What Does a Motion Graphics Designer Do? How to Become One

A motion graphics designer works with animation, audio, and visual effects to create moving content and graphics for various media, such as television, the internet, and film. Motion graphic designers work with creative teams to incorporate design elements into a project. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career in motion graphics design, also called motion design, typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field and a portfolio of your work.

Motion graphic designers most often use Adobe software programs. Photoshop and Illustrator are two of the more common programs used in the creative process, and Cinema4D is a 3D modeling software program that’s more advanced. Learn more about motion graphics and the skills and education you’ll need to start a career as a motion graphics designer. 

Read more: What Does a Graphic Designer Do? And How Do I Become One?

What is motion graphics?

Motion graphics is a type of animation that transforms static designs into moving pictures. The animations are typically in two- or three-dimensional format and sometimes have sound. 

Motion graphic designers use software programs to create visual narratives digitally or on television. Videos, apps, games, advertisements, and anywhere movement is required to connect with the audience all use motion graphics.

What is motion design?

Motion design is using visual effects and graphics for film making and creating videos. Professionals in this field are called motion graphic designers or motion graphics artists. 

What is a motion graphics artist?

As a motion graphics designer, your role will be to create graphics and two-dimensional and three-dimensional animation from conceptualization to the final product. 

Other job duties include:

• Working with various design programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. 

• Working in a creative team

• Creating motion designs for social media platforms such as Meta and Instagram

• Meeting with clients to address their needs

• Selecting audio, visuals, typography, and other design elements 

Job duties may also include onboarding new members added to your team and overseeing day-to-day operations.

Motion graphics designer skills

A career in motion graphics requires an understanding of design principles such as layout, typography, and color theory. You’ll need to be a creative thinker and know the principles of motion graphics and animation.

Mastering design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects is essential. While technical skills are necessary, traditional art skills help brainstorm ideas on paper. 

Good communication skills are essential not only for talking to clients, coworkers, and employers but you’ll want to discuss your designs in a manner that the general public can understand.

Possible work environments for motion graphics designers

As a motion graphics designer, you can choose to be self-employed or work for a company. As do technical and scientific agencies, advertising and public relations agencies hire motion graphics designers. The motion picture and video industries offer job opportunities, and software publishers and computer-related industries need motion graphic designers.

Positions are typically available in the entertainment and non-entertainment fields, and more than half of motion graphics designers are self-employed [1].

Motion graphics vs. animation: What’s the difference? 

Motion graphics are a type of animation that does not involve storytelling or a narrative. It uses self-contained animation to convey information or emotion. You can implement motion graphics for a movie’s opening title, kinetic typography, onboarding animation, and social media GIFs. 

Conversely, animation is a broad field that many types of moving design fall under, such as stop motion, cartoons, and claymation. It's comprised of cinematic effects and storytelling techniques. Animation generally involves a talking and moving character or characters that tell a story.

Salary and career outlook for motion graphics designers  

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for special effects artists and animators is $99,060 as of November 2024 [2]. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $57,090, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $169,580.

The BLS projects motion graphics design jobs to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033 [3], which is as fast as the average for all occupations, with approximately 6,700 openings each year over the decade. Many of these openings will likely result from the need to replace workers who leave the profession for other careers or exit the labor force. Attrition due to retirement and the economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession are also factors. 

As consumer demand for video games and more sophisticated television and movie special effects grows, the need for motion graphic designers will likely grow. The increase in smartphone and app use may also positively impact the motion design industry.

How to become a motion graphics designer 

To work as a motion graphics designer, you’ll typically earn a bachelor’s degree, develop skills in animation and the programs used to create it, gain work experience, build a portfolio, and continue to expand your skills.

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree.

According to Zippia, 74 percent of graphic designers hold a bachelor’s degree, and 12 percent earn an associate degree. Less than 10 percent have a master’s degree [4].

Read more: Your Guide to Graphic Design Degrees

2. Build your portfolio.

A portfolio of your best work allows you to show prospective employers and clients your talent and graphic skills.  You can show your animation portfolio on a personal website or blog, and your resume should include a working link to your portfolio. 

Your portfolio can include work from your education and client experience. If you don’t have enough content, you can design mock-ups of fictitious projects. 

3. Develop key skills in animation.

Keeping your skills fresh and up-to-date is vital in the quickly-changing world of motion graphics design. Because it’s a relatively new field, you’ll want to keep up with the latest technology and design concepts. Practice using the tools of the trade, and be sure to update your software regularly and keep apprised of any fixes to graphic design programs. Networking with other professionals can help you stay current with industry trends.

Develop new skills or strengthen your existing skills with courses. Learn about game design with a Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization offered by Calarts on Coursera or Getting Started with Adobe Spark.

4. Gain work experience. 

One way to gain experience in motion graphic design without a job is by volunteering your service to a business or organization. Offer an animated logo or other relevant artwork and add it to your portfolio and resume. 

You can also find internships at design companies, banks, and movie studios. If you’re a college student, you may find an internship program on campus or through your school’s resource center.

Joining organizations such as the Graphic Artists Guild can provide insightful information for gaining work experience. You might also consider attending a Mograph meet-up, where you can network with others in the field.  

Take advantage of social media, too. Set up a professional page on Facebook or Instagram, post new designs, and don’t be shy about self-promotion. A social media page can generate clients and introduce you to other motion graphic designers.

5. Continue to expand your skills and knowledge.

Technology constantly evolves, and graphic design programs update and change as companies release new versions. As a motion graphics designer, you’ll want to keep up with the changes and take additional courses or training when needed. Tutorials are available online, and you can take advantage of any continuing education opportunities. 

For example, Canva is a design platform that offers hundreds of templates that you can animate and fine-tune for different social media websites. You can find an advanced-level Canva course on Coursera.

Learn how to make motion graphics on Coursera

A career in motion graphics design can be rewarding and fun. Once you’ve decided to follow your passion for graphic design, you’ll want to decide what educational path you prefer. You might consider starting by learning the Fundamentals of Graphic Design before enrolling in a four-year degree program. 

Talk to others in motion graphics design, and don’t be shy about asking questions. Many artists enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.