Motion Graphics Designers work with digital tools to create animated effects. The software is complicated and challenging and the work demands focus, but motion graphics pays very well. If you are artistic, love working with technology, and are able to dig in and stick with a job until it is done right, you can make a very good living in motion graphics design.
Job Prospects in Motion Graphics and Animation
Most Motion Graphics Designers are employed in the motion picture and television industry, while others work in advertising or the marketing departments of businesses. Some Motion Graphics Designers are hired by companies and others work freelance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 62,400 people were working as Motion Graphics Designers and Animators in the United States in 2020, and the field is projected to grow by 16% by 2030. This means that 9,900 jobs will be added in the U.S. in the next 8 years, according to projections.
What Do Motion Graphics Designers Do?
Motion Graphics Designers create computer animations that bring text and graphics to life on the screen. They often work as part of a video editing team to produce a video, film, television show, documentary, or advertisement. Motion Graphics Designers create the title and credit sequence in movies and television shows and sections of videos that explain concepts. Marketing videos on social media are becoming increasingly popular, with 60% of companies using video as a marketing tool and 94% planning to continue the practice.
Special Effects Artists are also considered part of the motion graphics field. Their work extends beyond typography to animation of other kinds. Special Effects Designers use computer software to create many kinds of animated effects for films, television shows, and games. They use Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), chroma key compositing, rotoscoping, and other techniques to create digitally manipulated images.
How Much Do Motion Graphics Designers and Animators Earn?
Many Motion Graphics Designers and Animators start working as Video Editors and move into motion graphics as they gain experience. They mostly work for film and television studios, but a few work for advertising agencies. The BLS lists Motion Graphics Designers under Special Effects Artists and Animators. The reported median annual wage was $77,700 in May 2020, with a range of $42,390 to $142,750.
Some job titles pay more than others. Special Effects Artists and Animators who work in the motion picture and television industries make an annual median wage of $92,350. Motion Graphics Designers working for software publishers make $82,330. Motion Graphics Designers working in Advertising and marketing make $73,820. Computer systems design pays $69,200.
The employment website Glassdoor.com lists the median salary for Motion Graphics Designers is $67,059 per year from voluntary reports. In April 2022, some motion graphics jobs advertised on Glassdoor were NBCUniversal offering $102,653 per year, ESPN at $68,227, and Lionshare Media at $74,018.
The base pay at the entry-level, with 1 to 3 years of experience, is $59,590. That goes up to $65,867 with 4 to 6 years of experience. Senior Motion Graphics Designers with 7 to 9 years of experience make a base rate of $69,881.
Freelance Motion Graphics Designers
Motion Graphics Designers who are self-employed are generally referred to as freelancers. There are two types of freelancers: on-site and off-site. Companies hire on-site freelance video editors to be part of a production team for a particular project or a limited period of time. There aren't as many jobs advertised for freelance Motion Graphics Designers as there are for Video Editors; most of the jobs advertised are permanent. Advertised salaries for freelancers are in the same range as for permanent positions.
Getting a Job in Motion Graphics
When it comes to finding a job in the motion graphics field, the most important steps are learning to use digital animation tools, creating a portfolio, and networking.
Creating a Portfolio
More important than a resume or a business card, your portfolio or demo reel shows potential employers what you can do. Your portfolio should reflect your personality and creativity. If you are new to motion graphics, you can start a portfolio with videos you made in your bootcamp or certificate course. You can also include passion projects, examples of motion graphics and animation that you create for fun.
Place your portfolio on a personal website or platform like Behance or Dribbble. Keep your portfolio up to date with samples of your latest jobs. It helps people find you and builds your reputation.
Do Some Networking
Networking is one of the best ways to connect with other Motion Graphics Designers and Filmmakers and find jobs. Most people have difficulty talking about themselves, particularly creative people who tend to be loners and introverts. It's important to make connections with people so they will check out your work and keep you in mind when jobs become available.
Networking is about building relationships with people. This could be in professional settings like conferences, film festivals, or semi-social gatherings. Tell people what you do. If it is a professional gathering, be specific. If it is more social, describe your work in more general terms. It is important to tell people that you are looking for work, but be sure to do it in a natural, friendly way that is not creepy, annoying, or desperate.
Learning Motion Graphics Design
It is easy to learn motion graphics and start a new career by taking courses. There are schools and training programs available offering intensive classes in software and technique. You can choose sessions that meet in-person or online to learn After Effects, Animate, and other relevant software. Some people prefer to attend brick-and-mortar sessions when learning new information, but that isn't always available. Live online classes have a similar set-up with a real-time, remote instructor who can answer questions and take control of your monitor--with permission--to show you how to do things. Training is part or full-time and available weekdays, weeknights, or weekends.
The best way to prepare for a career shift to a technical field like motion graphics is to enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program. These are intensive training courses that run for a few weeks to a few months and will cover motion graphics in much more depth than tutorials can. Another plus of training is that you will leave class with a professional-quality portfolio of sample videos that you can show to prospective employers.
Conclusion
It's easy to learn motion graphics design and start a new career. Check out Noble Desktop's motion graphics courses. Choose between in-person sessions in NYC at Noble's location or sign up for live online motion graphics courses and attend from anywhere. Use Noble Desktop's Classes Near Me to find other courses in motion graphics in your area.