What Classes to Take to Become a Motion Graphics Designer

Deciding to become a Motion Graphics Designer means you’re going to need a very specific set of skills. Your job will be to convey complex messages to audiences in an easy-to-understand and amusing way, and that means knowing how to use certain software. 

When it comes to classes that you should be taking, you’ll want to focus on courses that teach you how to use the different types of software needed for this job, including Adobe Premiere, Cinema 4D and After Effects, among others.

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 Skills Will I Need to Learn to Become a Motion Graphics Designer?

When it comes to your career as a Motion Graphics Designer, if you want to be successful and in demand, there is a set of skills you’ll need to be able to do your job effectively and efficiently. Here are the skills you need to learn:

Graphic Design

This is probably the most important skill you’ll need when it comes to being a Motion Graphics Designer. You have to have strong knowledge in design principles, including composition, layout, typography and color theory. With graphic design skills, you’ll be able to create graphics that are coherent and visually appealing to communicate messages and ideas to an audience.

Knowledge of Typography

Being able to choose the right font is incredibly important as a Motion Graphics Designer. Not only do you want to choose a style, size and layout that looks astounding, but it should also be easy to read. You also need to make sure the typography blends well with the other elements to create a design that grabs attention.

3D Design

When it comes to creating designs that are lifelike, engaging and add depth to the story, having 3D design skills is essential. You’ll need an understanding of animation, modeling, texturing and lighting as they occur in a 3D space.

Software Knowledge

Motion graphic designs are meant to be viewed on a screen, so using software to help you create them is necessary. Not only do you want to know the basics of different programs, but you also want to know how to use their advanced features. This ensures that you are creating professional designs that turn heads and get audiences to pay attention.

Some of the software you might be required to use includes the following:

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.

Proficiency in Traditional Art

Just because motion graphics designs are meant to be viewed on a screen, that doesn’t mean that traditional art skills don’t come into play. Having a foundation in composition, form and color contributes to an understanding of craftsmanship and aesthetics. It may also take your digital designs to a whole new level.

The Ability to Tell a Story

Motion graphics weave visual elements together to tell a story, so having an understanding of visual metaphors, timing and pacing can help you create designs that engage with audiences and help them understand complex messages or invite them to discover what a business has to offer.

Writing and Editing

Most motion graphics design projects don’t start on the computer; they start on a storyboard or paper. Being able to write scripts or narratives ensures that the intended message is conveyed clearly and that the visual elements align with the narrative.

Editing is also important, as your final product should meet client expectations. It’s rare that a project is accepted after the first round of design, so being able to make edits is essential to keeping clients happy. 

Project Planning and Time Management

Part of your job will be putting together the plans that will ensure the final product looks amazing, fits the client’s specifications and stays within budget. You’ll need to be able to outline the steps that are necessary to complete the project, as well as set clear goals and organize resources.

Of course, once you put that plan together, you’ll need to know how to manage your time to complete the project within the guidelines. While issues can arise, being able to stick as closely to the plan as possible could mean getting the best outcome.

Problem-Solving Skills

Life rarely goes as planned, and the same will be true when working on motion graphics designs. Having problem-solving skills and finding unique solutions to challenges will ensure that you create designs that are awe inspiring and within the timeline you planned for.

Problems will arise not only during the design phase, but during the production phase as well. While you’ll have in-depth knowledge of the software you’re using, the final product may not turn out as planned. Finding solutions to problems through every step of the project will help you stay calm and collected so that you can be creative.

Many of these skills can be learned through classes, but some of them will need to be developed and honed through experience. Having patience and an open mind will help make your motion graphics career a success.

What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become a Motion Graphics Designer?

Class 1 - Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate

If you want to become a skilled Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer, but you don’t want to spend the time or money to get a bachelor’s degree, then you’ll want to check out this class. You’ll get hands-on learning from experts, along with one-on-one mentoring. This class is expected to take 126 hours to complete.

When it comes to video editing, you’ll learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition. For motion graphics, you’ll learn how to use After Effects and Cinema 4D lite. You’ll also learn how to add animation to layered photos, files and videos in Photoshop and Illustrator.

Not only will you get a certificate after completing this course, but you’ll also have a portfolio to show potential employers or clients.

Class 2 - Motion Graphics with After Effects Live Online

If you’ve got some time on your hands over the summer, then you might consider enrolling in this online motion graphics design course. This 20-hour class will teach you how to use After Effects before diving into foundational motion design processes and concepts. You’ll also learn about some more advanced techniques, such as motion tracking, title and text animation and 3D layer animation.

This class is a good option if you’re a beginner and have no previous experience with After Effects, design or animation. It’s a good way to learn some foundational skills that you can then improve and enhance through practice or by taking other classes.

Class 3 - After Effects in a Day

If you just can’t wait to get started in your new career as a Motion Graphics Designer, then you may want to check out this quick course. This 6-hour workshop will teach you how to start using After Effects to animate video, photos and text, as well as how to add music. In addition, you’ll learn how to import layered files from Photoshop and Illustrator.

For this class, you don’t need to have any design skills, but having them is helpful. It’s also beneficial (but not required) to have basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Class 4 - Adobe After Effects 101 - After Effects Essentials

In this 3-day course, you will receive in-depth training on how to use the industry-standard software for creating motion graphics, in addition to learning Hollywood-style and broadcast TV effects. You will create projects from video, Photoshop files, Illustrator files and other file types. 

This class is a good option for beginners, but you will need to have experience with Photoshop to get the most from this course. It’s also recommended that you have After Effects before enrolling.

Any of these classes can be beneficial if you’re new to motion graphics design or you’re brushing up on your skills. By the end of each one, you should have some projects that you can show off and potentially use to land a job or obtain 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.