How to Become a Motion Graphics Designer Without a Degree in 2024

If you enjoy combining art with technology to convey complex messages to audiences in a simple, entertaining way, then the idea of becoming a Motion Graphics Designer is probably pretty appealing. Not only does this career pay decently, but it also allows you to be creative. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a college degree or you have a degree in another field, it’s possible to become a Motion Graphics Designer.

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. 

Can You Really Become a Motion Graphics Designer Without a Degree?

Yes, you can really become a Motion Graphics Designer without a degree. You can also transition into the field if you have a college degree in another field. However, you will need some training to understand the basic requirements and software that you’ll need to use for this job. Thankfully, you can obtain that knowledge in a relatively short amount of time. 

Here are some skills and knowledge you’ll need to obtain to become a Motion Graphics Designer:

Animation

Having an understanding of animation principles, including timelines, light sources, positioning and movement, can help you create realistic perspectives and make the graphics more intriguing for audiences.

Typography

There are a wide range of font styles in the world, and knowing which one is the correct style and size is essential to creating motion graphics that get noticed.

3D Design

A lot of final motion graphics are created for a three-dimensional space, so having an understanding of 3D modeling principles is a skill that many employers are looking for.

Graphic Design

This is probably one of the most important skills you’ll need for this job, since your goal is to use visual and textual content to portray a message to audiences. Knowing how to make that design look good and be memorable is essential to job retention.

Knowledge of Software

Most motion graphic design work is done on a computer using software, so knowing how to use that software not only makes your job easier but also ensures the final product looks amazing and meets client specifications.

Wondering what kind of software you might be using? Here are some of the most common:

Photoshop

This is probably the most elementary tool that you will use as a motion graphic designer. This software is not free, but you can start with a free seven-day trial to get a feeling for how to use this program before investing in it to further your career.

Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is the industry-standard software that is used to create motion graphics. Whether you’re creating simple animations or complex, multi-layered composition, After Effects will help you achieve your goals. This software is ideal for creating 2D animations and text animation. It comes with an amazing set of tools to correct color and help with composition.

This software is only available as part of a Creative Cloud membership, so it’s not free (although, there is a free seven-day trial). However, there are various payment options to choose from, so you’re sure to find a plan that fits into your budget.

Cinema 4D

If you’re planning on creating a lot of 3D motion graphics, then you’ll want to check out Cinema 4D; it’s ideal for designing 3D environments and characters. Cinema 4D is easy to use and has an intuitive interface. It also integrates with After Effects, so you are able to import 3D models into any motion graphics project quickly and easily.

This software comes with a 14-day trial, and then you will have to choose one of the payment options to continue to use this tool. There are a variety of payment plans to choose from, including pricing for individuals and students, so there should be a plan that works for you.

Blender

Blender is a free, open-source animation software that you can use to create visual effects and motion graphics, as well as video games. This tool offers a variety of features that can be used by both beginners and professionals to create eye-catching motion graphics that get noticed.

Maya 

If you’re planning on doing motion graphics for TV, film or video games, then you’ll probably want to use Maya. This software is a popular choice for creating motion graphics that are complex, and it comes equipped with advanced animation tools.

Maya comes with a 30-day free trial, and then you have several different pricing plans to choose from. If you go with the monthly plan, you will pay $235 per month. You can also choose to pay for one year ($1,875) or 3 years ($5,625). There is also a Flex plan that allows you to buy tokens to use this software.

In addition to these hard skills, some of the soft skills that are necessary to become a Motion Graphics Designer include artistic skills, time management, organization and storytelling abilities.

How do you obtain these skills? Easy! By taking online courses. Depending on your skill level, you may be ready to apply for jobs as a Motion Graphics Designer in as little as a few weeks. 

Steps to Become a 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. Remember: you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to work in this field, but getting some type of education, including taking online courses, can ensure your success.

Luckily, there are a variety of online classes and certification courses for you to consider. At Noble Desktop, you can choose from a variety of options that will work best for your schedule. Whether you have some experience or none, you’ll find the educational path that will help you achieve your goal of becoming a Motion Graphics Designer.

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 employers or 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 employers or clients.

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.