HONE your MOTION GRAPHICS Skills

Escape Studios’ Head of Motion Graphics, JM Blay shares his advice for getting ahead in motion graphics

There are constantly new and unique developments in the fast moving CG industry. With new software updates arriving all the time and fresh techniques to hone, it’s important to stay on top of your game.

As head of motion graphics at Escape Studios, and also an independent director and motion designer myself, I have more than fifteen years of experience working on advertising, films, TV, video games and multimedia for clients such as NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros.

From my experience I have pulled together some top tips below to offer advice on how to really hone your motion graphic skills, to take it to the next level.

1. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

The creative process is all about trial and error. It’s important to brainstorm your ideas and sketch them out on paper to really work through each element. By breaking things down and perfecting your skills, it will enable you to really see what might need changing, ultimately speeding up the process. It will also help you save time working on it in later with the software’s.

2. It’s not just about one set of skills

This may be obvious but it’s really important, throughout your motion graphic work you will need to have a strong knowledge of graphic design and as much knowledge of filmmaking as you can get. Giving yourself this knowledge will ensure you are ready for any challenge that may come through.

3. Become an expert in Typography

A motion graphics artist should have a strong understanding of typography. Type is widely used as a form across motion graphics and it maybe in some cases that this is all that’s used to convey the product to the audience. So it’s important to understand what the audience will engage with, ensuring that the graphic stays with them.

4. experiment with 3D

As well as 2D, it is now more important than ever that artists really build their knowledge in 3D and how this can be used in the design process. With the industry constantly changing, its key to really hone your skills in this area, in order to offer a wide range of options and ensure you can constantly deliver new and exciting work.

5. Inspiration is everywhere

remember to focus time on exploring new trends and techniques to draw inspiration from; know the industry and understand what game and film studios are delivering. Digest other media, books, films, TV to draw on trends in order to ensure your work stays at the top of the game.

By Breaking things down and perfecting your skills, it will enable you to really see what might need changing JM Blay, head of motion graphics, Escape Studios