written by

86 incredible motion design artists

published by
School of Motion

creative direction + development

Joey Korenman

layout + editing
Caleb Ward

compilation
Shelby Ward

cover design
Mila Milic

(c) 2023 School of Motion, Inc.

All materials in this book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any form without written
permission from School of Motion.
EXPERIMENT. FAIL. REPEAT.
TALES & ADVICE FROM MOGRAPH HEROES
 THIS ISN’T A TYPICAL BOOK

I’m really big on personal growth. I’m always we have in our sights for the next edition, should
trying some new thing to see if there’s a bene t. this prove useful to the community.
Isolation tanks. Wim Hof breathing. The
I want to thank each and every person who took
Ketogenic Diet. Journaling. I’m a die-hard Tim
the time to answer our questions, and to share
Ferriss fan and his book, “Tribe of Mentors” is the
their experience with the motion design
inspiration behind this collection of insights. In
community. Getting the chance to compile and
that book, he asked dozens of amazing people
publish the collective knowledge of this amazing
the same set of questions and then published
group has been a gigantic thrill for us, and we
their short answers. When Caleb (our resident
couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.
marketing genius) suggested we do the same for
motion design, it was a no brainer. To you, the reader: I hope you get inspired by
this collection, and I hope you take away a few
Ours is a profession that rewards personal
actionable tips that you can start using
growth. It’s hard to rest on your laurels in this
immediately on your motion design projects.
industry, and even the most well known and
Even one sentence, absorbed in the right
successful artists constantly push themselves to
moment and in the right context, can ip a switch
improve and to pick up new skills. Frankly, when
in your brain that will guide you to a new
you get right down to it, there’s always more to
destination in your career and life.
learn… you’re never done.
So, from all of us at School of Motion, thank you
So, we reached out to an extensive network of
so much for being part of the community. Grab
people in the motion design community and
some coffee and enjoy the book!
asked them to answer 7 questions. We talked to
friends of ours, people we’ve connected with at Joey Korenman
events, people we’ve interviewed… and then we
went loftier. We reached out to some of our
heroes, legends in the industry and, to our
surprise, many of them said yes. We did our best
CEO / Founder
t o c a p t u re a c ro s s - s e c t i o n o f w o r k i n g
School of Motion
professionals, and included everyone who took
the time to give us their thoughts. There are
countless others that aren’t in this collection that
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 TABLE OF HEROES
8 HAYLEY AKINS 45 JORGE R. CANEDO E.
// MOTION HATCH // FREELANCE

12 LAURA ALEJO 47 ED CHEETHAM

// FREELANCE // RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN

15 LLOYD ALVAREZ 51 TIM CLAPHAM

// AESCRIPTS + AEPLUGINS // LUXX

17 DAVID ARIEW 54 JOE CLAY

// ARIEVVISUALS // WORKBENCH

21 CHAD ASHLEY 57 CHAD COLBY

// GREYSCALEGORILLA // BUCK NY

24 PAUL BABB 59 EMANUELE COLOMBO

// MAXON // ANTIMATTER

26 CHRIS BAHRY 62 ARIEL COSTA

// TENDRIL // BLINK MY BRAIN

30 HENRIQUE BARONE 64 LILIAN DARMONO

// GIANT ANT // FREELANCE

33 ED BARRETT 66 FRASER DAVIDSON

// ANIMADE // CUB STUDIO

36 LUCAS REDFERN BROOKING 69 ZAC DIXON

// BUCK // IV

39 CAITLIN CADIEUX 71 CHRIS DO

// THE ATLANTIC // BLIND

42 NICK CAMPBELL 74 JOE DONALDSON

// GREYSCALEGORILLA // HOLDFRAME + MOTIONOGRAPHER
77 MATTHEW ENCINA 112 NATHANIEL HOWE
// BLIND // NATHANIEL HOWE STUDIOS

80 JAKE FERGUSON 114 WILL JOHNSON

// OTOY // GENTLEMAN SCHOLAR

84 SIMON FIEDLER 117 MICHAEL JONES

// FREELANCE // MOGRAPH MENTOR

86 KARIN FONG 119 MATT JYLKA

// IMAGINARY FORCES // MT.MOGRAPH

88 ERICA GOROCHOW 122 TJ KEARNEY

// PEPRALLY // INSTRUMENT

91 JAY GRANDIN 125 JENNY KO

// GIANT ANT // BUCK

93 BEE GRANDINETTI 127 JOEY KORENMAN

// FREELANCE // SCHOOL OF MOTION

96 ROBYN HADDOW 129 DAVID KOSS

// FREELANCE // NEXUS MOTION

98 EJ HASSENFRATZ 132 ANDREW KRAMER

// EYEDESYN // VIDEO COPILOT

101 COLIN HESTERLY 135 HEEBOK LEE

// FREELANCE // GIANTSTEP

103 ERICA HILBERT 137 IRIA LOPEZ + DANIELA NEGRíN

// THE MILL // WEDNESDAY STUDIO

106 SIMON HOLMEDAL 139 ZACK LOVATT

// PANOPLY // FREELANCE

109 NOL HONIG 142 RAOUL MARKS

// THE DRAWING ROOM // ANTIBODY
145 RAFAEL MAYANI 182 AHARON RABINOWITZ
// GIANT ANT // RED GIANT

147 EMILIA METZEL 185 BEN RADATZ

// ALPEN ANIMATION // MK12

150 MATT MILSTEAD 187 RENZO REYES

// NEXUS MOTION // FREELANCE

152 SARAH BETH MORGAN 190 JEREMY SAHLMAN

// FREELANCE // BLACK MATH

155 BRETT MORRIS 192 CLAUDIO SALAS

// RANGER & FOX // FREELANCE

158 MITCH MYERS 194 ERIN SAROFSKY

// FREELANCE // SAROFSKY CORP

161 RACHEL NABORS 198 SEKANI SOLOMON

// MICROSOFT + BOOKING // FREELANCE

164 RICH NOSWORTHY 201 DAVID STANFIELD

// FREELANCE // IGOR + VALENTINE

167 RACHEL OFTEDAHL 204 ERAN STERN

// FREELANCE // STERNFX

170 MICHELLE OUELLETTE 206 RYAN SUMMERS

// YEAH HAUS // DIGITAL KITCHEN

173 REECE PARKER 209 EMILY SUVANVEJ

// FREELANCE // FREELANCE

176 TAYLOR JON PETERS 211 ASH THORP

// GIANT ANT // ALT-C

179 ADAM PLOUFF 213 NORA TWOMEY

// BATTLE AXE // CARTOON SALOON
216 JOSH VAN PRAAG 236 YUKI YAMADA
// FREELANCE // FREELANCE

219 MACAELA VANDERMOST 238 RACHEL YONDA

// NEWFANGLED STUDIOS // THE LATE LATE SHOW

221 ANDREW VUCKO APPENDIX // RECOMMENDATIONS

// VUCKO
244 BOOKS
224 CALEB WARD
// SCHOOL OF MOTION 246 AUTHORS

227 MORGAN WILLIAMS 247 FILMS

// RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN
248 DIRECTORS
229 MIKE WINKELMANN
250 ARTISTS + STUDIOS
// BEEPLE

253 PROJECTS
232 ADRIAN WINTER
// NICE SHOES
256 TOOLS

viii
HAYLEY AKINS // MOTION HATCH
motionhatch.com

Hayley is a freelance motion designer and Animator living in the UK. She’s also the founder of Motion
Hatch, an incredible online community and resource that aims to help motion designers develop
better business skills.

Favorite Project: The Leisure Society’s ‘Fight for Peril’ Music Video by Persistent Peril

Favorite Artist or Studio: Irene Feleo

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What advice do you wish you had known website that says something about you. What
when you rst started motion design makes you different? What makes you stand out?
Why do you do your work and who is it for? I
When I started out as a motion designer I
don’t believe it’s enough to just have good
thought I wanted to be an art director at a cool
technical skills. People want to work with people.
animation studio. It seemed like the right way to
go at the time. I didn’t realize that, in fact, in this What’s the most useful tool, product, or
industry there are many career options. We don’t service you use that’s not obvious to motion
all need to tread the same path. With more designers
people “going freelance” we need to think about
The most useful product I use is a Goal Digger
what businesses we want to create, how we run
Planner (not to be confused with gold digger). I
them, who we want to work with, and try to be in
bought it from a company in Australia called
the position to choose clients that share our
MiGOALS. It’s basically a yearly planner that
values and interests.
helps you set long term and short term goals,
What is a common mistake that new motion keep track of your tasks, it even has a monthly
designers make budget planner in the back. It’s great to have
everything in one place and actually write things
I think not having a good website with clear
down. It gives me direction and motivates me to
offerings on what they do. A lot of the time I get
achieve goals I set for myself all year round.
sent Vimeo links when trying to nd freelancers
to work or collaborate with. I want to see a

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 In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be opportunities. I know that I won’t always
different about the industry succeed, but I will try my best and that’s what
really matters.
I think there will be more motion designers
working remotely. As software and hardware Are there any books or lms that have
becomes cheaper and online tools such as in uenced your career or mindset
Slack, Zoom, and Skype get better, sitting in an
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.
of ce won’t be as necessary. The impact it could
have on people’s lives and their families is huge. It has helped me focus on the things that are the
Less time commuting can give more time for most important. It basically asks you to consider
family, exercise, or other activities which leads to one question in all area's of your life "What's the
happy motion designers and better work. ONE thing you can do such that by doing it
everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" I
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
highly recommend it to help you focus and be
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
more productive.
say
What’s the difference between a good motion
“All you can do is try your best.”
design project and a great one
When I was younger my father always said this
A good story. It doesn’t matter how good the
to me. I believe it has allowed me to push myself
design or animation is, if the key elements of a
through some hard times and into new

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good story aren’t there then it usually doesn’t Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
make for a very good animation. artist or studio to follow?

Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of Irene Feleo, she is an Australian illustrator and
motion design from the last 10 years animation director currently based in Brooklyn
New York. I love her style and the colors she
I want to say Good Books Metamorphosis
uses are amazing! She’s also a really nice
(p. 125) by Buck, but I feel like that most people
person. Irene was one of the rst guests I had on
will know that one already, so I’ll say I really like
my podcast and we recently met in New York.
the music video that Persistent Peril made for
The Leisure Society. They are an awesome
animation studio based in Brighton. They always
make fun stuff with really nice characters.

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LAURA ALEJO // FREELANCE

lauraalejo.com

Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, Laura has made a name as a top designer and illustrator in the
industry. She’s worked with the best, and is a very in-demand talent. Laura has also written for
Motionographer.

Favorite Projects: My Mother's Coat by Margaux Tsakiri-Scanatovits

Please Say Something by David O’Reilly.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Saiman Chow

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 What advice do you wish you had known basic composition and universal storytelling
when you rst started motion design tricks.

Push the message as far as the beauty. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make This is a very personal answer to me. I don't love
where the industry is going. I hope we come
Most new artists start a project with no
back to the creative path instead of a highly
production structure and schedule. Many artists
ef cient and technically savvy one. I hope
start a project without paying attention to the
creative projects will not be standard eye candy,
limitations: time, budget, and production
but good stories.
capabilities.
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
say
designers
“Patience - Pick an audio book and enrich
Books about traditional animation, lmmaking
yourself in something that is not animation.”
and picture structure (initially intended for picture
books). They are not about technical knowledge,
but about training the eye and understanding

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

More books than lms. Books are able to open An extra week.
my mind in a different way. They let me dream
and imagine deeper. A classic: The Incal by
Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius.
A new nd: Arsène Schrauwen by Olivier
Schrauwen. I love any magical realism novel.

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LLOYD ALVAREZ // AESCRIPTS + AEPLUGINS

aescripts.com

Lloyd is an industry legend who has worked for top studios like The Mill and Digital Kitchen. He left
client work behind to help artists work more ef ciently through the tools he makes available at
aescripts + aeplugins. He can also make a mean cup of coffee.

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design? or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Trust your gut. Do what you believe in, not what
you think others want. "You can nd out how to do something and then
do it or do something and then nd out what you
What is a common mistake that new motion
did" - Isamu Noguchi
designers make
Are there any books or lms that have
Not putting themselves in their work. There is an
in uenced your career or mindset
obsession in the industry right now to make
things that look ‘trendy’. Yes, all of them!

What’s the most useful tool, product, or What’s the difference between a good motion
service you use that’s not obvious to motion design project and a great one?
designers?
Passion.
TextExpander

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

I try not to think about the future too much.

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DAVID ARIEW // ARIEVVISUALS

arievvisuals.com

David’s nickname is “Octane Jesus.” That’s probably all you need to know. Well, that, and the fact that
it’s pronounced AIR-ee-ev. That “w” is confusing. David is an incredible 3D artist and tutorial creator
whose reel will ll you with envy.

Favorite Project: Semi-Permanent 2015 Opening Titles by Raoul Marks (p.142)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Josef Bsharah's Environmental Renders

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 What advice do you wish you had known awesome. Just a few years ago, it was very
when you rst started motion design dif cult to get good at lighting because of the
lack of feedback while using CPU-based render
This is a hard question because I'm pretty happy
engines, but with GPU renderers, placing lights
with the course of my career and there haven't
can be a really fun and experimental process.
been too many disasters yet, but I think if I could
On most of my projects, I'd say a good 50% of
think of anything i would simply reaf rm myself in
the work is just tweaking lights and camera
the path that I took. So to new motion designers I
controls to achieve a certain mood I'm after. The
say go really broad and explore all aspects of
same goes with camera movement, which is
lmmaking. Shooting, editing, color grading,
easy to undervalue, but it’s something beginners
VFX, and motion design were all important
could pick up very quickly. Good camera
skillsets for me to learn in the early days. After
movement is often just an exercise in restraint, vs
that, hone in and specialize in 3D if you want to
an elaborate y-through. When you combine
go that route. Being a generalist is a great thing
excellent lighting and camera work you can
to do in the beginning.
create something cinematic and beautiful.
What is a common mistake that new motion Lighting and camera work are two of the key
designers make components behind successful lms - it's no
different when you're making those lms in the
In 3D motion design at least, I've seen bad computer.
lighting kill pieces that could've looked

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 What’s the most useful tool, product, or game design and 3D motion design will blur as
service you use that’s not obvious to motion various software packages become more
designers compatible and GPU tech gets even more
advanced. The same goes with VR, which seems
I've recently been using the free app PureRef
like it'll become a more intuitive space to design
more heavily and it's awesome. It's a simple
in. We already have apps like Oculus Medium
program designed to store a bunch of images at
and Gravity Sketch, and they allow us to interact
their native resolution, and you can easily drag
with our 3D creations as if they were physical
images in and assemble a mood board or just
objects, rather than through the barrier of a 2D
store references to keep the aesthetic you're
display.
aiming for at your ngertips. You can even set it
to sit behind all your other apps so it's more like If you could put a quote on the After Effects
a desktop background, or set it to transparent or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
and unclickable so you can use it like a HUD say
while working in another app
“You're about to play the hardest, most
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be rewarding video game ever, and it will actually
different about the industry make you money if you level up enough.”

