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How much does an animation designer earn, what do they do and how to become one

Jose Waller

Animation, which is a moving pictures with sound and text, is used in advertising, mobile applications, websites and video games. Animated graphics attracts attention better than static images and provide more information about the idea of the video. It is created by a motion-designer. Creative profession is interesting and perspective in the future.

What does a professional animation designer do?

Motion-designer is a multifaceted specialist who writes the script, draws images, directs and does sound editing. He can do:

  • a promotional video;
  • a music video;
  • a video presentation;
  • titles;
  • user interfaces;
  • screensavers before videos on YouTube channels;
  • video mapping — audiovisual 3D projection and more.

The profession has great prospects, because motion graphics are increasingly used in advertising and content marketing. In addition to increasing sales and attracting attention, her short messages increase the awareness of the viewer. Moving objects are more interesting for users and are read much faster than static ones. The influence of animation upon the audience explains the demand and the growing popularity of this profession. On the other hand, you can order a translation of captions into any language or transcription of audio, for example, in professional translation agency https://translation.center/de.

How does an animation designer work?

Creating a short video may seem a simple task at first glance. But, professional knowledge of photography, design, video and sound editing is required in the profession. Unlike ordinary images, the profession of motion-designer aims to create a story in the form of short moving graphics.
A motion designer comes up with a plot using the techniques of dramaturgy and directing. They work in graphic design programs and video editors. An animated video is not complete without polygonal modeling and digital sculpture, the basics of which are mastered by a professional designer.
The main task of a motion designer is to transform a static image into a dynamic one, to add sound and special effects. He works in various programs:

  • Adobe After effects;
  • Adobe Premiere;
  • Blender;
  • Cinema 4D;
  • DaVinci Resolve Studio;
  • Principle and others.

Besides visual and audio effects, they use cinematic techniques in the work. In graphic design, they apply the basics of composition to harmoniously arrange objects in a picture. The text is arranged according to typographic rules. They select a color palette according to the psychology of color perception in order to convey the underlying message and influence the audience. A high-quality translation of audio and video materials into various languages can be done in a translation agency https://translation.center/de-uebersetzungsbuero-hamburg that specializes in this.

Motion-designer takes care of everything in the implementation of the project: starting from developing a concept to integrating an animated picture into a resource. Animation can be dedicated to a product, service, information − anything that needs promotion and recognition.
The work progress includes the following steps:

  • A professional animation designer explores the product and the target audience;
  • Makes creative research to highlight the competitive advantages of the product or service;
  • Comes up with an idea for animation;
  • Issues terms of reference to photographers, filmmakers and IT-specialists, if working with them in a team, or performs all their functions independently;
  • Creates animated graphics;
  • Analyzes how motion design works and how effective it is.

There is more than one skill in the arsenal of an animation designer, constant improvement of which is required by the profession and the industry. It is impossible to make an advertising project with a high conversion if you work using the old methods. For example, the psychology of color and composition of photography remain unchanged, but video effects are constantly replenished with new ones. The development of technology dictates its own rules of the game, therefore, in the work of an animation designer, inactivity and the lack of advanced training are a step into the past.

Where can you get a job as an animation designer?

Film companies, advertising agencies, design studios, television companies and IT companies hire the professional motion designers. 60% of all who have completed a training in motion graphics, fulfill orders working as freelancers.

The motion-designer profession is highly-demanded in many countries. Salary depends on qualifications, experience and the budget allocated for the project. In the US, a professional animation designer earns an average of $6,000, slightly less in Europe.

To be among the best in your profession and get decent money for motion graphics, you need a bachelor’s degree and a portfolio. There is a professional curriculum in American and European universities. You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in Florence, Milan, London, Cambridge, New York. They teach animation graphics at universities and creative schools of visual and performing arts. Education is paid and not cheap, and requires knowledge of a foreign language.