What Does a Motion Graphics Designer Do? How to Become One

Videos, apps, games, advertisements, and any other context requiring movement use motion graphics to engage the audience for various media. These include television, the internet, and film. Motion graphic designers work with creative teams to incorporate design elements into a project. 

Motion graphic designers often use software programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. Cinema4D is a 3D modelling software program that’s more advanced.

Explore what a motion graphic designer does, the types of software they use, the skills you need, and the steps to becoming one. 

What is motion graphics?

Motion graphics is a type of animation that transforms static designs into moving pictures. The animations are typically in two-dimensional or three-dimensional format and sometimes have sound. 

Motion graphic designers use software programs to create visual narratives digitally or on television. Motion graphics are used in videos and for apps, games, advertisements, and anywhere that requires movement to connect with the audience.

Job description of a motion graphics designer 

As a motion graphics designer, your role will involve creating both two-dimensional and three-dimensional animations, from conceptualisation to the final product. 

Other job duties may include:

• Working with various design programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. 

• Working within a creative team.

• Creating motion designs for the web.

• Meeting with clients to address their needs.

• Selecting visuals, typography, and other design elements. 

You work with businesses, studios, marketing firms, and clients to create visuals and graphics that meet the needs of their brands. It’s a creative role that requires critical thinking to solve problems.

Skills of a motion graphics designer 

A career in motion graphics requires an understanding of design principles, such as layout, typography, and colour theory. You’ll need to be a creative thinker and know the principles of motion graphics and 3D modelling. Consider mastering these design programs:

• Photoshop

• Illustrator

• InDesign

• After Effects 

• Cinema 4D

• Premiere Pro

• Blender

Whilst technical skills are necessary, it can also help to gain traditional art skills to brainstorm ideas on paper. Successful motion graphics designers also have these workplace skills:

• Communication skills: These are essential to interact with clients, coworkers, and employers effectively

• Time management skills: You will often work on tight deadlines, collaborating with various departments to finish a video.

• Organisational skills: Because motion graphic designers work with many different assets and software programs, staying organised is vital for maintaining an efficient workflow.

Possible work environments for motion graphics designers

As a motion graphics designer, you can choose to be self-employed or work for a company. Some organisations that hire motion graphic designers include advertising, public relations, technical, and scientific agencies. The motion picture and video industries offer job opportunities, and software publishers and computer-related industries need motion graphic designers.

Businesses need motion graphics designers to produce explainer and tutorial videos, advertisements, and promotional videos. The influx of motion graphics requirements by businesses in both entertainment and non-entertainment makes this a growing field. 

Motion graphics vs. animation: What’s the difference? 

Motion graphics is a type of animation. However, it usually lacks any storytelling or narrative. Instead, it uses self-contained animation to convey information or emotion. Motion graphics create opening titles for movies, kinetic typography, onboarding animation, and social media GIFs. 

Conversely, animation is a broad field under which many types of moving design fall—such as stop motion, cartoons, and claymation. It's composed of cinematic effects and storytelling techniques. Animation generally involves a talking and moving character or characters that tell a story.

Salary and career outlook for motion graphics designers  

According to Glassdoor India’s September 2024 data, a motion graphics designer's average annual base pay is ₹5,87,432 [1]. Additionally, the job outlook appears promising. Data from Statista shows that the digital video sector in India will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94 per cent from 2024 through 2029, with a projected market size of 1.68 billion USD at the end of that period [2].

As consumer demand for more sophisticated advertising, television, and movie motion graphics increases, the need for motion graphic designers will likely grow. The rising use of smartphones and apps may also positively impact the motion design industry.

How to become a motion graphics designer 

To work as a motion graphics designer, you’ll typically earn a bachelor’s degree, plus develop skills in animation and the software programs used to create it. Gaining work experience, building a portfolio, and continuing to expand your skills are also essential components to carving a career in the field.

Earn your bachelor’s degree.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like video editing or animation is a helpful step in learning the core skills of motion graphics designers. Whilst earning a bachelor’s degree may not be necessary to obtain employment, it’s a streamlined way to gain the necessary skills. 

Build your portfolio.

A portfolio of your best work allows you to show prospective employers and clients your talent and graphic skills. You can show your animation portfolio on a personal website or blog, and your resume should include a working link to your portfolio. 

Your portfolio can include work from your education and client experience. If you need more work experience, consider designing mock-ups for fictitious projects.

Develop essential animation skills.

Keeping your skills fresh and up-to-date is vital in the quickly-changing world of motion graphics design. As it’s a relatively new field, you’ll want to keep up with the latest technology and design concepts. Practise using the tools of the trade, and be sure to update your software regularly. Networking with other professionals can help you stay current with industry trends.

Courses can help you develop new skills or strengthen your existing skills. For example, you can learn about game design with a Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialisation offered by Calarts on Coursera or Getting Started with Adobe Spark.

Gain work experience. 

One way to gain experience in motion graphic design without a job is by volunteering your services to a business or organisation. Offer an animated logo or other relevant artwork and add it to your portfolio and resume. 

Finding an internship is one way to gain experience within a company, especially if you’re a learner. 

Take advantage of social media to interact with other motion graphics designers in the industry. Consider joining online forums to learn through peer feedback. Attend workshops to build your skills.

Motion graphics designer career path.

Since motion graphics design education curriculums are relatively new in India, the path to becoming a motion graphics designer may differ depending on your route. You may start as an animator or VFX artist focused on storytelling and then decide to move into motion graphics, or you may be a graphic designer looking to create animated graphics. 

Technology constantly evolves, and developers update and change motion graphic design programmes when they release new versions. As a motion graphics designer, you’ll want to keep up with the changes and take additional courses or training when needed. Tutorials are available online, and you can take advantage of any continuing education opportunities. 

For example, Canva is a design platform where users can animate and fine-tune hundreds of templates for different social media websites. You can find an advanced-level Canva course on Coursera.

Enhance your motion graphics design skills on Coursera

Motion graphics design is a growing career that empowers you to exercise both your creative and technical skills. Once you’ve decided to follow your passion for graphic design, you’ll want to decide what educational path you prefer. You might consider starting by learning the Fundamentals of Graphic Design before enrolling in a four-year degree programme.