I'm pretty sure we'll achieve full realtime

rendering by then, and the lines between 3D

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 Are there any books or lms that have else we've seen, then we can pick away at it until
in uenced your career or mindset it's amazing. That's not to say that pretty imagery
and motion is enough, because the story is the
I'm far more in uenced by short lms, whether it
foundation that provides meaning, but our taste
be all of Freddie Wong's YouTube shorts or the
can be used to re ne that story too.
amazing content from Corridor Digital's channel.
I love full CG shorts released by solo artists that I Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
follow on Vimeo like Sekani Solomon or Sava motion design from the last 10 years
Zivkovic. Films can be very inspiring, but
I'm still a sucker for Raoul Marks' 2015 Semi-
blockbuster quality is out of reach for freelancers
Permanent piece (p. 142). There are a bunch of
like myself, so I get more excited when I see
others that come close for me, but I think what
something amazing that one person rendered, or
sets it apart is not only the dramatic lighting and
an awe-inspiring short from a small team,
cinematic camera movement, but the intended
because it feels possible.
metaphor of stepping out into the void during the
What’s the difference between a good motion creative process, then eventually nding
design project and a great one balance.That theme really resonated with me. I
love vast, epic, moody art, and he designed the
Taste. An artist's eye is the one thing that will
music too, which enhances the atmosphere so
separate their work from the pack, and create
well. What a jerk.
that goalpost they're always striving towards. If
we can articulate why the imagery or motion isn't
at the same sophisticated level as something

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CHAD ASHLEY // GREYSCALEGORILLA

greyscalegorilla.com

Chad is the creative director at Greyscalegorilla. He’s a walking encyclopedia of 3D knowledge, and
cut his teeth as a creative director at Digital Kitchen. His eye for great design and his technical
prowess make him a force to be reckoned with.

Favorite Project: Nine Inch Nail’s ‘Only’ Music Video by David Fincher
The Third and the Seventh by Alex Roman

Favorite Artist or Studio: Buck (p. 36, 57, 125) and Man vs Machine

22

What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
I wish someone had told me it's ok to fail. From
failing comes learning and growth. I also wish Slack + Discord. Answers to any question at
someone could have convinced me to take more anytime is a POWERFUL tool.
chances in my career and trust my own talent
"Cuz if you don't know, you better ask
and drive. Also, I wish someone had taught me
somebody." - Joe Gunn
the business side of the industry like taxes,
bidding, and managing money. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make The world will thirst for content. We'll see a
continuation of the trends that have been
Focusing on trend over craft. It’s very common to
developing over the last few years. More internal
see new motion designers get trapped in the
motion design departments at both agencies
social media bubble instead of seeking
and corporations will pop-up as their need to
meaningful mentorships and creative criticism.
produce original content grows in a world not
Most newbies do not have a fundamental
ruled by media buys. Smaller motion design
understanding the business side of content
shops and individual artists will become more
creation.
prevalent as the cost of entry lowers.

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 Virtualization may also become a reality. Renting What’s the difference between a good motion
your workstation instead of building it. design project and a great one?

If you could put a quote on the After Effects Empathy. Your ability to put yourself in the
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it viewers shoes and make them feel something.
say? Whatever the goal of the piece is, nd the
emotion that is needed to achieve that goal of
“Relax, it's just motion design.
the brief and go after it. Also, people love to be
Do more volunteer work.”
pleasantly surprised. Put more winks in your
Are there any books or lms that have work.
in uenced your career or mindset?
Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
I don't read much but I LOVE movies. My overall artist or studio to follow
distrusting mindset was in uenced by being an
Buck consistently tells good stories with clever,
outcast (skateboarding and punk-rock). My
tasteful motion design. Man vs Machine never
aesthetic was informed by John Hughes, Ridley
fails to make my eyes bleed. There are a ton of
Scott, John Carpenter, Stanley Kubrick, Steven
artists out there also blowing my mind. Too many
Spielberg, minimalism, the many artists I've met,
to mention really.
and general 80's pop-culture.

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PAUL BABB // MAXON COMPUTER, INC
maxon.net

Paul is the Chief Marketing Of cer for Maxon, and well known as the face of Cinema 4D. He is the
marketing genius behind Cinema 4D’s ascendence in the industry and is also one of the nicest human
beings you will ever meet.

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 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

You always learn more when you are working on Augmented reality as a delivery medium for
a project. The advice we always give a new artist motion artists.
is give yourself a project and a deadline, then
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
actually do it.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
What is a common mistake that new motion say
designers make
Great work does not come from just talent,
Most new motion designers don’t put enough knowledge, and skill; It requires perseverance.
effort into self promotion. A good reel, web site,
Are there any books or lms that have
and up-to-date online pro les is key.
in uenced your career or mindset
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers? What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
The Internet.
It takes perseverance and innovative thinking.

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CHRIS BAHRY // TENDRIL

tendril.ca

Chris is a co-founder of the Toronto-based studio Tendril, one of the best motion design studios in the
world. Over the course of his creative career Chris has actively sought out beauty and meaning in the
places where the visual arts and sciences converge.

Favorite Project: The Third & The Seventh by Alex Roman

Favorite Artist or Studio: Zeitguised & Foam

27
What advice do you wish you had known deeply personal vision and point of view.
when you rst started motion design Meaningful work takes time and exposure to a
wide range of in uences and experiences.
Seek out and surround yourself with people who
are smarter and more talented than you. Then Truly authentic work stands out instantly.
learn everything you need from them. Many of
The client is not your enemy. If the t is right, you
the best people out there are very willing to
are working in collaboration to create something
share. A passion for learning is key.
that beautifully ful lls its intended purpose. All
Ignore the people that discourage you or tell you this happens while feeding your family, craft, and
what you can't do. passion for creativity.

Master the fundamentals of your craft so the What’s the most useful tool, product, or
tools get out of your way and your ideas ow service you use that’s not obvious to motion
unobstructed from your brain. designers

What is a common mistake that new motion Quarter-inch black foam-core and push-pins.
designers make
In the early stages of a project, I pin-up every
It's tempting to take a popular artistic shortcut in design and sketch and keep it near my
a bid for instant attention or validation. It’s far workspace, updating it over the course of the
more rewarding to take the slow road toward a project. This physical presence of the work helps

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 immerse me in the project. It’s also a great way If you could put a quote on the After Effects
to share work and get feedback from peers. or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
The soundtrack that you listen to is also super
important for motion design projects. On certain Begin Anywhere.
gigs, there's nothing quite like a shared or
Are there any books or lms that have
personal playlist to channel the right vibes and
in uenced your career or mindset
get into the perfect headspace.
So many. I'm blessed to have a mom who's a
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
professor of lm and literature. As a kid I'd walk
different about the industry
over to the bookshelf at home and pick up Fritz
I believe many tools and techniques will become Lang, Da Palma, and David Lynch. As a
more automated or exponentially simpler and teenager I became obsessed with sci- and
faster to use. This will place emphasis on ideas horror. Over the years I've learned to enjoy books
and expression over pure technical prowess. and lms that con dently take their time and
While many of the day-to-day aspects of motion slowly allow their worlds to unfold.
design and 3D will be commodi ed and lose
their value, truly thoughtful, beautifully crafted
work will be more highly sought-after than ever.

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What’s the difference between a good motion that trend in titles continues to this day. More
design project and a great one recently Joseph Bennett's Scavengers really
impressed me.
You must not be married to the wrong ideas. It's
important to be willing to let things fall to the Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
cutting room oor when they just don't quite t artist or studio to follow
(even if they’re awesome). Listen to the people
Another tough one! I've been loving the
and institutions you can trust.
whimsical, experimental vibes of Zeitguised and
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of Foam. Neil Kellerhouse and Olafur Eliason are
motion design from the last 10 years also a big inspiration. I also nd the ne-art world
to be endlessly inspiring.
This is a tough question! Alex Roman's The Third
& The Seventh is a real masterpiece. I really had
a soft spot for The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo
tiles. When released, they were astonishing and

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HENRIQUE BARONE
henriquebarone.com

Henrique is an animator, director, and lmmaker originally from Brazil, based in Vancouver, Canada.
He has worked with the amazing people at the legendary motion design studio, Giant Ant. He is a
master of the traditional, frame by frame animation style. He’s also a teacher who teaches classes and
gives workshops on animation.

Favorite Project: Love & Theft by Andreas Hykade

Favorite Artist or Studio: Moth and Animade (p.33)

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
I actually like that I didn't know much about the
motion graphics industry when I started. To feel To have a hobby that is not visual or art related.
kinda blind is sometimes good. I guess my
I really believe that our brain needs time to rest
advice would be to try to not be super on top of
and process, on a subconscious level,
things. Have a little more passion and a little less
everything we experience in our busy days.
"which software".
Sometimes the best way to think about
What is a common mistake that new motion something is to not think about that thing. You
designers make need to sail away from the island to be able to
see the whole island. It's the “having-an-idea-
I see a lot of new motion designers follow the
while-showering” effect.
trends too much and not hear their inner voices.
Going to lm festivals and watching stuff that is In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
not trendy on the big screen can go a really long different about the industry
way as you grow your artistic skills.
I think the industry will be more freelance based,
with people working remotely. Story and "a taste"
will be even more important as everybody will
learn how to use software much faster.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
The more I work, the more I believe that the initial
Hakuna Matata stages of a project are the most important of all.
The more you polish your concept, the better
Are there any books or lms that have
your storyboard and art direction will be. The
in uenced your career or mindset
more time and thinking you put into your boards,
Not a book or lm but, the Anima Mundi the better the animation will be. Spending more
Animation Festival in Brazil. It was the reason I time at the beginning of a project can really
decided to go into animation. make it go from good to great.

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ED BARRETT // ANIMADE
animade.tv

Ed is a creative director at the legendary Animade studio in London. He’s an incredibly talented
animator and a driving force behind the quirky, amazing work that comes from Animade. The shop
manages to create both amazing client work and a steady stream of studio projects.

34
What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Directing your own work isn’t the most important
thing. Working for different people and A mirror. I’ve seen so many people jump straight
companies freelancing is a great way to pick up into a character sequence with a rig and without
new skills and be known in the industry. any observation for action they’re trying to
achieve. More often then not the motion and
What is a common mistake that new motion
emotion falls at. Taking a moment to observe a
designers make
particular action in the mirror is the quickest way
I see new motion designers relying too heavily on to get good reference.
scripts and plugins that offer shortcuts for simple
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
animation principles without actually
different about the industry
understanding the reasoning or theory behind
them. It sounds like an “old man” thing to say, Possibly see more crossover into interactive
but it really is worth learning from the ground up - work, game design, and augmented reality.
strip away the crutches and really get to know Animators are becoming more familiar with
the nuts and bolts of how good stories are told.

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 coding and I only see this becoming more Are there any books or lms that have
prevalent. in uenced your career or mindset

If you could put a quote on the After Effects The Flying Man by George Dunning
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
What’s the difference between a good motion
say
design project and a great one
“Everything is going to be ok.”
Time to plan.

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LUCAS REDFERN BROOKING // BUCK

lucasbrooking.co.nz

Currently an art director at Buck’s Sydney, Australia of ce. Lucas is a scary-talented designer,
illustrator, and animator. He also spent some time at Giant Ant, and used to be in a very, very heavy
metal band.

Favorite Project: Good Books Metamorphosis by Buck (p.125)

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
People in the motion design industry are very
nice! Don't be afraid to reach out and ask A notebook, digital or otherwise. Just take notes.
questions. You might meet someone that will Every morning I write down the date, what I'm
change your life. working on, and any important things I can't
afford to forget.
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset
It's tough, but try to detach your ego from your
work. Remember a critique on your work is not a The 50th Law by Robert Greene. This was the
critique on you. Lots of good things happen book that broke me out of a long period of
when you realize this; It becomes easier to take complacency and laziness and kickstarted my
risks, you begin welcoming feedback instead of career. It was exactly what i needed to read at
shying away from it, and your work becomes that time in my life. Linchpin by Seth Godin is
better. one of the most important books I've ever read.

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In fact, I'll listen to the audiobook version once a What’s the difference between a good motion
year. design project and a great one

Lastly, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Never Versatility. The more you can do, the more useful
meant to be published, these writings of a roman you are. Be useful.
emperor are almost 2000 years old and just as
relevant as ever.

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CAITLIN CADIEUX
caitcadieux.com

Caitlin is a designer, illustrator, and animator currently based in Troy, New York. She animates full-time
for Discord, and has worked at The Atlantic, previously. She has been an admin on the Motion
Graphics Slack and a former moderator for the weekly #mochat Twitter chat.

Favorite Project: Spectacle of the Real by Buck (p. 36, 57)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Animade (p. 33)

40

 What advice do you wish you had known design — that will be of critical importance as
when you rst started motion design you develop in your career.

The variety of work in motion design is huge. It's What’s the most useful tool, product, or
tempting to try and do it all, but having a service you use that’s not obvious to motion
specialty or two would have been really designers
bene cial. I'm still not sure I know where I want
Sketchbooks! Drawing is underrated in motion
to focus my energies ultimately, but knowing my
design. I always do a thumbnail pass of my
interests and style would have helped break
storyboards before I nalize them. This helps get
through some of that noise.
my messy ideas out on paper so I can re ne
What is a common mistake that new motion them for the nal boards. As a one-woman
designers make operation on my projects, this has helped speed
up my work ow tremendously, giving me more
I see new motion designers gravitating towards
time to work on the design and animation.
tools and plugins rst, instead of the craft.
However, I'm not sure this is a mistake so much In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
as a normal beginner's phase. We learn by different about the industry
imitation and experimentation! Just remember
Motion design has always had its ngers in a
that even if you start by playing around with
million different pies, and I think some of the
scripts and tools rst, there's an underlying
gaps between these elds will continue to widen.
foundation – animation principles, color theory,

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 UI and AR/VR work is going to become more Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
common, and I wouldn't be surprised if motion motion design from the last 10 years?
design splintered into even more buckets within
Buck’s Spectacle of the Real (p. 36, 57) piece
those elds. It'll be fun to see the new
continually blows me away. The level of craft is
opportunities that opens up and how motion
absolutely unreal, the combination of cel and 3d
design education will adapt to accommodate
animation is awlessly executed, and the
that!
imagery is wild and gorgeous. It's a phenomenal
What’s the difference between a good motion achievement.
design project and a great one
Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
Re nement is critical. It's so easy to get attached artist or studio to follow?
to your rst pass, but re ning multiple times is
So hard to pick just one! Animade has become a
where you really start to hit gold.
particular favorite of mine over the past few
Also, striving to perfect your craft is huge. Those years. Their character work is really unparalleled,
little details, the ones that make you want to and the personal projects they post are, without
watch a video over and over to catch them all, exception, a total delight.
those go a long way toward elevating a piece.

