensure that they make sense. If they don’t have storyboarding lessons, students should study this concept independently to learn more.

Adaptability 

While motion graphics projects might have similar approaches from one to the next, they’re never identical. In fact, they can be diverse to the point of disbelief, which makes adaptability so important. For instance, some might take place on websites and need JavaScript and Flash. Others might be for films and television and require completely different approaches. Knowing how to be adaptable and think on their toes can help designers avoid common work issues.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Motion graphics projects are often quite complex and require a lot of careful thinking to get right. For example, experts need problem-solving abilities to brainstorm solutions to issues like improper design, poor animation integration, etc. After all, every project is different, and knowing how to solve unexpected problems dramatically improves an individual’s chance of success. It also ensures that their work looks great and communicates its messages appropriately.

Advantages of Taking a Motion Graphics Class

Anyone curious about knowing how to learn motion graphics should also understand why this process is so beneficial. While it’s possible to master this subject without taking a class, it’s a far better choice to sign up for a bootcamp and learn with a skilled professor. Doing so helps set students up for success and minimizes their risk for potential problems. Just a few reasons why it’s such a brilliant idea to study motion graphics with a skilled professor include: 

• High-Earning Potential: Motion graphics professionals have a high potential to make pretty good money. These fields often make close to or over six figures, depending on the role and a person’s location. Upward mobility is also huge in this market, which means learners should easily walk away ready to start an exciting professional career.

• Fun Career Options: The great thing about motion graphics is how much fun learners can have in their jobs! They’ll often work on animations, various types of graphics, and other fun projects. These positions usually include a fast-paced environment that requires a careful approach, attention to detail, and a willingness to work hard.

• Enhance a Resume: Even advanced graphic designers can benefit from putting a motion graphics certification or certificate on their resume. They show off a student’s willingness to learn, their diverse knowledge base, and their ability to quickly and effectively master large amounts of data. Boosting a resume is always a great idea!

These many advantages make motion graphics education an excellent opportunity for the right student. Anyone who’s looking to break into this market and stand out should reinforce their knowledge, build on previously learned lessons, and choose a course that makes sense for them. For example, there are in-person and online classes that might work best for specific students. Virtual programs offer many benefits that make them a unique option to try out.

Reasons to Take Online Motion Graphics Classes

When choosing between an in-person or live online motion graphics class, students must carefully balance their learning styles, budgets, and personal preferences to decide which approach best suits their needs. Most of the programs mentioned here are virtual courses, and that’s for a good reason: there are many benefits of this approach. Anyone serious about mastering motion graphics should understand the benefits of learning online. 

More Diverse Class Opportunities 

While learning in-person does provide a lot of benefits such as the ability to meet new people and utilize high-powered computers and design tools, class options are often limited. For example, people in rural areas might not have any motion graphics courses near them at all, which could stall their career before it even begins. By contrast, online learning opens students up to literally thousands of potential programs and makes it easier for them to start a new job.

Better School-Life Balance to Avoid Burnout

People attending an in-person class must set aside travel time every session, which can vary depending on their location. An extra 20-60 minutes on the road every day can get exhausting very quickly and cause learning burnout. Some might even drop out and never master motion graphics. By contrast, online courses let students study at home, meaning they don’t have to spend hours every week riding to and from classes. That will save lots of money and anxiety!

Live Online Instruction Easily Adapts to Student Needs

Like the buildings that house them, in-person classes have inherent rigidity. Put simply, students must attend classes at specific times and rarely get much flexibility. By contrast, live online courses, while they do have set schedules, usually a) provide more than one timeline and b) include recorded sessions that learners can watch if they miss a class. That flexibility makes online learning a lot easier for most people to handle and minimizes potential time conflicts.

More Free Time Helps Students Stay Focused

Since students don’t have to spend a lot of time traveling or sitting in a classroom when taking online motion graphics courses, they end up with far more free time. That extra relaxation time helps students stay focused by avoiding burnout. Even a bonus 30 minutes at the end of the day makes it easier for people to reduce their anxiety, avoid exhaustion, and stay focused on their studies. In this way, they’re far more likely to finish their class and start a new career.

Ability to Keep a Job Minimizes Life Disruption 

Often, people studying motion graphics or other skills might already have a job. After all, it’s essential to pay bills, including living expenses, to get through life. In-person programs often require learners to study eight hours a day for weeks at a time, potentially disrupting their lives or making education impossible. Online classes usually take place after five or at least have adjustable schedules that reduce work conflict and make mastering motion graphics easier.

Directed Courses Keep Learners Engaged

Some students might try to learn motion graphics using cheaper asynchronous programs that let them learn at their own pace. While beneficial for many when used properly, a large number of learners stop taking these courses out of boredom. By contrast, live virtual programs use a structured curriculum that directs each student through lessons to reinforce previously mastered skills, build on their abilities, and make it easier for them to get into motion graphics careers.

Develops More Self-Motivation and Self-Discipline

Learning motion graphics online forces students to develop more self-motivation and discipline. Rather than going to a physical classroom for each session, they’ll have to set aside a few hours every day to study. Mastering ignoring distractions such as television, pets, and even partners, to learn at home requires a lot of patience and practice. However, earning these abilities makes it even easier to find a rewarding at-home job after finishing up with training.

About the Author

Eric Benac is an experienced writer with over 15 years of experience covering multiple subjects. He has written extensively about education, addiction, the financial industry, art, music, travel, and golf carts. In his spare time, he writes electronic music, reads, writes fiction, and swims. Eric continually seeks new experiences and looks to constantly expand his writing portfolio.