Know the theory of graphic design
Above all, color theory, composition and typography. This knowledge will help you create an eye-catching, attention-grabbing image.
Understand screenwriting.
Often, motion designers create storylines, albeit for short stories, using the techniques of drama. This requires thinking through the visuals of stage action and the behavior of animated objects.
Work in the programs
Adobe After Effects is the editor with which you should start working in motion design. It has tools for creating 2D graphics, animation and various effects. It can create, for example, a video screen saver for a YouTube show and an animated vector logo.
Adobe Illustrator – in this editor to create vector images and illustrations, and then in After Effects to animate them.
Cinema 4D – software for creating three-dimensional elements. In it you can line up the light, impose textures, create a realistic and atmospheric animation. Here is a module for creating textures, such as hair, simulate fabric and smoke and dust effects, which will help even an ordinary geometric object to give life and character.
Premiere Pro – you can create and edit an animated product video. In the same it is possible to make showreel – a roller with the presentation of their own projects.
Create renders
Rendering – a translation of the graphics created from 2D and 3D in the desired format – video, static images, or frame sequences (the type of preservation, in which each frame is saved in a separate image). Rendering is used in cinematography, games, advertising and presentations.
Presenting projects
Designer often talks to client directly: presents his ideas, shows results and makes corrections.
Keeping track of trends
Motion design is a new sphere, therefore it develops and grows rapidly. To be in demand as a specialist, you need to follow changes and trends. Then it will be possible to create original works and develop.
Pros and cons of the profession
Pros
Remote work
You don’t have to sit in a state or agency. You can work for yourself from anywhere in the world and determine the cost of your services yourself. In addition, you can choose your own clients and work only with those projects that interest you.
Opportunity to develop
To stay in demand, you need to keep your hand on the pulse all the time. Keeping track of trends, competitors’ work, areas of specialization – all this is an integral part of a designer’s work. The work keeps you up to date, and it helps you advance in your career.
Cons
Expensive software and equipment.
The same Adobe After Effects costs from $20.99 per month, and often one editor isn’t enough to do a full job. To make editors to “hang”, you need a fairly powerful computer. So you have to invest in equipment that can handle the work in these applications.