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NICK CAMPBELL // GREYSCALEGORILLA

greyscalegorilla.com

Nick Campbell’s candid teaching style helped turn Greyscalegorilla into one of the top resources for
the motion design in the world. Nick and his collaborators have collectively created hundreds of
online tutorials, MoGraph tools, and industry leading training.

Favorite Project: Sweater Porn by MK12 (p. 185)

Crazy Enough by JRCanest (p. 45)
Anything from Man Vs. Machine.

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What advice do you wish you had known long-term career. Other skills to learn include...
when you rst started motion design
- How to hit a deadline.
I wish I learned more about design and
- How to talk with clients.
composition earlier in my career.
- How to work with a team.
I knew every button in After Effects when I - How to price your work.
graduated, but my work looked nothing like what - How to sell yourself.
I saw on TV. It's when I learned more about - How to sell your services.
design, compositing, and lmmaking when my - How to build relationships.
work really started to look more like I wanted it. - How to promote yourself and your work.
- How to deal with burn out.
New software comes out every day. Design skills
will stay with you for the rest of your career. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make It's almost impossible to predict what will happen
in any industry. Especially one that moves as fast
Too many students only focus on becoming a as Motion Design. But, there is one thing you can
great motion designer and forget to learn the do to prepare for a constantly changing career.
other skills that will help them build a successful

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 Learn how to learn. Always be a student, no - Rework by Jason Fried

matter where you are in your career. Build these - Mastery by Robert Greene
muscles and you will never get left behind no
What’s the difference between a good motion
matter where the industry ends up in 5 years.
design project and a great one
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
Motion blur and a Curves Adjustment Layer.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
(Sarcasm...)
say

“Save Often. Backup Often. Save 10% of

everything you earn. Call your friends. Call your
Mom. Work hard. Have fun.”

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

- Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

- It's Not How Good You Are It's How Good You
Want To Be by Paul Arden
- The One Thing by Gary Keller

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JORGE CANEDO E. // ORDINARY FOLK

ordinaryfolk.co

Also know as JR Canest, Jorge is a wicked talented guy who’s been working in Motion Design since
2009. His experiences have led him to work with amazing studios including Buck and Giant Ant, prior
to founding his own studio, Ordinary Folk. JR curates the uber-popular Vimeo channel Wine After
Coffee. He’s also a teacher at Learned Squared.

Favorite Project: Adam Gault's 2007 Demo Reel

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Don't ever forget what got you into motion
design. Whatever that was - you’ll have to keep Google Spreadsheets - There’s no better way to
coming back to it when you're not sure about keep track of projects, expenses, and all that
your work and it’ll help you regain focus. good stuff.

What is a common mistake that new motion In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make different about the industry

New motion designers can either neglect the Only the studios that focus on quality will survive
'graphic design' part of motion design or the the many changes that will come.
'motion' part of motion design. It's a complex
What’s the difference between a good motion
eld and often I see awesome animators that are
design project and a great one
terrible at design or terrible designers that can't
animate. One needs to understand both, and Attention to detail and not being afraid of
even though there will be the incredibly talented throwing something away is key - even if it took a
one that will do both awesomely, a lot of the long time to make - in order to make way for
times people need to recognize their limitations something better.
and team up with the right people to make
something awesome.

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ED CHEETHAM // THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTION

DESIGN - RINGLING COLLEGE
OF ART AND DESIGN
ringling.edu/motion-design

Ed is the Department Head of the Motion Design major at Ringling College of Art and Design in
Sarasota, Florida. In a past life, Ed was the director of animation and graphics at CMT in Nashville. He
returned to teaching in 2009 and gives everything to his students.

Favorite Project: The Early 90’s BBC 2 Station Idents

Favorite Artist or Studio: They are all my favorites.

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 What advice do you wish you had known themselves enough time to re ne their work,
when you rst started motion design experiment, and play with the subtleties of
movement, timing, composition, lighting, etc.
Motion design looked very different when I rst
started making animations in 1983. The eld was I share with my students, what I call, “The
less organized and more protective of industry Cheetham Principle”. This ‘principle’ states
secrets and techniques. It was not the open and simply that productivity is not linear. One must
sharing community we experience today. Back start the project as soon as it is given to them,
then, I’d like to have been told not to compare and push themselves to complete the job in half
myself to others. I would have told myself to work the allotted time, leaving the remainder of time
hard and focus on improving. Realize that for re nement and nuance. Without the time
everyone else is learning as well. Embrace the spent on detail, their work will never signi cantly
‘Not Knowing’; it means that there will always be improve.
opportunity to grow and learn.
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
What is a common mistake that new motion service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers make designers

A common mistake I see in new motion The ability to get off the computer and sketch
designers is a lack of understanding for the your ideas on paper is a powerful tool. Beginning
importance of details. An animation becomes your design on the computer can lead you down
truly successful when motion designers give the path of pre-determined options. Sketching

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 helps the designer break from computer guided If you could put a quote on the After Effects
solutions. Originality comes when we free or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
ourselves from the in uence of the computer and say
use the world around us for inspiration.
Another opportunity to make an award-winning
Ok, now if you really wanted a software related animation and change the world!
tool that is overlooked, it is de nitely Levels.
Are there any books or lms that have
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be in uenced your career or mindset
different about the industry
The WorldBook Encyclopedia has been my
My prediction is more an observation of current greatest creative in uence. In my youth, they
trends; everything that can, will become a provided many years of intellectual exploration.
‘screen’. Anywhere there is an opportunity to put They stimulated my curiosity to learn about the
a moving image; there will be one. Augmented things I found interesting, and more importantly,
reality will allow for an explosion of motion design the things I didn’t know I would nd interesting. I
content. Motion designers must know how to use encourage all new motion designers to open
interactivity to engage, entertain, and inform. The themselves to explore new subjects, because
one thing that remains the same is the demand every seemingly irrelevant topic or experience
for designers with a solid design foundation, informs and stimulates your creative imagination.
which is the basis for all good visual
communication.

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What’s the difference between a good motion However, I nd one of the most inspiring
design project and a great one examples of motion design is from the early ‘90s;
the BBC 2 Station Idents. These station identities
A project goes from good to great when all the
still hold up beautifully even in this age of
features of the project work in concert. If the
unlimited computer animated possibilities. These
viewer notices the individual aspects of an
IDs were visually stunning in their simplicity and
animation such as the lighting or motion, they
originality, especially at that time. Most were shot
can distract from the desired emotional
practically, but there was always the element of
response. The message will get lost in the
surprise and delight watching the movement
technique. The key is to simplify. Remove
play across the screen. These IDs prove the
everything that may not be critical. Designers
point that you do not need the latest plug-in to
need to constantly ask themselves if design
create stunning and memorable work.
decisions enhance or detract from the ultimate
message. Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
artist or studio to follow?
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
motion design from the last 10 years? It’s impossible to say. Having so many graduates
working in the eld and producing amazing
There are so many amazing motion design
work, I am so proud of all of them… they are all
pieces from the last 10 years, I nd it dif cult to
my favorites.
choose one.

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TIM CLAPHAM // LUXX
luxx.tv

Tim is the creative director at Luxx, an award winning, artistic and design collective who passionately
embrace technology to create innovative and engaging content. He’s also a legend in the industry for
the incredible training he’s produced throughout the years.

Favorite Project: The FITC Tokyo 2015 Titles by Ash Thorp (p. 211)

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Good design is timeless, regardless of
technology. Your eyes. There is so much beauty in our
everyday lives that can pass by without truly
What is a common mistake that new motion
seeing it - a crack in the pavement, light through
designers make
a leaf, dust on a surface. Look at the world with
New designers can at times be too precious wide open eyes and you’ll see something
about their work. Inexperienced designers beautiful.
sometimes create design that, although
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
executed well, may not be on brief. If the art
different about the industry
director or agency ask to change it, trust in their
wealth of knowledge and years of experience Mixed reality will evolve to be commonplace; not
and just change it. They know their audience. only on smart devices, but on the high street and
integrated into our everyday lives. The industry

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 will also evolve to become much more What’s the difference between a good motion
immersive. design project and a great one

If you could put a quote on the After Effects You can get 90% of the way in 10% of the time,
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it it's that last 10% that takes every last piece you
say can give - your commitment, your attention to
detail, painstakingly checking every single frame
Draw more.
for improvement. Find each and every mistake,
Are there any books or lms that have x them, improve them, then nd some more.
in uenced your career or mindset When the deadline arrives, always deliver on
time.
• Ways of Seeing by John Berger
• The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
Johnston motion design from the last 10 years?
• Mothlight by Stan Brakhage,
FITC Tokyo 2015 Titles (p. 211) jumped into my
• Něco z Alenky by Jan Švankmajer
head, but there are so many great pieces it
seems unfair to single one out.

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JOE CLAY // WORKBENCH

workbench.tv

Joe is a Tampa, FL based motion designer and one half of Workbench.tv, a tutorial site that aims to
give artist practical work ow tips to help them work smarter and faster. Joe and his partner Severo
have quickly made a name as great educators in the world of motion design.

Favorite Project: The FITC Tokyo 2015 titles by Ash Thorp (p. 211)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Toros Köse

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 What advice do you wish you had known don't take the time to learn from the tutorial and
when you rst started motion design see how to apply what they learned in new,
unique ways.
Never be afraid to throw out a big number when
you're asked to bid on something. If you're being In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
asked for a number, someone wants to work with different about the industry
you. Don't be dishonest, but cover your costs,
I think the shift is already happening. Smaller,
the time it takes you to manage the project, and
more nimble teams can do the work that used to
some pro t.
take entire studios.
Only a few times in my entire career have I been
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
told the number was too high and most of those
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
times we were able to work out an alternative
say
that worked for us both.
Experiment. Fail. Repeat.
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make I also like: Hide your crimes.
New motion designers tend to copy tutorials and (Editor’s Note: Joe’s quote inspired the title of this
repetitive dailies. It doesn't seem like their desire book.)
is to learn how something is done, but just to
gure out a speci c effect and move on. They

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

This is a really tough question. I can't pinpoint Subtlety and detail. So many animations just
anything speci c. I've been in uenced by so need one little piece of extra movement or detail
many things—books, lms, and especially to make them sing.
music. I nd meaning in so many small things
and they all become a part of me. I try to know
as many things as I can, so I guess it's kind of
innate.

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CHAD COLBY // BUCK NY

chadcolby.me

Currently an animation director at Buck, Chad is an incredibly talented character animator who has
worked on commercial projects and feature lms. He also spent time at Blue Sky working on “The
Peanuts” movie. He’s a pose-to-pose master.

Favorite Project: Anything Saiman Chow did for Adult Swim

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
When starting out, create interesting work that is
true to yourself. Don’t make work just because “After Effects...We’re back, with another
you think will get you a job. You don’t want to unwanted update!”
abandon your interests just to show that you
Are there any books or lms that have
know a plug-in!
in uenced your career or mindset
What is a common mistake that new motion
All Chuck Jones Cartoons
designers make
What’s the difference between a good motion
In a studio setting I see a lot of new motion
design project and a great one
designers refuse to ask for help when they need
it. It’s also critical to staying organized and I love it when everyone working on a project has
version up! their own little section they are responsible for,
the creative director is making sure everyone is
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
staying in the guard rails for the client, and then
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
you get to go to town and animate the shit out of
designers
it!
I live and die with animBot for Maya.

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EMANUELE COLOMBO // ANTIMATTER

emanuelecolombo.it // antimatter.tv

Emanuele is currently the animation supervisor at Antimatter, the studio he founded. Based in Milan,
Italy, the studio’s mission is to explain ideas, provoke emotions, rise interest, and engage the public.
They also make incredible work.

Favorite Project: The 2017 AMP Awards by Buck (p. 36, 57, 125)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Joel Plosz, Allen Laseter, & Gunner

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What advice do you wish you had known I see a lot of young designers posting as much
when you rst started motion design as they can on Instagram, or on social medias in
general.
Try to do as many different things as possible,
then focus on what you can do best. It's a good thing to be very active, but I think it's
better to post something only when you feel you
It took me quite a bit to understand what my
are actually adding something relevant and
points of strength were, so I feel like I wasted
original to the conversation. It doesn't
some time forcing myself to learn things like 3D
necessarily has to be something mind blowing,
or cel animation, that are de nitely not my thing.
good ideas almost always get noticed on the
What is a common mistake that new motion Internet.
designers make
There’s so much incredible work constantly
Copying someone else’s work is part of the posted on social media now, you can't rely on
learning process, we all did it. But what you "just ok" stuff to get noticed.
create following Youtube tutorials should remain
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
in your computer, otherwise you'll look like
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
someone that blatantly copies other designers
designers
work. Take some time to process what you
learned, and use it to create something new. Asana helps me keep lists and tasks that I want
to complete every day and every week. It helps

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 me to not forget anything and it’s my roadmap to If you could put a quote on the After Effects
accomplish my tasks and objectives. or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
I also warmly recommend any kind of distraction-
free writing app. I use them a lot when I have to “There's life outside this software.” or “Keep your
write long emails and to stay focused on what I standards high.”
am doing
Are there any books or lms that have
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be in uenced your career or mindset
different about the industry
Not one in particular, I just try to identify good
There are tens of thousands of tutorials out there. examples of humor or storytelling and try to use
It has never been easier to learn After Effects them as inspiration for my videos
and enter the industry. This means there's a
What’s the difference between a good motion
horde of young talented designers ready to enter
design project and a great one
the market and competition will grow
exponentially. Details always make the difference, especially on
personal projects. Take all the time you need to
I think it's getting more and more important to
re ne each single keyframe until everything
have a style that make your work recognizable to
looks exactly as what it was in your mind.
stand out from the crowd.

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ARIEL COSTA // BLINK MY BRAIN

blinkmybrain.tv

Ariel is one of the most unique After Effects animators working today. He’s developed a signature style
that has been used to great effect for clients such as Led Zeppelin, Green Day, and Mastadon. He’s
an animation beast.

Favorite Project: Spectacle of Real (p. 36, 57) and Good Books Metamorphosis (p. 125) by Buck

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Don't rush! You'll be learning for the rest of your
life. Do it differentl , the unknown is fun!

What is a common mistake that new motion Are there any books or lms that have
designers make in uenced your career or mindset

I think seeing motion design only as a Book: The War of Art by Stephen Press eld.
playground and not a business. Film: Yellow Submarine and so many others!

What’s the most useful tool, product, or What’s the difference between a good motion
service you use that’s not obvious to motion design project and a great one
designers
Not mimicking. I know originality does not exist,
Dragon Frame, for stop motion work. Motion but try to do something different from the rest.
graphics is not just After Effects curves; it' a Explorations are fun and its the best way to nd
concept. your voice and be out there.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

Motion graphics will be more accessible, which

will make the prices to go lower.

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LILIAN DARMONO // FREELANCE
liliandarmono.com

Lilian Darmono is a creative/art director specializing in character-driven animation and illustrated

pieces. She’s dedicated to helping the creative community ourish through journalism, mentorship,
and public speaking engagements. In short: She’s a role-model for our industry.

