How to Become a Motion Graphics Designer At Home

You are exposed to motion graphics on a daily basis, which means there is a want and need for Motion Graphics Designers who can create products that grab attention and engage audiences. If you’re wanting to get into this field, you may be wondering if it’s possible to become a Motion Graphics Designer from home. The short answer is yes, and it’s beneficial to know what resources will help you achieve your goals.

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 I Learn to be a Motion Graphics Designer from Home?

Absolutely! There is a wide range of courses that can help you learn the basics and/or hone your skills to ensure that you have what it takes to make being a Motion Graphics Designer as lucrative as possible. With so many at-home options to choose from, you get to decide what works best for your learning style and your lifestyle.

What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?

Learning to become a Motion Graphics Designer from home means accessing online classes. There are numerous advantages to this, including classes that are more affordable than a traditional classroom—that means you won’t have to break the bank to learn a new skill and switch your career.

Another advantage to learning from home is the amount of time it takes. Compared to traditional learning, you can learn skills to become a Motion Graphics Designer in a few hours to a few weeks—that’s a lot shorter than the months you would be required to attend in a traditional classroom setting. A shorter learning schedule also means you can get started in your new job a lot sooner.

What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?

One of the biggest disadvantages that could come from learning from home is distractions. When you’re at home, you have access to all your stuff, including your bed, TV and snacks. You may find yourself procrastinating because a nap sounds amazing or you need to get caught up on your favorite show. Luckily, with a little determination and focus, you can overcome this issue to learn from home to become a Motion Graphics Designer.

What Resources are Available to Help Me Become a Motion Graphics Designer at Home?

As you can imagine, there are numerous sources online that can help you become a Motion Graphics Designer at home. Some of them are free, while others cost. Which one you decide to use will depend on your current situation. Either option may teach you exactly what you need to transition into this high-demand, lucrative career.

Free Resources

There are numerous free resources available online that can teach you how to become a Motion Graphics Designer at home. They include the following:

• Udemy - Udemy offers several different classes that can help you learn motion graphics at home. Most of them are for beginners, so if you’re just getting started in this field, these may be great classes to help you decide if being a Motion Graphics Designer is really what you want to do. 

• SkillShare - SkillShare offers a free trial for you to decide if you want to take their online motion graphics classes. If you do, you will then be required to pay for a premium subscription to get unlimited access to the online content.

• YouTube - you can find just about anything you’re looking for on YouTube, including tutorials on learning motion graphics design from home. There are numerous channels to choose from, so look for videos that will help you hone your craft and answer any specific questions you might have.

• Alison - this free online platform mainly offers courses that focus on job-applicable skills. It was founded in Galway, Ireland, and has more than 2,500 online courses, including courses to learn motion graphics design at home. The site also offers certificates once you’ve completed a course, but these cost.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes allow you to learn motion graphics design at home at your own pace. You access the information whenever works best for you, which means you can learn when it’s most convenient for you. This can be incredibly beneficial if you work a full-time job or have other life demands that take up a lot of your time.

A downside to on-demand classes is that you often don’t have a live person to talk to. That means that if you have questions, you may or may not be able to ask the course creator. If you can, it may take a while to get a response. In addition, the on-demand course may not have the most up-to-date information about motion graphics design, as you don’t know how often the curriculum is changed.

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

Attending live online classes and bootcamps to become a Motion Graphics Designer from home can be incredibly advantageous, as you’ll have a person who can answer any questions that you might have. You will also be more confident that the curriculum is as up to date as possible. In addition, your instructor will more than likely be an industry expert, which ensures you’re getting the best instruction from a knowledgeable and experienced individual.

Working with a live instructor means getting feedback on your assignments. This can be incredibly beneficial when learning how to become a Motion Graphics Designer from home because you’ll be able to learn from mistakes and hone your skills. At the end of the course, you’ll also have a portfolio that you can show to potential employers or clients.

One downside is that you have to attend live online classes at a specific time, so the schedule isn’t always flexible. However, you may get a certification or verification that you attended the course, which can let others know that you are serious about learning new skills and being the best Motion Graphics Designer you can be.

Live Online Motion Graphics Design Classes

Noble Desktop offers a live online course in Video Editing & Motion Graphics that also includes one-on-one mentoring. This is a great class for individuals who need some extra assistance when it comes to learning or if you just like knowing a live person is standing by to help should questions arise.

Motion Graphic Design Bootcamps

When it comes to motion graphics bootcamps, there are several options to choose from. The School of Motion offers a 12-week Design Bootcamp for intermediate learners that will help you utilize design knowledge using real-world client jobs as curriculum. This class requires a fee, but you can pay the $996 in full or make three payments of $332 each.

Udemy also offers a wide range of motion graphic design bootcamps at more affordable prices (typically under $200). You get to choose which one works best for what you want to learn, and then you enroll and attend the classes at your own pace.

Noble Desktop also offers several motion graphics design bootcamps, including one to learn about Premier Pro, which is ideal for beginners and takes up to 18 hours to complete. They also offer a bootcamp for Cinema 4D and After Effects. These bootcamps cost, but they are an investment in your future.

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.