How to Become a Freelance Motion Graphics Designer in 2024

Motion graphics are used for a variety of different reasons, including to communicate emotions, ideas and concepts in a super fast manner. They are used on websites, social media, in TV and on film to grab attention and inspire the audience. Motion graphics are a staple in the world of screens, and Motion Graphics Designers are in high demand. If you’re thinking about becoming a freelancer in this field, it could be incredibly lucrative, but there are some things you’ll need to do.

What is a Motion Graphics Designer?

A Motion Graphics Designer creates animations, graphics and videos that are visually alluring. Your job is often to communicate complex ideas and concepts to audiences in a way that is engaging, entertaining and educational.

When it comes to getting a job as a Motion Graphics Designer, there are certain skills that need to be acquired. It’s important to have an understanding of design principles, including color theory, layout and typography, in addition to the principles of animation and motion graphics.

There are a variety of programs and software that a motion graphic designer might use to create graphics in two- or three-dimension formats, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects, among others. It can also be beneficial to have traditional art skills to brainstorm initial ideas on paper before transferring them into a digital environment, as well as knowing how to select typography, audio, visuals and other design elements.

Motion graphic designers typically work with a creative team, but they can also be self-employed. No matter what job environment you work in, having good communication skills is essential. Not only do you need to be able to speak with members of your office team, but you may also need to communicate with clients and stakeholders to ensure the final product meets expectations. 

What is Motion Graphics Designer Freelancing Like?

Freelancing comes with a lot of perks, including being able to work on a schedule that fits your lifestyle, working where you want and being able to choose which clients you want to work with and what projects interest you the most. When it comes to finding work as a Motion Graphics Designer, here are some things you’ll need to do:

Put Together a Portfolio

Your portfolio is the single most important asset of finding work as a freelancer. It shows potential clients what you are capable of, as well as highlights your expertise, creativity and skills. Make sure to keep this updated and include a range of projects, from visual effects to 2D animations to 3D modeling.

Network

While you need a specific skill set to be a freelance Motion Graphics Designer, you also need to know people who can help you build your business. There are many ways to meet people, including attending industry events, joining relevant groups on social media sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook and finding or becoming a mentor.

Networking takes time and patience, and you want to create genuine connections. Your ultimate goal is to sell yourself and your services, but don’t approach people like a salesperson, be a human being. Not everyone you meet is going to be a client, but they may know someone who wants what you have to offer.

Market Yourself

In addition to networking, you’ll also need to market yourself effectively to attract clients and find work, which means having a professional website and social media profiles. You’ll also need to put together a pitch that is clear and concise and showcases your unique skills and what you have to offer potential clients.

Search Online Job Listings

Believe it or not, but there are companies who advertise for freelance Motion Graphics Designers on job sites. This could be a good way to pay your bills and build your portfolio. Check out places such as Indeed, LinkedIn or Upwork for job opportunities.

Communicating with Clients

Once you’ve landed a client, communication will be key. Your job is to create a final product that fits their vision and is within budget, so talking about expectations and edits is essential. Make sure you are professional and speak in a clear manner to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings—and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to get clarification on things you don’t understand. If you don’t, you risk upsetting your client and losing work.

Negotiating Contracts

Having a contract as a freelance Motion Graphics Designer is essential. A contract lays out your responsibilities as the freelance worker, as well as the responsibilities of your client. It’s best to work with a lawyer to come up with a good contract, or you might consider using some existing templates (make sure to change items to whatever works best for you).

Should any issues arise that result in legal action, having a contract can help your case. Your client may go through the contract and ask for a few things to be changed, and it will be up to you whether you acquiesce or not. Remember: this is your livelihood, and you need to make sure you are getting exactly what you need to make your career a success.

Is Motion Graphics Designer Freelancing Right for Me?

There is a lot of freedom associated with being a freelancer, but there is also a lot of responsibility. When it comes to determining whether being a freelance Motion Graphics Designer is right for you, there are some questions you should ask yourself.

Am I Ready to Run a Small Business?

You may be the only employee, but being a freelancer is the same as running a small business. You’re going to be wearing a lot of different hats. You’ll need marketing skills to share your work and find potential clients. You’ll need to find time during the day to meet with clients and discuss projects or convince them that you are the right person for the job. You’ll need budgeting and accounting skills to keep track of income and expenses, as well as to create invoices to ensure you get paid.

These are just a few of the skills you’ll need as a freelancer. If you don’t want to take care of every aspect of a business and only want to worry about creating motion graphic designs, then you may want to look for a job with a company.

Am I Organized and Deadline Driven?

These are skills you would need if you worked in an office, but they apply even more if you are a freelancer. You don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder to keep you on task, and when working from home, it can be really easy to get distracted. If you’re not focused and meeting deadlines, you’re not going to get a lot of work—and that’s going to hurt your income.

Do You Have a Plan for Downtimes?

As a freelancer, especially one who is just starting out, you may not be able to find as much work as you want/need or projects that pay as much as you want/need. You need to have a plan in place for when times like this occur. If you’re like most people, you have bills that need to be paid, and that means needing an income. As a freelancer, you have to take into consideration what might happen if jobs are a little lean.

Being a freelancer can be incredibly beneficial, and there is a chance that you can make really good money—potentially more than you would make as a company employee. However, with that freedom comes responsibility, and if you’re ready to take that on, then you might be ready to live the freelance Motion Graphic Designer life.

Steps to Become a Freelance Motion Graphics Designer

There are a lot of benefits to becoming a Motion Graphics Designer, and if you're thinking about pursuing this line of work, it can be incredibly lucrative. However, there are some steps that need to be followed to ensure you are as successful in this career as possible.

1. Get Educated

The first step to becoming a Motion Graphics Designer is to get some type of education. Depending on who you want to work for, you may be required to get a bachelor’s degree. However, you don’t necessarily need one, but getting some type of education, including taking online courses, can ensure your success.

2. Learn How to Use the Tools of the Trade

There are several different types of software used for this job, and knowing how to use them is essential to a lucrative career. It may be possible to achieve two goals in one and obtain a certification in using tools of the graphic design trade while also obtaining your education in this field.

3. Create a Portfolio

One of the best ways to get noticed by potential clients is to create a portfolio. They want to be able to see examples of the type of work you do. There are several different ways to put this together, including using assignments you did while obtaining your education, volunteering your skills for local nonprofits or other businesses or even getting an internship.

You might also consider putting together fictional projects to highlight your skills and abilities. Showcase these on a personal blog, and make sure to include the link on your resume when you send it to potential clients.

4. Learn Business Skills

In addition to all the skills of a regular Motion Graphics Designer, future freelance Motion Graphics Designers will need to learn skills for running their own business (such as finance and contract law) and marketing their business (such as web design and social media marketing). 

Even freelance Motion Graphics Designers who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas in order to understand what kind of outsourcing they need to support their freelance work.

Learn the Skills to Become a Motion Graphics Designer at Noble Desktop

When it comes to obtaining the skills that are necessary to become a Motion Graphics Designer, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Noble Desktop. There are a wide range of courses that will help you hone your software skills and technique. You have the option of taking these classes online or in-person.

You don’t need to spend a ton of time gaining motion graphic design skills. If you enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program, you can learn the necessary skills in as little as a few weeks to a few months. The best part of these classes? You’ll be able to put together a portfolio to show to potential employers or clients.