Favorite Project: Something Left, Something Taken by Tiny Inventions

Favorite Artist or Studio: Tiny Inventions

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 What advice do you wish you had known motion design including augmented and virtual
when you rst started motion design reality.

Never give up drawing or painting life. It’s If you could put a quote on the After Effects
important to make art away from the computer or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make Don’t forget to stretch every 2 hours.

I think they don’t place enough emphasis on art Are there any books or lms that have
and design principles. They are way too in uenced your career or mindset
preoccupied with technology and software.
All the animal stories illustrated by the Italian
What’s the most useful tool, product, or artist Benvenuti, written by Anne Marie Dalmais.
service you use that’s not obvious to motion As well as fairy tales compiled and illustrated by
designers Hilda Boswell, an acclaimed English
watercolorist.
Pencil and rough paper. Sketch and draw ideas
constantly to speed up your brain-eye-hand What’s the difference between a good motion
coordination. This will make you a better design project and a great one
designer.
It takes compelling characters, good sound
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be design, and a lot of heart.
different about the industry

More of our work will be done remotely. There will

also be more avenues and outlets to showcase

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FRASER DAVIDSON // CUB STUDIO

cubstudio.com

Co-founder of the legendary Cub Studio, Frasier has won numerous awards for his animations and
has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. Some of the most widely seen pieces of work in
our industry have come from this bloke.

Favorite Project: The Love Sport series by Grant Orchard

Favorite Artist or Studio: Simon Tibbs

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 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Work begets work. Put the type of stuff you want I think a lot of brands will continue to bring
to do out there. Clients are risk adverse. If they motion in house, within their design teams. Its
know you can do it already, they are far more already happening in part due to the unreliability
likely to use you than someone untested. of the freelance market.

What is a common mistake that new motion If you could put a quote on the After Effects
designers make or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Everyone makes the same shit. Often poor
versions of much better work. It’s better to be Its better to beg forgiveness than ask
original. permission...

What’s the most useful tool, product, or Are there any books or lms that have
service you use that’s not obvious to motion in uenced your career or mindset
designers
Indie Game: The Movie - The lm showcases the
Particular. You can do a huge amount with it. incredible dedication of individual creative and
technical talents. They have a mind-bending
work ethic and self belief.

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What’s the difference between a good motion Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
design project and a great one artist or studio to follow?

Extra time - small ourishes and perfect timing. I have loads, but always check out Simon Tibbs.
He has great colors, timing, characters, and
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
atmosphere.
motion design from the last 10 years?

The Love Sport series by Grant Orchard. He’s a

master of creating brilliant characters with
minimal design.

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ZAC DIXON // IV
iv.studio

Zac is the co-founder of IV Studio, an incredible shop in Nashville, Tennessee that mixes old and new
techniques. he endlessly pursues new ways to tell transformational stories at the intersection of
technology and art. IV’s rst iOS game, Bouncy Smash, is insanely addictive.

Favorite Project: Tend by Animade (p. 33)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Tuna Bora

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What advice do you wish you had known More speci cally, I love having my Bose QC35's
when you rst started motion design on with no music.

Keep getting better every day, and learn to be In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
patient with yourself. It's easy to see where you, different about the industry
or your studio, want to be and get frustrated.
Unity and Unreal Engine will be used to render
Just keep swimming, you'll get there.
about half of all 3D projects in our industry.
What is a common mistake that new motion
What’s the difference between a good motion
designers make
design project and a great one
There's always a temptation to do too much.
I'm learning that for me, this all happens in pre-
Watch your scope creep (the tendency for
production. I’m often getting too quickly getting
projects to continuously grow in size) and try to
into the pixels and the keyframes, when the work
highlight what you do best.
that really pushes a project to the next level is in
What’s the most useful tool, product, or the planning.
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers

Noise cancelling headphones. These guys are

essential for thinking in an open of ce space.

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CHRIS DO // THE FUTUR

thefutur.com

Chris Do is an Emmy award winning director, designer, strategist, and educator. He’s the chief
strategist and CEO of Blind and the founder of The Futur, an online education platform that teaches
the business of design to creative thinkers.

Favorite Project: True Detective, Game of Thrones, & Westworld Titles (p. 142)
by Patrick Clair

Favorite Artist or Studio: Tang Yau Hoong

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
I wished I knew the rules of engagement when
talking to prospective clients. The conference I love using Trello to help with managing tasks
calls were intimidating early on. I didn’t know and dumping all the content in my mind. This
how to structure the conversation to learn more allows me to free up space to think about ideas
and empathize with the client while establishing versus tasks or notes.
expertise and earning trust.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
What is a common mistake that new motion different about the industry
designers make
Advertising as we know it will be dead. Branded
A lot of new motion designers try to do too much content, instructional videos, product launches,
and wind up not being very good at any one fake UI, and tech mock ups are what will be in
thing. Pick a lane. Be a designer or be an demand. Fewer independent motion rms will
animator. They are both very rewarding. Just pick exist. More 1-2 person operations will pop up.
one and get good. Master it. More people will go in-house for higher paying
jobs and security.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
It starts with having a great idea where you can
Tell a story. Technology is only a means to an elicit that “Aha’”moment in the mind of the
end. audience. Execute your idea with awless
attention to detail (composition, movement,
Are there any books or lms that have
lighting, rendering, compositing, color) so that it
in uenced your career or mindset
strains out the “art” status.
Films:
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
- Bladerunner - The Matrix motion design from the last 10 years?
- Alien - 2001 A Space Odyssey
I’m a big fan of the work being done by Patrick
- Pulp Fiction.
Clair for HBO - True Detective, Game of Thrones,
Books: and Westworld (p. 142).

- Comic Books - The Brand Gap

- Zag - Pricing Creativity
- Start with Why - Delivering Happiness
- Win Without Pitching Manifesto
- In uence: The Psychology of Persuasion
- 7 Principles of Wealth and Happiness.

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JOE DONALDSON // HOLDFRAME,

ROLO, BUCK

joedonaldson.com

Joe has been, among other things, the editor in chief of Motionographer, a professor in the Motion
Design Department at the Ringling College of Art & Design, and a very accomplished artist who has
worked for studios like The Mill and Buck.

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What advice do you wish you had known you explore, to the format you see the work living
when you rst started motion design in.

The best ideas happen when stepping away Motion design can be anything and nothing all at
from the computer. the same time. Get out there and explore and
make bad decisions!
Another big one is don't be afraid to "fail".
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
You learn so much more when you take chances.
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
More often than not, the projects that don't
designers
receive the most praise will be the ones you look
back on most fondly. I love using a china marker during the early
stages of a project. It's such a blunt instrument
What is a common mistake that new motion
that it generally makes creating details near
designers make
impossible.
It's all too easy when starting out to view motion
It's a tool that focuses on broad strokes. It isn't
design in a narrow way and, in turn, limit your
about line quality or perfection and it forces your
creative potential to what's been done before.
brain to focus only on exploring various ideas
This can happen in a number of ways, from and concepts in the simplest way possible.
where you nd your inspiration and the mediums

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 In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be If you could put a quote on the After Effects
different about the industry or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
I think it's plausible to assume that the larger
studios will continue to invest in new Go outside, plant a garden, make a baby, and
technologies and mediums while continuing to read a book.
work with larger brands. As this happens, we'll
Are there any books or lms that have
see a number of tiers form within the industry
in uenced your career or mindset
between the small, medium, and large studio
model to accommodate for new budgets and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
demand.
What’s the difference between a good motion
It's also likely that as technology continues to design project and a great one
advance the potential for remote work will
increase and we'll start to see many more remote It takes thoughtful ideas and executions that
studios and unique collectives forming. aren't just based around spectacle and the latest
trends. Everyone can do everything these days,
so do something other people aren’t doing. Even
if that means exploring something new at the risk
of being a "failure".

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MATTHEW ENCINA
matthewencina.com

Matthew is a creative director and brand strategist who creates interactive experiences & video
content for brands, technology, and video games. He’s was previously a content creator at The Futur,
where he taught about creativity, pitching, and motion design.

Favorite Project: The Westworld Title Sequence: Season 1 & 2 (p. 142)

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Learn the language of business. Expand your
thinking beyond fonts, colors, and curves. Focus I organize my to-do’s, manage my projects, and
on how your design thinking can truly impact the document all of my notes and processes with
lives and businesses of your clients. Notion.so. It's an amazing organizational tool!

What is a common mistake that new motion In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make different about the industry

I see a lot of new motion designers who are I believe software will continue to rapidly
interested in growing their bank accounts improve. It is going to be much easier for anyone
instead of growing their mind. to make beautiful designs and awesome
animations. Once the machines take over, you’ll

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 have to ask yourself, “what value do I bring to What’s the difference between a good motion
the table?” design project and a great one

If you could put a quote on the After Effects A great motion design project is beyond
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it aesthetics. It’s something that tells a story, solves
say a problem, and evokes emotion.

You're better than yesterday. Keep making. Keep

growing.

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns

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JAKE FERGUSON // FREELANCE

jferguson.tv

Jake is an art director and generalist focusing on title sequences and commercial work centered
around computer graphics and VFX. He worked as a lead at Imaginary Forces before joining the
creative team at OTOY, and then freelancing. He’s a 3D beast.

Favorite Project: Ciclope by The Line

Favorite Artist or Studio: Yuri Shwedoff James Jean Ian Spriggs

Alex Konstad Raf Grassetti Jingna Zhang

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 What advice do you wish you had known as a means to crank out high quantity as
when you rst started motion design opposed to high quality. If the tech lets you get
through something faster, it doesn't mean you
Don't be afraid to specialize. When you're
should put it down and start something else
climbing through the initial ranks of the industry,
sooner. It means you now have extra time for
you're taught to be lucrative and useful on all
re nement. This is often a big difference
fronts (concept, design, animation, etc). That's
between the motion design and VFX
still true, and learning the fundamentals is vital,
communities.
but you should never be afraid to have a very
strong self-gratifying niche. This will not only What’s the most useful tool, product, or
keep you interested and passionate about your service you use that’s not obvious to motion
trade, but you'll also get really damn good in a designers
specialty you can be proud of.
I think references and inspiration that are not
What is a common mistake that new motion typical used by other artists. It’s so simple, yet so
designers make often overlooked.

The biggest mistake I see is people stopping I've seen such an epidemic of clients and artists
before something is in a good place. Creative referencing recent work within the same industry.
technology is getting better and easier to I've been guilty of it, and it leaves me feeling so
operate every year. I see a lot of people use this dirty. The most impactful and original work that

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 I've seen is inspired from off-kilter references. My If you could put a quote on the After Effects
favorite is renaissance art. Studying old style art or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
theory and techniques opened up worlds for me. say

Dropmark.com is an amazing place to start “Any suf ciently advanced technology is

organizing your collection. indistinguishable from magic.” - Arthur C. Clarke

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Are there any books or lms that have
different about the industry in uenced your career or mindset

The quality and quantity of deliverables is going Princess Mononoke was my favorite lm growing
to continue to compound. As tech evolves, so up, and it’s still sitting at the top of my list.
does the need for the most premiere content.
This lm showed me at a very young age the
The exploration of the immersive media frontier is
perfect harmony between high metaphorical
going to continue until something sticks as much
concept, beautiful artistic execution, and how the
as 16:9 deliverables, and the norm is going to
two leverage each other. If this didn't encourage
change. Weather it be more accessible
me to create for the rest of my life, I don't know
augmented reality content, or even holographic
what did.
media, the techniques used for creation are
going to evolve in tandem with the caliber of the
content.

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 What’s the difference between a good motion Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
design project and a great one motion design from the last 10 years?

Time management and a clear idea. Often the There have been so many amazing pieces made
rst step is more important than the last. In a over the last decade, but the one I keep coming
perfect world, we'd have unlimited time to see back to is Ciclope by The Line. The control and
our creations through. Even if that's the case, taste demonstrated is really top notch.
boredom becomes a very pressing adversary.
You have to keep yourself interested, and to do
so you have to be concise and diligent about
your work. If the idea or direction gets muddy,
sometimes starting over is better than
shoehorning an idea into "a good place".

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SIMON FIEDLER // FREELANCE

simon edler.de

Simon is a killer 3D artist with a strong passion for animation, particles, dynamics, and shading. He
has spoken at Maxon events and produced tutorials. His work is amazing, blending photorealism with
surreal animation and concepts.

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Failing is an important part of learning.
After Effects: Close. Open Fusion.
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
A lot of beginners put the results of tutorials in
their rst demo reels (myself included). Good artistry of course, but also a structured
project management system. Having a great
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
producer can make your life much easier
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
allowing you to focus on the important stuff.
designers

Frame.io as a review platform where clients can

watch and comment on shots.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

Talented people can work together as a studio,

but I think the industry will decentralize a whole.

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KARIN FONG // IMAGINARY FORCES

imaginaryforces.com

Karin is a creative powerhouse and a founding member of Imaginary Forces. Throughout her career,
the Emmy Award-winning designer and director has helmed iconic projects in lm, television, gaming,
and advertising. Her client list includes Boardwalk Empire, Lexus, and God of War. Karin is an artist
and entrepreneur performing at the highest levels of MoGraph.

Favorite Project: Adobe’s Getting Started Video by Oddfellows (p. 236)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Take sculpture. An understanding of space and
dimension will serve you well. “Just because you can, doesn't mean you
should.”
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset
I see new artists committing to a style before
understanding the story that needs to be - Sesame Street
communicated. - Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
- C.S. Lewis
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
service you use that’s not obvious to motion What’s the difference between a good motion
designers design project and a great one

Post-it notes - It's great to thumbnail ideas and An intangible quality that conveys tone and taps
move them around to make a paper edit. You emotion. Also, excellent craftsmanship in the
can sometimes see a sequence more clearly this service of a strong idea.
way.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

I think we’ll see even more creation, production,

and viewing on our portable devices.

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ERICA GOROCHOW // PEPRALLY

peprally.co

Erica Gorochow is one of the best 2D designers in the entire world. As the owner and operator of
PepRally in Brooklyn, her light-hearted style is a case-study in effective animation. Her list of clients
include Motionographer, Wal-Mart, and Red Bull. Erica is a master of at animation.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner and nöbl

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Managing relationships and learning to provide
clear, reliable communication to clients is as Dropbox! How else could you work with remote
important as the technical and artistic skills. teams so seamlessly?

What is a common mistake that new motion In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make different about the industry

I think they don’t properly asses the time it will People will be nostalgic about 1920x1080 - or
take to complete a task. Panicking because delivering one version at one ratio.
you're letting someone down can compound.
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
Instead don’t be afraid to have a conversation
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
early on, setting expectations with the client (and
say
yourself for that matter).
“Now's a good time to organize this le.”

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

Lots of early short lms by Fischinger, McLaren, A strong start and a strong nish. You must ask
Zbig Rybczynski. Experimental lm and music the right questions about what needs to be
videos were my gateway into the world of moving communicated, then tailor a solution based on
art. All of the Eames’ work, especially the series your decision. Great motion design projects also
IBM commissioned about the history of math. In have strong writing. Great projects require a
general, the Eames were who I looked to as great attention to detail, even when you’re
people who led the kind of life I sought for exhausted and sick of a project.
myself.

