Designing motion graphics is a complex field that is constantly evolving to meet the rising standards of audiences around the globe. There are many people drawn to producing motion graphics simply because the art form is everywhere you look. With a passion and drive to learn about motion graphics, it can be an attainable goal. There are many paths to becoming a professional motion graphics artist. However, the nearly infinite individual methods successful artists have used boil down to just two courses of action.
The Self-Taught Method
The first choice is to teach yourself how to design and animate graphics. The internet sure has an abundance of materials for you to learn from. Many of these resources are even free. This makes it a very tempting road for most people. However, it can be daunting to sift through the sea of information available. Without a filter earned from knowledge and experience, you won’t know which sources of information are reliable. Plus, the field of motion graphics is constantly evolving. A tutorial video created just a few years ago will be obsolete thanks to software updates and latest trends.
Attending a Formal Education
The other choice is to enroll in a focused curriculum that targets digital arts, animation, and motion graphics. There are numerous formal education programs available to propel you through this curriculum. Although this route requires an investment, the benefits over toughing it out on your own are priceless. You get access to industry veterans in the form of instructors. You get to use innovative equipment and gain insight into the latest advances on the conceptual front of design. Each of these bonuses significantly enhances your ability to get a foot in the door at your first professional studio.
Do I Need a Motion Graphics Degree to Gain Employment in The Industry?
Although graphics design is more of a merit-based profession in which someone who is obviously talented can get hired on the spot, most motion graphics artists get a degree. Of course, learn motion graphics isn’t as simple as just watching a few YouTube videos and emulating a tutorial project. Even Da Vinci desired a formal education before sharing his genius with the world. Having a focused curriculum curated by experts saves you a lot of time. Instead of stumbling through elementary mistakes, you can learn from the previous missteps of skilled instructors and establish a rock-solid foundation from the start. From there, you can build a portfolio you know will wow potential employers.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Motion Graphics Degree?
Another benefit of obtaining a motion graphics degree is how quickly you can graduate. The average full-time student needs just two years to complete a comprehensive program. By cutting out as many electives and fluff classes as possible, the focused curriculum gives you everything you need in half the time it takes to pursue a traditional computer science degree at a 4-year college.
What Can I Do with a Motion Graphics Degree?
You have a myriad of options with a degree in motion graphics. The most obvious choice is to work for a large organization, such as one that delivers the news. Businesses of all sizes need motion graphics to bolster their online presence. You can become a freelance designer that works for a couple different companies. Finally, you can start your own projects or collaborate with other creators. These can include ventures such as podcasting, video editing, and talk shows to name a few. The best part about your degree is that you can easily shift from one motion graphics project to another at will.
What Do I Learn During a Video Editing & Motion Graphics Degree Program?
The base curriculum covers everything you need to understand to modify images and produce designs that audiences will find appealing. Specifically, you will learn how to use software for visual motion graphics creation and pro tools to add audio to your work. You will get a crash course on animation, both 2D and 3D styles. Exploring concepts such as color theory and gradient will give you insight into set mood and tone. Storyboarding, pre-production, and video editing is discussed in-depth. Post-production techniques and procedures are also covered extensively. Finally, you will get a taste of the business management side of the digital arts world. Covering topics such as marketing will allow you to become an invaluable asset to employers and even pave the foundation for you starting your own studio someday.
Final Thoughts
Although getting a motion graphics degree is not a strict requirement to becoming a motion graphics artist, you leave yourself at a severe disadvantage if you don’t. Formally educated designers learn how to do things right the first time. Self-taught designers inevitably pick up bad practices that must be untrained before they can even learn the ideal methods. The result of being an alum is a much greater chance for you to not only succeed in landing a job, but also impress your team enough to keep it long term. If it is your dream to become a digital artist, shouldn’t you strive for every advantage you can reach?
Video Editing & Motion Graphics Program
Ready to learn more about a career in video editing and motion graphics? IPR’s Online Video Editing & Motion Graphics Degree program is entirely online, and allows students to earn a multi-skill, multi-functional Associate of Applied Science Degree in less than two years*. Students learn entry-level skills in every aspect of post-production. IPR’s Video Editing and Motion Graphics program prepares you for a real-world role in post-production processes in the editorial, color, and motion graphics/animations departments.
If you are interested in a career in video editing and motion graphics you should tour our Minneapolis creative arts college, see the labs, and meet our staff. Call 1-612-351-0631 or contact admissions to make arrangements.
*2-year program completion based on full time enrollment