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JAY GRANDIN // GIANT ANT

giantant.ca

Jay is an owner and creative director at the legendary studio, Giant Ant. For over a decade Jay and
his team at Giant Ant have created captivating work for clients such as CNN, Disney, and Google. Jay
is constantly pushing the limits of storytelling in the motion design world.

Favorite Project: Good Books Metamorphosis by Buck (p. 125)

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Everything you put in the world is a statement of
your taste. “Think about how you want it to feel before you
decide how to make it.”
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset
For all of time, a career in the arts has been a
long road to eventually become a master Jiro Dreams of Sushi
craftsperson. We seem to have forgotten this.
What’s the difference between a good motion
You probably aren’t going to be good right away, design project and a great one
but it will likely happen eventually.
A great producer. A great creative director. A
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be great writer. A great art director. Great designers.
different about the industry Great animators. A great sound designer. A great
composer. Oh... and a great client.
We're seeing the rst hints of VFX-style mega-
studios in the motion world. As the insatiable Every role deserves to be put on a pedestal,
content needs of the world's big brands because any of them done poorly can turn a
increase, a lot of more of this seems inevitable. I project into a bummer.
wonder if we'll see an erosion of the middle class
in our industry, and end up with a handful of very
big players, and a large number of fairly small
teams. For Giant Ant’s sake, I hope I'm wrong!

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BEE GRANDINETTI // FREELANCE

beegrandinetti.com

Currently kickin’ it in London, Bee Grandinetti is from Belo Horizonte in Brazil. She’s collaborated with
some of the biggest studios in MoGraph including Animade and Giant Ant. Bee is a co-founder of
Punanimation - a directory of women, trans, and non-binary friends working with animation and motion
graphics.

Favorite Project: ChildLine: First Step by Buck

Favorite Artist or Studio Naomi Bensen + Romain Loubersanes

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:
What advice do you wish you had known Also, I think in the beginning we're all a bit
when you rst started motion design scared of taking bolder decisions:
making things move quicker, setting characters
Good animation takes time, and a hell lot of
in more extreme poses, drawing smears, and all
patience and perseverance. Motion design not
the juicy stuff that actually pushes your work to
as quickly rewarding as graphic design. Your
another level.
motion design work will look awful for quite a
long time until it actually starts coming together Another big mistake I see is people shamelessly
and feeling good. copying other people's work. It can be a great
exercise to copy a shot you feel excited about,
What is a common mistake that new motion
but do it as homework and keep it to yourself. Or
designers make
even share it with the world, but be clear about
New motion designers can rely too heavily on your inspirations. Add a link to the original and
plug-ins, tutorials, and tricks, without taking the just be kind and reasonable (this sort of good
time to learn the actual craft and principles that social media conduct should be common sense,
make animation good. really). Don't ever use these exercises on your

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 reel or to promote yourself as if it's your original Are there any books or lms that have
idea. It looks ugly, cheap, and unprofessional. in uenced your career or mindset?

What’s the most useful tool, product, or When I was a kid my parents managed to get us
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Fantasia (from Disney) on VHS. I watched it way
designers too many times and a lot of it is still so deeply
ingrained in my brain. It’s still one of my favorites!
I’m not sure it applies, but here’s a fun little trick
It showed me how animation and music can be
my good friend Claudio Salas taught me. If
perfectly married together.
you're on Vimeo, you can go frame by frame
through videos by pressing Shift + arrows. What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry Give 120% instead of 100%. Extra love, sweat,
and an eye for detail can go a long way.
I think that very, very soon there will be motion
Tweaking things frame-by-frame so every frame
designers for actual physical things - people
looks and feels good also really pays off in the
thinking about how robotic things that interact
end.
with us on a daily basis should move in order to
send the right message.

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ROBYN HADDOW // FREELANCE

robynhaddow.com

Robyn Haddow is a freelance FUI motion graphics artist and designer based in Vancouver, BC. Her
list of clients include Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, and Net ix. Robyn frequently shares her
MoGraph insights at design events around the world. Robyn’s attention to detail is super inspiring.

Favorite Project: MTV: Video Music Awards (2009) by Ilya V. Abulkhanov

Favorite Artist or Studio: Yugen Blake

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when you rst started motion design set for lming.

Don't be afraid to try and fail. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make I think there will be more niche specialists.

I’ve seen too many motion designers mimic If you could put a quote on the After Effects
techniques from tutorials on the job, instead of or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
doing the real leg work of learning the tools well say
enough to come up with unique creative
“You're F***ing Awesome!”
solutions on your own. Most new artists focus too
much on tools, rather than design principles. You Are there any books or lms that have
must solve a problem and communicate a in uenced your career or mindset
message.
- Stranger than Fiction
What’s the most useful tool, product, or - The Cheese Monkeys by Chip Kidd
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
Looking through an iPhone camera to test
exposure levels for brightness. This is a quick I think purposeful design choices and attention
to detail.

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EJ HASSENFRATZ // SCHOOL OF MOTION

schoolofmotion.com

EJ is a multiple Emmy-winning freelance motion design artist based out of the Mile High City of
Denver, Colorado. EJ has made a name for himself in the motion design industry as a Cinema 4D
instructor with a quirky design style. He’s currently the 3D Creative Director here at School of Motion.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Animade (p. 33)

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What advice do you wish you had known Instagram age where everyone seems to be
when you rst started motion design creating amazing work everyday, so beginners
assume that it's easy to get to that end result and
Focus on the fundamentals and not the tools.
search for the shortcuts by using presets and
Don't be so laser focused on learning the
doing everyday projects to chase those
software that you lose sight of the fact that it's
#DopeAssLikes - all the while avoiding the hard
only a tool used to help you create.
work that is required to succeed. Many artists
At the start, everyone creates a lot of bad work, skip the process of experiencing the little
but the key is pushing through the bad to get to successes and failures that help de ne you as
the good. Keep creating! You’re never going to an artist.
learn from mistakes if you don’t give yourself the
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
full opportunity to make them! Accepting failure
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
as a necessary part of success is a very
designers
liberating feeling.
Being outside and experiencing life - too much
What is a common mistake that new motion
of our lives are dictated by what's on the glowing
designers make
box, and we rob ourselves of unique life
There's too much relying on tricks and searching experiences that can greatly in uence our work
for shortcuts in the industry. We live in the and spark our creativity.

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 In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Are there any books or lms that have
different about the industry in uenced your career or mindset

I hope we'll see the day where we can say to - Show Your Work
each other "Hey, remember when we used to - Linchpin
have to render things?" - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Great projects have all the subtle details and
“Time to make the donuts!” movements that make someone want to rewatch
the animation again and again.

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COLIN HESTERLY // FREELANCE DIRECTOR

colinhesterly.com

Colin Hesterly is an award-winning California native, working as a director and illustrator within the
animation industry. His success as a storyteller led him to produce six animated short lms that each
garnered a Vimeo Staff Pick.

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Don't worry about nding your style. Just explore
and experiment with whatever interests you, and Have fun :)
a style will eventually nd you.
Are there any books or lms that have
What is a common mistake that new motion in uenced your career or mindset
designers make
The Iron Giant was a box of ce failure, yet it is
New artists can spend too much time online one of the best animated lms of all time. It's not
looking for "reference." Just get in there and do the nancial numbers or viewership that matters,
what feels right, don't worry so much about what it comes down to the impact that's made on the
everyone else is creating. Have fun. few that see your work.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or What’s the difference between a good motion
service you use that’s not obvious to motion design project and a great one
designers
The difference is non-stop practice and attention
Pen & paper - It's a great way to get all of the to detail.
bullshit ideas out of the way. Just thumbnail
everything that comes to mind, good or bad.

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ERICA HILBERT // IRON LIGHT

ironlight.com

Erica is the COO of Iron Light, and previously was Managing Director of The Mill in Chicago. Erica has
overseen countless MoGraph projects, keeping everything on-schedule and under-budget. If anyone
knows how to wrangle motion designers it’s Erica.

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 What advice do you wish you had known les with other teammates. Measure twice, cut
when you rst started motion design once.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the only way What’s the most useful tool, product, or
to learn and earn the trust of your fellow service you use that’s not obvious to motion
colleagues. Also, don't be afraid to offer your designers
creative opinion or input. We work in the
A whiteboard - this day and age, we don't have
business of subjectivity and some simple
the luxury of doing a proper brainstorm session
feedback could spark a new thought in the
where we can just bounce ideas off of each
minds of your teammates and that creative spark
other. As artists we should make an effort to do
could lead to something grand!
so. This practice helps get the creative juices
What is a common mistake that new motion owing and also helps us solve problems before
designers make they come up.

One of the biggest mistakes new (and more In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
experienced) motion designers make is not different about the industry
taking the time to organize their les or set up
I predict we will return to the traditional :30
their project to quickly and ef ciently
broadcast spot. I have a feeling that after a few
accommodate revisions and possibly sharing of
years of all this digital content, brands will start

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 to see that their ROI isn't as high as they to having 4 kids, but my mind and my workspace
expected and focus on holding on to people's are designed in the minimalist style.
attention longer than :06.
What’s the difference between a good motion
Are there any books or lms that have design project and a great one
in uenced your career or mindset
Stripping it back; Adding those nishing touches
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The that aren't apparent to the eye may include
Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by actually removing some elements from your
Marie Kondo. My house may be full of clutter due project.

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SIMON HOLMEDAL // PANOPLY

panoply.co.uk

Simon Holmedal is one of the most talented 3D directors in the entire world. As a Houdini specialist,
Simon is doing cutting-edge 3D MoGraph work for some of the biggest brands in the world. His work
often features dramatic lighting and a high level of detail. Everything the guy does will blow your mind.

Favorite Project: The Third & The Seventh by Alex Roman

Favorite Artist or Studio: PostPanic and Hideo Hojima

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 What advice do you wish you had known inspiration. There is nothing wrong with getting
when you rst started motion design inspired from other motion design projects, but
make sure you pull inspiration from other areas
I think the most important thing when starting out
as well. Too many people are aimlessly following
is nding a structure when learning. Our craft
trends in other people’s work. The most
involves creative thinking, graphic design, and
important thing when making a name for yourself
lmmaking. You are in charge of a full pipeline on
in this industry is to stand out by making your
your own, so it helps to be intentional when
own work, not echoing others.
learning.
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
Setup time constraints. For example, give
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
yourself one day to focus on animating simple
designers
shapes then spend another day focusing on
lighting or compositing. Make sure whatever I'm currently really enjoying Cryptomatte and the
you’re learning is useful in your everyday work freedom it offers when compositing. Don't
and not just on rare occasions. underestimate the power of compositing. This
has become a somewhat forgotten craft in the
What is a common mistake that new motion
MoGraph world, but it’s starting to come back.
designers make
Embrace it!
Too many people in the motion graphics
community are looking at our industry for

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 In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Are there any books or lms that have
different about the industry in uenced your career or mindset

I predict that rendering and other tools will I nd any book or lm that challenges our reality
continue to become less of a differentiator inspiring to me. I love Fightclub, The Matrix,
between individuals and studios. We will Inception, & Interstellar.
continue to do more with less.
What’s the difference between a good motion
If you could put a quote on the After Effects design project and a great one
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
Intent; A clear message that is not lost or
say
watered down in the process of making the
“Deal with it.” piece. Great projects have a design language
where every element serves a purpose. Design
for designs’ sake is just decoration.

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NOL HONIG // THE DRAWING ROOM

drawingroom.nyc

Nol is a director, designer and animator in New York City. He has worked with an impressive array of
clients including Coca Cola, CBS, MTV, YouTube and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 2012 he was
one of the lead motion designers for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Nol is also an instructor
for the wildly popular After Effects Kickstart course at School of Motion, and arguably the best-
dressed motion designer in the world.

Favorite Project: The Wisdom of Pessimism by Claudio Salas

11 0
 What advice do you wish you had known Remember, everyone in the eld has ‘imposter
when you rst started motion design syndrome’ all the time.

Say yes to everything. Show up early. Have a What’s the most useful tool, product, or
great attitude. service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
And know this: The people who rise to the top of
this eld are incredibly talented, they work very Museums, libraries, bookstores, foreign travel,
hard, and they are also good at promoting live music or dance, botanical gardens - really,
themselves. You need all three to be successful anything can be a source of inspiration or
in motion design. learning.

What is a common mistake that new motion All of the arts are related, in my opinion. You can
designers make take drum lessons and learn things about rhythm
and pacing that wind up in uencing your motion
Some people are kind of shy and think they
work.
shouldn't post or share any of their work
"because it isn't good enough". I understand this "When you’re guring out what your voice is,
sentiment, but I think it misses the point. You consume everything voraciously across the
need to practice promotion as well as motion. broadest possible spectrum. And then once
you’ve found it, focus on just what you do."
- Patrick Clair

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects become a great project. Team chemistry and
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it good leadership are also vitally important.
say
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
“What you make is important.” motion design from the last 10 years?

Are there any books or lms that have I'm not a "favorite" kind of guy, but I'm gonna say
in uenced your career or mindset The Wisdom of Pessimism by Claudio Salas. For
one, it rings very true with my personality. I don't
Films: Star Wars & Yellow Submarine
think people express that sentiment often
I saw those both at a young age, and they enough. Also, it premiered at the rst Blend and
instilled in young Nol with a love of visual trickery, that was a magical way to see it. Finally, I think
effects, and experimental animation. the animation and design work in that project is
really killer. It felt like the rst time I saw a really
What’s the difference between a good motion successful piece that combined so many varied
design project and a great one styles.

Everything good starts with a strong initial idea. If Also everything by Ariel Costa and MK12
you can wed interesting concepts to that idea, (p. 185). And that stinkingly good Good Books
and execute those concepts with clear Metamorphosis piece (p. 125) by Buck. And,
storytelling and excellent visual air, it will jeez, GMUNK...

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NATHANIEL HOWE // NATHANIEL HOWE

STUDIOS
nathanielhowe.com

Emmy Award-winning creative director Nathaniel Howe has extensive experience in branding and
motion design. As a studio owner in Beverly Hills, Nathaniel serves on multiple corporate boards and
frequently shares his creative insights at schools around the world. Nathaniel’s studio has done work
for Nike, HBO, and Disney. Nathaniel work perfectly embodies his level of class and exceptionalism.

11 3
 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Never let your fear be larger than your creativity. The price of Adobe Creative Cloud will increase.
Don't let ego compromise your ability to receive
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
and address a critique. Own your curiosity, it will
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
help to ght creative block and you can use it to
say
summon inspiration at will. Be helpful and
accommodating when dealing with people who “Listen to the whispers.”
are less versed in articulating creative nuance -
help them be a better client in a way that makes Are there any books or lms that have
them feel empowered, valued, and involved in in uenced your career or mindset
the process.
The Twilight Zone inspired me at a young age. I
What is a common mistake that new motion really appreciate Hitchcock lms as well.
designers make
What’s the difference between a good motion
New motion designers tend to let sensitivity get design project and a great one
in the way of critique. I’ve seen many that lack
Finding a way to express the essence that
common sense and have trouble seeing the big
connects to people in a visceral manner.
picture.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or

service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers

Mindnode and Google Spreadsheets.

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WILL JOHNSON // GENTLEMAN SCHOLAR

gentlemanscholar.com

Will Johnson is a director and partner at Gentleman Scholar. Since launching in Los Angeles in 2010
and expanding to New York in 2016, Gentleman Scholar has staked its claim across all media
platforms including VR, live action, and animation. Gentleman Scholar has worked for clients such as
Google, Target, Etsy, and REI. Will Johnson is a creative innovator in the motion design world.

Favorite Project: Bleacher Report, But I might be a little biased...

Favorite Artist or Studio: Korb

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What advice do you wish you had known have taken years to re ne what makes them
when you rst started motion design amazing.

Nothing has to be perfect. Trying new things, What’s the most useful tool, product, or
even if you goof them up, is better than not service you use that’s not obvious to motion
daring to try at all. Keep pushing the craft even if designers
it takes you in directions that feel uncomfortable
Literature - or in a not-so-pompous way, reading
or unpopular. Even if it hurts, those scars are
books. I like to read anything, from McCarthy, to
your memories of past failures that will ultimately
Vonnegut, to Gaiman. I think words give
guide you to success.
creatives a playground to run around and be
What is a common mistake that new motion themselves. The creative possibilities are
designers make limitless.

I think new motion designers can dive too deep We see the words and conversations and we ll
into a signature style too soon. If you don’t go in the rest. It’s the best world-building tool we
through a process of trial and error, grow in your have. It inspires and gives us the ability to do
disciplines, and learn from your mistakes, your anything.
style will have a lacking, one-note appearance.
I think if my 10 year old self knew what I just
Your art won’t have vibrancy or the shimmer that
wrote he would have laughed me out of the
you see in the works and styles of artists who
room.

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 In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be them on VHS until even the auto-tracker couldn’t
different about the industry save them. I’d say the lm that really grabbed
me was The Dark Crystal - the characters and
I think we’ll continue to see storytelling and
world is astounding. Cormac McCarthy as an
technology playing a huge role in not only how
author knows how to keep it simple, cut the shit,
we are creating, but what we are creating for.
and never take anything for granted. I wouldn’t
Technology will help the art and communication
call his work ‘uplifting’, but his writing is super
continue to rise to the surface. Things like GPU
inspiring.
renderers, AR, MR, and other quick- re mediums
will be more prevalent. I see the pipeline of What’s the difference between a good motion
communication shifting slightly, as brands will design project and a great one
continue to want quality as the viewer continues
Artists on great projects:
to re ne how they absorb the content.
- Never settle
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
- Ask questions.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
- Show their work to peers
say
- Have conversations
Amazing comes from within. - Involve people they respect, whose opinions
they share core values with.
Are there any books or lms that have
- They really go for it. Don’t half-ass it.
in uenced your career or mindset
It’s an all-or-nothing industry and you have to
Yes, of course! Too many lms and books really.
prove your worth.
When I was a kid I loved Star Wars. I watched

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MICHAEL JONES // HIMS & HERS
hims.com // forhers.com

Michael was the founder and CEO of MoGraph Mentor, an online education platform, and he’s
currently the Senior CG artist at Hims & Hers, a lifestyle brand aimed at improving health. Michael is a
pioneer in motion design education and an all-around fantastic guy.

Favorite Project: Costa Sunglasses ‘Fix Florida’ by Giant Ant (p. 30, 145)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Giant Ant (p. 30, 145, 176), Buck (p. 36, 57, 125), & Disney

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Study design.
“Learning how to make things is easy. The hard
What is a common mistake that new motion
part is deciding what to make.”
designers make
Are there any books or lms that have
I see a lot of new motion designers focus on the
in uenced your career or mindset
tools and not the underlying disciplines of
design, animation, and lmmaking. The book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harrari

What’s the most useful tool, product, or What’s the difference between a good motion
service you use that’s not obvious to motion design project and a great one
designers
I think great projects have an attention to detail
A Cintiq - having a large digital drawing surface and a team of passionate artists.
is now essential for me.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

I think there will be more automation. Code will

likely be able to accomplish many basic video
needs.

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MATT JYLKKA // MT. MOGRAPH

mtmograph.com

Matt Jylkka is a motion designer based out of Denver, Colorado. With over 250K subscribers on
YouTube, he is one of the most in uential After Effects tutorial artists in the world. He has also
designed helpful tools for motion designers including Motion, Boombox, and Midas. If anyone can
help you climb a MoGraph mountain it’s Matt Jylkka.

Favorite Project: Intra by Thomas Vanz

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner and YellowLab

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What advice do you wish you had known lives at a weird intersection between simplicity
when you rst started motion design and frustrating minimalism. I love it.

Your mind is like any other muscle and unable to MoI3D limits a ton of functions you'd nd in C4D,
run full-throttle all the time. Taking breaks, big Zbrush, or another full featured program — but, it
and small, is essential to your long-term creative forces you to work at a diligent pace.
and physical health.
Not only is it simple to use, but MoI3D helped me
What is a common mistake that new motion become more deliberate and intentional with my
designers make work. For hard surface modeling I always wind
up back in Moi3D.
I think many new motion designers are not aware
of the full capabilities of the software. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
Recognizing a term or function is like nding different about the industry
breadcrumbs you left for yourself. It's easier to
Animation tailored for daily interactions and
learn more about something if you know it's
unique individual experience will be paramount.
there.
Emerging mediums like smart homes, medical
What’s the most useful tool, product, or tech, and AR/VR augmentations will create more
service you use that’s not obvious to motion serious purposes for our work.
designers
Practicality and utility will dwarf the commercial
MoI3D is a 3D modeling software for Mac and and entertainment side of our industry.
Windows that is so dumb, it's perfect. MoI3D

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Are you willing to watch it a year later?
“Change happens when you do.”

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

- Universal Principles of Design

- Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design
- All of the mind-bending work from Philip K. Dick

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TJ KEARNEY // MASTERCLASS / FORMER CO-

FOUNDER OF ODDFELLOWS
masterclass.com

TJ is an executive producer at Masterclass and was a co-founder of Oddfellows. He is a gurehead in

the motion design world, giving talks and sharing his experience with the community. TJ has worked
for clients such as Facebook, Google, and Chevy. TJ loves helping motion designers and answering
questions about the industry.

Favorite Project: Anything by Golden Wolf

Favorite Artist or Studio: Giant Ant (p. 30, 145, 176), Golden Wolf, & Gunner

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
It's safe to ask questions. The pros in our
industry are just regular people. Reach out to Since I come from production, Google products
your motion heroes and ask for advice. Most will have been a game changer over the last few
respond and their advice can save you from years. I build estimates in Sheets, contracts in
making some of the mistakes they made along Docs, and presentations in Slides.
the way.
That said, I'm becoming a Quip convert for
What is a common mistake that new motion spreadsheets due to the enhanced functionality.
designers make
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
New motion designers can bite off more than different about the industry
they can chew. Budding artists tend to over
Studios will need to evolve to offer more than just
promise in an attempt to look good but this
animation. They'll need to move upstream in the
typically comes around to bite them when they
process to stay relevant as more and more talent
are unable to deliver. Always underpromise and
goes internal.
overdeliver.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
I think good client management - clients should
"Don't stress, it's just an animation." be your partners, not your enemy. Try to build a
healthy partnership and trust with your client. In
This isn't meant to belittle the art form, but I think
turn, they'll give you the space to elevate the
we all take ourselves too seriously. We're getting
work.
paid to do something that we enjoy and no one's
life is on the line. Stay stress free and have fun. This does not mean saying yes to every request,
it just means knowing when to tell them no.
Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset

Too many to narrow down, but do yourself a favor

and start with The Freelancer Manifesto (p. 127).

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JENNY KO // BUCK
buck.tv

Jenny Ko is a creative director at Buck. Jenny has helped create some of the most iconic motion
design projects in the world. Her list of clients includes Google, BMW, and Intel. Jenny is hands down
one of the best creative directors in the world.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Buck, obviously ;)

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What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Work/life balance is so important for your There will be more direct to client jobs.
creative brain juice. Try your best not to just work
What’s the difference between a good motion
all the time, otherwise you will burn out early!
design project and a great one
What is a common mistake that new motion
It takes dedication, practice, willingness to learn,
designers make
and a great attitude.
Many new artists take creative feedback as a
personal critique, instead of learning and
growing from it.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or

service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers

Ears to listen - Listen and take notes in meetings,

client calls, with your CDs (Creative Directors).

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JOEY KORENMAN // SCHOOL OF MOTION

schoolofmotion.com

Joey is the founder of School of Motion, an online motion design training platform. He started his
motion design career as a creative director at Toil in Boston, Massachusetts, working for clients such
as Subway, McDonald’s, and Buick. Joey’s love of education (and puns) has made him a gurehead
in the freelance motion design community.

Favorite Project: Box by Gmunk

Favorite Artist or Studio: Ash Thorp (p. 211)

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 What advice do you wish you had known I think that the trend of more people going (and
when you rst started motion design staying) freelance is going to continue. It may
even accelerate.
I wish I'd known that learning the software was
the easy part. Learning the art of animation and If you could put a quote on the After Effects
design are brutally hard, and I would have or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
bene ted from focusing on those earlier. say

What is a common mistake that new motion “You have a cool job :)”
designers make
Are there any books or lms that have
I think new motion designers can rely to heavily in uenced your career or mindset
on scripts or plugins. Sometimes it's best to just
- The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
jump in, get your hands dirty, and start
- Do the Work by Steven Press eld
animating.
- The War of Art by Steven Press eld
What’s the most useful tool, product, or - Remote by David Heinemeier Hansson and
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Jason Fried
designers
What’s the difference between a good motion
MindNode for doing mind mapping has proven design project and a great one
to be invaluable. It's such a great tool for
Good motion design pieces are well designed
brainstorming and documenting new ideas and
and well animated. Great projects make you feel
concepts.
something... and that's tricky as hell to do.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry

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DAVE KOSS // NEXUS MOTION + MOGRAPH

nexusmotion.com

Dave Koss is an Emmy-nominated and Telly Award-Winning 2D/3D artist from Dallas, TX. He has
specialized in live-event graphics for years, working with the likes of Deadmau5, The Rock, Oprah, &
George Strait. Dave, and his business partner, Matt, run mograph.com where they host tutorials and a
popular motion graphics podcast.

Favorite Project The Third & The Seventh by Alex Roman

Favorite Artist or Studio: Barton Damer at AlreadyBeenChewed

130
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What advice do you wish you had known camera, compose a shot, or switch between
when you rst started motion design cameras. This can ruin all of the great work that
went into building a beautiful animation.
Coming from video production and the computer
industry, I wish I knew how important design What’s the most useful tool, product, or
principles were as a compliment to existing service you use that’s not obvious to motion
technical knowledge. Those who come from a designers
graphic design background tend to have an
Slack has been an incredible resource. There are
easier time transitioning to motion design
so many people willing to help you with a
I feel like motion designers tend to be technical problem, and the community is so supportive.
or artistic in their approach to the craft. It takes a The motion design community unlike any other
conscious effort to improve on the weakest of industry I've seen.
those two things depending on your
Additionally, Waveapps is an incredible invoicing
background.
service for contractors or small animation
What is a common mistake that new motion houses.
designers make
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
Bad camera moves - I've seen so many great different about the industry
looking projects ruined by jerky camera
The industry will see quite a shift in motion
movement.
graphics to physical objects when augmented
A lot of new motion designers lack reality nally picks up steam. Motion Design
understanding on how to properly keyframe a jobs will be in abundance when even your soda

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 can needs a HUD to tell you how full it is. So phase of the project. Spend extra effort on
many real-life objects will need motion graphics research and development, put more time into
to interface with users on a day to day basis. experimenting with shots and lighting
And with that comes advertising in so many new composition, pay more attention to keyframing
forms. and curves, and don't make your audio track an
afterthought. The viewer subconsciously notices
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
all of this.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
artist or studio to follow?
"You get to do what you love for a living. Take a
second to remind yourself of that." Barton Damer at Alreadybeenchewed.tv has not
only in uenced me, but he's become a friend
Are there any books or lms that have
and someone I've actually had the opportunity to
in uenced your career or mindset
work with and learn from.
Linchpin by Seth Godin

What’s the difference between a good motion

design project and a great one

The last 10% is what takes a project from good

to great. But that 10% has to be applied in every

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ANDREW KRAMER // VIDEO COPILOT

videocopilot.net

Andrew Kramer is widely-considered to be the most popular motion design educator in the world.
Andrew has worked on lms including Star Trek, Super 8, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His site,
Video Copilot, is home to incredible tutorials, tools, and resources for motion designers and VFX
artists. Few people have directly impacted the motion design world as much as Andrew Kramer.

Favorite Project: The Film Fight Club

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 What advice do you wish you had known overcome my addiction of saving les directly to
when you rst started motion design the desktop.

Your rst pass does not need to be perfect. Art is What’s the most useful tool, product, or
developed and improved over time. Give service you use that’s not obvious to motion
yourself goals to achieve in each pass and designers
improve systematically.
A physical white board. Seeing a physical list of
What is a common mistake that new motion tasks and important reminders has a motivating
designers make effect. Plus, the you can’t beat that feeling of
erasing them! Binder notepads are also great
It's easy to lose control of your project le.
because they can stay open!
Adding layers on layers can get messy and
unorganized. Keeping your work clear and In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
coherent will undoubtedly save you in the end! different about the industry
Even a small amount of work in this area will
Arti cial Intelligence is an obvious answer, but I
make a big difference. Organization will make it
don't think it’s clear how it will be used in the
easy to nd and isolate important assets and
future.
layers, even when your mind is some place else!
I don't want to brag... but I have successfully

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Not every design project is the same, but the
“I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, goal usually is - have an impact on the viewer. A
which is all I think that any conscious entity can certain level of quality and visual language will
ever hope to do.” set the tone, but how can you show them
something mesmerizing? One way to think about
- HAL 2001: A Space Odyssey
motion design is like watching a great magic
trick. It has to be clear and interesting from the
beginning, build towards an objective, and still
leave the spectators surprised or delighted.

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HEEBOK LEE // GIANTSTEP

heeboklee.com

Heebok Lee is a creative director who specializes in lm and TV title sequences. Heebok has worked
on many Hollywood productions such as Superman Returns, Spiderman 3, and Speed Racer. His
body of work has also been recognized in a number of prestigious design magazines and lm
festivals such as IDN, Stash, SIGGRAPH, OneDotZero, Annecy, and Resfest. His styleframes are
some of the best you’ll ever see.

Favorite Project: The 007 "Skyfall" Title Sequence by Rattling Stick

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Analyze the master's works. One of the fastest
way to learn is to "see." “Don't forget to eat.”

What is a common mistake that new motion Are there any books or lms that have
designers make in uenced your career or mindset

You need mistakes or failures to grow. The only The Bible:

mistake you can make is doing nothing.
"That which has been is what will be, That which
What’s the most useful tool, product, or is done is what will be done, And there is nothing
service you use that’s not obvious to motion new under the sun."
designers - Ecclesiastes 1:9

I like The Futur’s YouTube channel. Great design is all about "connecting dots" and
bringing a different perspective, not about
The channel teaches design and business.
"creating something new."
Business, at its core, is about building a
relationship with the people around you. Making What’s the difference between a good motion
a great design is a product of a great design project and a great one
partnership.
An attention to the details.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry

Arti cial Intelligence will probably change

everything.

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IRIA LÓPEZ & DANIELA NEGRÍN // WEDNESDAY

STUDIO
wearewednesday.com

Iria and Daniela are the owners of the Wednesday Studio in London. Their list of clients includes
Microsoft, eBay, and Airbnb. They’ve made a name for themselves in the MoGraph world with a 2D
style that features a unique approach to shading and design.

Favorite Project: Spectacle of the Real by Buck (p. 36, 57)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Animade (p. 33), The Line, Nice Shit Studio,
Moth, Buck (p. 36, 57, 125), & Giant Ant (p. 30, 145, 176)

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 What advice do you wish you had known your storyboards with other teammates and
when you rst started motion design clients.

Don’t start your work without a contract. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
We spent time on a job that got cancelled after a
few days. We had also hired freelancers for the We've seen a trend of more and more small
gig, so the whole project was a big loss for us. studios (like ours!) pop up around the industry. A
lot of these studios are just a few friends joining
What is a common mistake that new motion
forces to nd work and grow as studio. We think
designers make
in 5 years this could be a common practice.
New motion designers often commit the classic
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
mistake of creating a showreel that is too long.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
They can also have things in their reel that aren't
say
relevant for the jobs they are applying to.
“Ctrl + S !!!!”
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Are there any books or lms that have
designers in uenced your career or mindset

We nd that a very useful and awesome tool is The Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams
Boords by Animade. It's an online platform they
What’s the difference between a good motion
created for people to do storyboards and even
design project and a great one
animatics in a straightforward way. Boords is fast
and easy and directly online. You can even share The biggest difference is an attention to detail.

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ZACK LOVATT // LOVATT

lovatt.co

Zack Lovatt is an LA-based tool developer and technical director who runs his own studio geared for
technical direction. He has created incredible tools for motion design including Flow, Explode Shape
Layers, and Easy Bake. Before going freelance he worked at studios such as Rodeo FX, CoSA VFX, &
Buck. Zack is a motion design geek in the best possible way.

Favorite Project: ZKO Rollercoaster’s ‘Great Emotions’ Music Video by Virtual Republic

Favorite Artist or Studio: Worship

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 What advice do you wish you had known Waiting for a client at a coffee shop? Read!
when you rst started motion design Reading isn't feasible? Audiobooks!

It's okay to fail! You don't have to be the best or The more you learn, grow, and expand your
succeed at everything. bubble of knowledge and awareness, the more
your work will do the same.
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
A lot of new motion designers lack of self-
awareness. Know your limits and play to your An explosion of data-driven, personalized
strengths - it doesn't do anyone any good to content. Right now we see some, but there will
overpromise and underdeliver. be more. There will be so much more.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or If you could put a quote on the After Effects
service you use that’s not obvious to motion or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
designers say

An e-reader and/or a library card - remove as "Don't.. forget.. autosave..."

many barriers to reading as possible. Have a
train ride? Read! Some time before bed? Read!

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

There's this great book on working for yourself, Finishing - that last 2% of polish you add on top
have you heard of "The Freelance Manifes–" oh. of a nished piece can make all the difference.
Right (p. 127). Sometimes it can be some visual treatment, color
correction, or grain; just something subtle that
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss is a
tells your audience "Hey, I know what I'm doing."
great book on negotiation and controlling the
ow of meetings.

A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine is

also great. It discusses the bene ts of adopting
stoicism into your everyday life.

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RAOUL MARKS // ANTIBODY.TV

raoulmarks.com

Raoul Marks is a two-time Emmy Award winning artists based out of Melbourne, Australia. His
animation work has been transformative in the modern MoGraph scene. His work includes titles for
True Detectives, Westworld, and The Crown. Raoul truly is one of the most in uential animators and
compositors in the world.

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
I think the few personal projects that I've made
have had a big impact on my career path. I think There’s a lot of data sets and resources out there
everyone should be encouraged to put time into that are intended for other purposes. These can
self-initiated work. Connect that work to be great tools for artists.
something worthwhile should help it gain an
Nasa has plenty of highly detailed height maps
audience – either something that holds particular
of planet surfaces that can create some intricate
signi cance to yourself, or builds upon
materials. Cadmapper has complex building and
something already existing in the wider world.
map data of the world’s cities. Recently, I've
Smash con icting things together. Remix a
been really enjoying the cad style modeling of
classic. Do something new. Upset people.
Fusion 360.
What is a common mistake that new motion
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make
different about the industry
I've made this mistake myself, but being overly
I'm not really that entrenched in the industry. I've
concerned with copying the styles of the moment
always been more of a satellite - so I'm not best
can lead to your work looking derivative and
suited to answer the question, but I do think
uninspiring. The ideas behind the work matter as
small or solo freelancers will make up more of
much as the aesthetics.

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 the landscape. I think those people will be director. The artist Caspar David Friederich is an
located in more diverse locations around the inspiring master of the sublime. Jeffrey Smart's
globe thanks to improved telecommunications work has also been super in uential to me.
and forward thinking studios working with these
The single light source, or Chiaroscuro style,
people remotely.
paintings of Caravaggio are great for artistic
If you could put a quote on the After Effects reference.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
Beyond visual art, I’ve always enjoyed the words
say
of Frank Herbert, Philip K. Dick, William Gibson,
“Go home to your family at a reasonable hour.” and Cormac Mcarthy. I also always had an
appreciation for the Artwise series.
Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
Films of my childhood will always be there as
they develop a primal symbolic importance over A great project has a great core concept, with
a lifetime. Obvious titles like Bladerunner, 2001: something novel in its execution. It also requires
A Space Odyssey, and Alien stand out. a lot of time to polish.

A few artists also come to mind. Otomo

Katsuhiro is a fantastic Japanese artist and

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RAFAEL MAYANI // GIANT ANT

rafaelmayani.com

Rafael Mayani is an illustrator and art director based in Vancouver, Canada. By day, Rafael is an art
director and designer at Giant Ant, and by night he illustrates books, magazines, and gig posters.
Rafael’s work has a distinct human quality to it.

Favorite Project: Good Books Metamorphosis by Buck (p. 125)

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
The story is king.
“Remember, it's just motion graphics. You're not
What is a common mistake that new motion
saving the world.”
designers make
Are there any books or lms that have
New motion designers tend to copy bad motion
in uenced your career or mindset
design. There's no shame in imitating others
when learning something new, just try copying I'm a pretty big Disney nerd. You'd be surprised
the good stuff! how many times I mention one of their lms as
references in our projects.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
Video content seems to be getting shorter and
shorter. New frame ratios and ways of sharing Great motion designers put love in their work. It
content will likely emerge in the future. I guess makes a big difference when people care about
we need to be open for anything. the stuff they're producing.

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EMILIA METZEL // LIFE SCIENCE ANIMATION

life-science-animation.com

Emilia is a motion designer and studio owner based in Krakow, Poland. Emilia specializes in creating
quirky explainer videos for clients around the world. In addition to her studio work, Emilia has been a
teaching assistant at School of Motion.

Favorite Project: Forms in Nature by Chromosphere

Favorite Artist or Studio: Giant Ant (p. 30, 145, 176), Moth Collective, Not To Scale,
Buck (p. 36, 57, 125), Tony Zagoraios, Phil Borst, Animade (p. 33)

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 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Don't be afraid of the graph editor. It might be There will be an amazing amount of helpful and
the single most important tool in After Effects and affordable online motion design courses,
it's much easier to operate than you think. resources, and tools. Staying competitive will
require more than just good motion design skills.
What is a common mistake that new motion
You'll need to offer more. Motion designers will
designers make
need to be able to create storyboards,
I see a lot of new motion designers relying on moodboards, have excellent communication
default ease settings or tools like Animation skills, learn design, and typography. The list
Composer. goes on and on.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or If you could put a quote on the After Effects
service you use that’s not obvious to motion or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
designers say

Google Slides is a great tool for quickly “Auto-Save!”

communicating storyboard ideas to clients.

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. A great motion design project - just like great
piece of music - creates a certain mood and
Anyone who wants to pursue a creative career
triggers certain emotions. It doesn’t just show an
should learn it by heart!
impressive repertoire of skills.
Rubicon by Gil Alkabetz.

This short animated lm is from 1997. I was 14

when I saw it at a lm festival and I've been
hooked on animation ever since. It made me
laugh to tears and that's how I realized the power
of the animation medium.

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MATT MILSTEAD // NEXUS MOTION + BROGRAPH

nexusmotion.com

Matt Milstead is one part of the Brograph duo. He, along with his business partner Dave Koss, run a
Dallas-based motion design studio call Nexus Motion. Over the past 16 years, he's worked for clients
including The Rock, Samsung, and Deadmau5.

Favorite Project: Jane Bordeaux’s ‘Ma’agalim’ by Uri Lotan

Favorite Artist or Studio: Barton Damer at Already Been Chewed

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 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Don't think because you've graduated college, There will be a huge in ux of small studios and
and landed a job working that your education is freelance motion designers.
over. New software, hardware, and techniques
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
are being updated all the time.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
In order to be successful in this industry, you say
have to keep doing tutorials and learning new
“This better not be pirated...”
stuff every day.
Are there any books or lms that have
What is a common mistake that new motion
in uenced your career or mindset
designers make
The Freelance Manifesto (p. 127)
A lot of new motion designers don't learn the
fundamentals. Basic design fundamentals, as What’s the difference between a good motion
well as how to light and composite a shot, are design project and a great one
key to taking your work from noob to pro.
I think the biggest difference is an awesome
What’s the most useful tool, product, or client. The subject doesn't matter. If the client is
service you use that’s not obvious to motion a badass to work with, it will take any project
designers from good to great.
Waveapps - As a freelancer or someone running
a small business this tool is essential for sending
invoices and keeping track of monthly income.

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SARAH BETH MORGAN // FREELANCE

sarahbethmorgan.com

Sarah Beth Morgan is a freelance designer, illustrator, and art director in Portland, Oregon. Sarah’s
iconic style is pioneering a resurgence in organic 2D animation in the MoGraph community. Her
creative direction and grasp of color theory is a testament to the power of simplicity in storytelling.

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What advice do you wish you had known and devoting time to something I wasn't as
when you rst started motion design passionate about set me back.

Failing is okay. Failing is good. Failing can even What’s the most useful tool, product, or
be excellent! Without consistently failing, falling, service you use that’s not obvious to motion
and screwing up, I wouldn't be where I am today. designers

What is a common mistake that new motion I sometimes use Hej Stylus to create smoother
designers make lines. It's a great tool and works across the entire
OS.
A lot of motion designers try to do everything
themselves - when in reality, motion design is a In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
super collaborative industry. I totally made this different about the industry
mistake when I started.
16:9 won't be as much of a thing anymore.
My impression right out of school was that I Already, most clients need tons of different sizes
should start and nish a project myself. Design for social media projects. I predict that in 5
and animate. Animation wasn't my strong suit, years, clients will be asking primarily for social
media sized work - 9:16 or square.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
It takes a great team - a team that's kind and
"Animation is not the art of drawings that move, understanding, open to changes and new ideas.
but the art of movements that are drawn."
- Norman McLaren

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

The lm Song of the Sea!

It was neat seeing a motion-graphicesque style

carried into a feature lm. I could see a
styleframe in every scene of the movie.

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BRETT MORRIS
rangerandfox.tv

Brett is a creative director and was a founding partner at Ranger & Fox, a motion design studio based
in Los Angeles. Brett also worked at Capacity for 5 years as technical director, and now . Brett has
worked for clients such as the NFL, Microsoft, and YouTube. His creative vision helped Ranger & Fox
become one of the most talked-about MoGraph studios in the industry. Most recently he worked as a
Design Director for Coca-Cola.

Favorite Project: Anything Umeric does has a special place in my heart.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Aggressive

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Learn to fail early. Fail hard and get over it.
Behind every failure is an important lessons to Boords is one of the most effective apps we use
be learned. Take risks. Step outside your comfort to quickly iterate storyboards ideas and
zone and you will exponentially speed up your sequences in an artist-friendly environment.
growth and development. There’s an excellent development team
shepherding the app - constantly improving and
What is a common mistake that new motion
making an already solid app more exible with
designers make
new features and capabilities.
I see a lot of new motion designers using
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
techniques and effects as concepts. It's an easy
different about the industry
to learn a new skill and want to show it off.
However, The best uses of techniques and As an industry, we've always been malleable to
effects are when they are invisible as the technological advancements and have
concept overshadows everything else. continued as a collective to push the boundaries
as we've explored new ways of thinking and
creating. As hardware and software continue to
push their limits, we as an industry will bene t
immensely. We're already starting to see that with

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 real-time rendering within game engines. I we’ll any standard - impressive. Great work is a
see rendering become obsolete and 3D work unique point of view, something that is uniquely
shift to an absolute real-time environment. the artist’s (or studio's) voice. To me this is the
big difference between good and great work.
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
say motion design from the last 10 years?

"Simplicity is the outcome of technical subtlety. It Umeric has a special place in my heart as they
is the goal, not the starting point" were hugely in uential to me when I was starting
- Maurice Saatchi out. The MSN Butter ies still holds up today
against anything. It’s a great example of a
Are there any books or lms that have
beautiful concept executed awlessly.
in uenced your career or mindset
Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
Linchpin by Seth Godin
artist or studio to follow?
What’s the difference between a good motion
Aggressive. This studio is a supremely talented
design project and a great one
directing duo who are constantly putting out jaw-
Nowadays everybody has access to incredibly dropping work. They have a body of work which
powerful tools and knowledge that was once is diverse and ambitious with a coherent
scarce. As a result, the work we're seeing is by aesthetic binding it all together.

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MITCH MYERS // FREELANCE

mitchmyers.tv

Mitch Myers is an emmy-winning motion designer and art director based out of St. Louis, Missouri. He
has worked for clients such as GoPro, Universal, and the NFL. He’s been a successful NFT artist, and
the guy also has one of the coolest personal brands in MoGraph.

Favorite Project: 2015 Semi-Permanent Titles by Raoul Marks (p. 142)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Elastic

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 What advice do you wish you had known and experience that lay within agency walls that
when you rst started motion design help when you need to ght for yourself.

It de nitely would have been nice to have What’s the most useful tool, product, or
realized earlier how important solid business service you use that’s not obvious to motion
acumen is in developing yourself as an artist. designers
It's incredibly powerful to have both artistic and
Learn to meditate. Take time for yourself and
business tools available, and I'm not just
start developing an agile mind. It will allow you to
speaking to the freelancers out there. The sooner
take yourself and your work to a new level.
you can understand business fundamentals - the
sooner you can take control of your life. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make Renders will have to be real time - just from
industry demand. Products like Unity will
I think going freelance before ever working for an
become much more popular in the motion
agency. There's no way I would have been
design community. I also think we will continue to
knowledgeable enough to make the types of
see the shrinking of agencies to strengthen their
decisions I've made as a freelancer if I wasn't an
agility in the marketplace.
agency dude rst. I’m not saying it won't work if
you just jump in, but there is solid knowledge

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Experience.
"Have fun."

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

The one book that started the path I am on now

was Three Simple Steps by Trevor Blake. It's a
great read that has some powerful messages
within.

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RACHEL NABORS // MICROSOFT + BOOKING

rachelnabors.com

Rachel is a web animation expert at W3C, a founder of the Animation at Work Slack and Web
Animation Weekly Newsletter, and collaborator with Mozilla on cool things like DevTools Challenger
and the Web Animations API docs at MDN. Rachel inspires the next generation of motion designers to
think about the possibilities of MoGraph beyond video.

Favorite Project: I know it's a game, but Monument Valley

Favorite Artist or Studio: Trigger

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What advice do you wish you had known interfaces. When that happens, "delighting"
when you rst started motion design means simply helping them do the thing - which
can mean putting your personal preferences on
Motion design not about mastering a piece of
hold in light of a greater vision.
software. It's not about winning awards. It's not
about getting on a stage. In these situations, think of how you can adapt
your style to seamlessly blend into the project.
Just doodle. Just draw. Just animate. Just
create. In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
If you're lucky, you'll get to create an original
story. However, it's ok if you make things that Everyone who works on apps or designs web
fade into the background - but are still sites will be expected to a motion designer in
appreciated by people in their everyday lives. some capacity, but no one will outright call
themselves that. Motion designers will nd new
Don't let the future get in the way of your now.
work in 3D as the augmented and virtual reality
What is a common mistake that new motion bubble continues to grow. I think we will nd only
designers make the best will come out on top when it pops.
Adjust your career trajectory and skill
A lot of motion designers get stuck on the investments accordingly.
"delightful" nature of motion design. However,
sometimes we have to make utilitarian things like

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects have no expectations, and the experienced who
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it have seen everything a thousand times before.
say
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
"This isn't the only option. Try other software. motion design from the last 10 years?
Build other software." But I doubt Adobe would
I know it's a game, but Monument Valley is a tour
appreciate that!
de force of color, shape, motion, and sound.
Are there any books or lms that have Playing it is the ultimate motion design
in uenced your career or mindset experience.

Many newcomers to the motion design industry Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
can cite Disney as an in uence at some point artist or studio to follow?
along the way, but I've been incredibly
The Japanese animation studio Trigger is doing
in uenced over the years by Japan's animation
amazing things with color and movement in their
greats, Hayao Miyazaki in particular (although I
work. Their action scenes bend and stretch the
do have a soft spot for Tezuka). Miyazaki's
human form and illustration in creative ways we
collected essays make for some of the best
haven't seen before.
reading on a rainy afternoon. I could go on!

What’s the difference between a good motion

design project and a great one

Extra eyes - the older and younger, the better. All

work is improved with feedback from those who

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RICH NOSWORTHY // FREELANCE

richnosworthy.tv

Rich is a freelance CG generalist and 3D motion designer based out of Auckland, New Zealand. His
clients include Google, Adobe, and MTV. Rich is constantly experimenting in Cinema 4D, Houdini,
ZBrush, Redshift, and Octane. It’s safe to say that Rich is the mad scientist of the motion design
world.

Favorite Project: Styleframes NYC by Tendril

Favorite Artist or Studio: ZEITGUISED

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Plan your time. Try to think of the project as a
whole and try not to get caught up spending A clock or alarm - often I nd it useful to make a
hours on small parts that may not be very plan at the start of the day of what i need to
important. Ultimately, it is less about doing things accomplish by the time I go home. It is super
the 'correct' way, and more about what will useful to set alarms or at least keep track of time
create the best end result quickly and most to make sure you’re getting through things and
ef ciently. not getting stuck spending too long on certain
areas. As a freelancer the last thing you want is
What is a common mistake that new motion
to have spent all day trying to get something
designers make
working that really didn't work out and then have
Probably the same as above. Spending too to spend all evening trying to catch up.
much time on something that isn't that important.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
Check in with your creative director at regular
different about the industry
intervals to make sure you are on the right path.
I think there will be less larger companies and
more smaller boutique studios with remote

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 artists. In fact, I think this is already happening in Spielberg, David Lynch, John Carpenter, and
a lot of places. John Hughes were also big in uences. It’s hard
to choose one, as they all contribute to my
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
current mindset.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
"I'm a reasonable guy. But, I've just experienced
some very unreasonable things." Great projects have great team members,
- Jack Burton collaboration,organization, and communication.
This may sound cliche, but it makes a big
Are there any books or lms that have
difference.
in uenced your career or mindset
Doing things right early on can give a bit more
I think I was in uenced by every lm I loved as a
time to polish at the end. The idea, however, has
teenager - Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Alien, Blade
to be good from the start.
Runner.

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RACHEL OFTEDAHL // PALE COW STUDIOS

FREELANCE
palecowstudios.com

Rachel is a motion designer with a skill set that extends into both the 2D and 3D world. Rachel's work
has been seen on Discovery, Nat Geo, the History Channel, DIY, and Animal Planet. Her work is an
inspiring fusion of many motion design disciplines.

Favorite Project: The Wall-E End Credit Sequence

Favorite Artist or Studio: Beeple (p. 229)

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 What advice do you wish you had known happened before the advent of so many online
when you rst started motion design tutorials. I learned to observe color, light, form,
and movement, by just soaking in the world
There are so many trends out there, and you will
around me.
be asked to follow them time and time again by
clients. It is important to stay informed of the In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
trends, but don't forget to explore your own different about the industry
artistic vision, particularly through passion
There will be a lot more decentralization. People
projects. It keeps you sane.
are working from home so much more and
What is a common mistake that new motion collaborating with online tools. This trend is
designers make accelerating at a huge pace. You won't need to
spend a fortune moving to LA or NYC just to get
I see a lot of motion designers taking on jobs for
interesting work.
free for the sake of 'exposure.' A lot of new
designers are tricked by this. It is rarely worth it. If you could put a quote on the After Effects
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
say
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail
again. Fail better."
My eyeballs - I was trained as an artist rst, then
- Samuel Beckett
animator, and fell into motion design. This all

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 Are there any books or lms that have What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset design project and a great one

One of my favorite books is The Illusion of Life by The ne details - Great projects go beyond the
Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas. basic ask from the client. Artists on these
projects add in subtleties based on the 12 basic
Two lms that have been deeply inspiring are
principles of animation that may not be
Fantasia and Stranger Than Fiction.
consciously noticed, but they add to the overall
character and engagement of the piece.

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MICHELLE OUELLETTE // YEAH HAUS

yeahhaus.com

To say that Michelle can draw would be an understatement. Michelle is an illustrator and storyboard
artist at her company, Yeah Haus, in Detroit. Her list of clients include Google, Scholastic, and the Toy
Association of America. You’ve never met a kinder artist in your life.

Favorite Project: June by Chromosphere

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner

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 What advice do you wish you had known Team up with others who do what you can’t do!
when you rst started motion design It's a great way to learn some new skills and
create thoughtful work that doesn't take forever
I was lucky enough to gure this out early, but I
to nish.
would say study other people instead of any
curriculum. I didn't study 'how to do it' or 'what What’s the most useful tool, product, or
tool to use' at all. I learned the software really service you use that’s not obvious to motion
well, but that came over time and experience. I designers
still am learning new things every day when it
A sketch pad - Working of ine, allowing time to
comes to the software. Again, study the results of
think and ideas to ow, is so important. Working
those you look up to, and do your best to
on the computer can sometimes tire me out and
replicate them in your own work. Technical skills
pushes me to copy and reference too much
will follow.
before I've taken the time to think about my own
What is a common mistake that new motion ideas.
designers make
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
I see people trying to do too much. There are different about the industry
amazing animators out there who you can tell
This is already happening now, but smaller and
just love animation, and a lot of their stuff isn't
smaller teams will be able to create more
watchable because the design was not thought
nished work. While agencies have traditionally
out.

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 gone to studios to create work, they'll only need happy rather than doing what you think you
one or two people to create a huge amount of should be doing.
content.
What’s the difference between a good motion
Are there any books or lms that have design project and a great one
in uenced your career or mindset
Great projects force artists to work as a team,
Anything from Studio Ghibli or Disney. I also nd where peers can review work and give honest
The Last Unicorn to be very inspiring. I love feedback.
seeing the "art of" books.

Also, I love the documentary Happy - it’s all

about doing what you love, and what makes you

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REECE PARKER // FREELANCE
reeceparker.com

Reece is an art director, animator, & illustrator based out of Seattle. He also occasionally teaches
classes on Skillshare, along with writing & illustrating children's books. His client list includes Google,
Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft. Reece’s design work adds a gritty spin to the traditional
look of the 2D animation world.

Favorite Project: Spectacle of the Real by Buck (p. 36, 57)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner

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What is a common mistake that new motion Coolorus, or Annimdessin 2. For business,
designers make Dropbox is big, Slack, Mailtrack, Google Docs -
list goes on. For staying busy, get on your
I can't reiterate this enough - tools don't matter if
Instagram and Twitter game.
the basics are missing. If you can't animate with
a pencil and sticky notes, I doubt your After In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
Effects stuff is any good. Back when I used to different about the industry
skateboard nonstop, kids would ask "what kind
There will be more screens and even more
of board do you ride?" News ash! They're all just
unique ways to look at them. Advertising is
made of wood.
always evolving as it tries to keep up with
What’s the most useful tool, product, or technology. Stuff like AR, VR, and things we
service you use that’s not obvious to motion haven't even heard of will be matured and ready
designers for the world to accept them in their everyday
lives. Advertising won't be far behind. I think we
A lot of products come to mind. For motion, look
will be ne as long as we adapt organically. That
at After Effects plugins like Motion 2 or Explode
is until AI gures out how to do our jobs better,
Shape Layers (p. 139). For illustration & cel work,
faster, and cheeper than us - but that’s more than
look into Photoshop plugins like Brushbox,
5 years out.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Great projects have love and attention to small
“After Effects: It’s what you make it." details - unnecessary things that the client won't
notice - but you will. Sometimes great projects
Let me give some context here. After Effects isn't
have long hours, but not always.
made for animators. Its a mass appeal tool for
the general audience. Adobe’s job is to make it Learn something new and stretch your comfort
as user-friendly as possible. For animators, it's zone. This is all stuff Ive noticed in my own
our job to mold After Effects to our liking, not process.
Adobe’s. There are more than enough tools to
Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
make that a reality.
motion design from the last 10 years?
Are there any books or lms that have
I’ll try to list a few:
in uenced your career or mindset
- Spectacle of the Real by Buck (p. 36, 57)
The Freelance Manifesto (p. 127) was big, great
- iMac Pro - Artist Film by Buck
insight and advice into the world of Motion
- The Space Explorers by Gunner
Design. I also really like Pretty Much Everything
- The Blend is Near by Oddfellows (p. 122)
by Aaron Draplin & Burn Your Portfolio by Mike
- Fix Florida by Giant Ant (p. 30, 145)
Janda. I think following someone’s career and
- CNN Green by JR Canest (p. 45)
their story helps me more than '60-Steps to
Success' types of books. List goes on and on.

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TAYLOR JON PETERS // FREELANCE

tjpeters.ca

Taylor is a freelance animator, previously at Giant Ant in Vancouver, British Columbia. His list of clients
includes Spotify, CNN, and James Vincent McMorrow. Taylor has a wonderful grasp of texture and
how it can be used to tell a story in MoGraph.

Favorite Project: Adobe’s Getting Started video by Oddfellows (p. 236)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Claudio Salas, Benjy Brookes, Charles Huettner,

Bee Grandinetti (p. 93), Tyler Morgan, Sarah Beth Morgan (p. 152) ,
Marion Bordeyne, Reece Parker (p. 173)

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Study the principles of animation, learn design
fundamentals, and practice daily. Also nd I think a simple sketch book and pencil.
in uences outside of motion design (that’s a
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
huge one).
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
I’m not sure about predictions, but I hope the
designers make
industry plateaus a bit in its growth. It feels like a
New motion designers can rely too heavily on lot of people are starting and the baseline value
scripts and plugins. Those things can offer some of our work is getting a bit crowded with amateur
cool effects, but sometimes people will forget to work.
give their project a strong foundation, idea, or
That being said I have only ever worked at one
concept to stand on. Visuals are only half the
studio and have absolutely no insight into the
battle.
business side of the industry.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects Polar videos. The Iron Giant, Feast, and Paper
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it Man are some de nite in uences in feature
say animation.

“Use the Graph Editor.” What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset The differences is a well thought out concept
and story, good design, and good animation.
I’ve been inspired by mostly skateboarding and
snowboarding lms like Happy Medium and the

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ADAM PLOUFF // BATTLE AXE

battleaxe.co

Adam is a designer, animator, and tool-developer from Atlanta, Georgia. After a brief stint developing
tools for Google, Adam moved on to create tools for the motion design community under the name
BattleAxe. His products, RubberHose and Overlord, have been game changing tools for the After
Effects animation community.

Favorite Project: Thunder Tillman ‘Alignments’ by Hugo & Marie

Favorite Artist or Studio: The Line

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 What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Don't worry about your work not looking amazing
or original. Great work comes much later. Work Post-It Notes and a blank wall - seeing a lot of
on as many projects as you can, with as many ideas in context is really helpful. Plus, it makes
different people as you can, and you'll nd where you look like you're tracking down a serial killer.
you t in and what you love to do.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
What is a common mistake that new motion different about the industry
designers make
I see the move toward real-time rendering and
Documenting your progress is a massively interactive design becoming a powerful way to
helpful way to grow and encourage growth in communicate. It kinda feels like a weird time loop
yourself. This progress probably doesn't need to back into the early 2000’s with Flash, except this
be shared online. The feedback (or lack of it) can time around we know about good design.
derail you on your journey to nding what you
like to make.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects This giant Saul Bass coffee table book showed
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it me that it's ok to switch careers. Saul did print,
say early motion design, and directed lm scenes.
His career was diverse and rich - each project
"It's ok to do things the hard way."
fueled the next one.
Are there any books or lms that have
What’s the difference between a good motion
in uenced your career or mindset
design project and a great one
The War of Art was really helpful in my early
A great project clearly communicates it’s reason
career when I was procrastinating a lot and
for existing.
waiting for the perfect conditions to start doing
personal work.

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AHARON RABINOWITZ
redgiant.com / maxon.net

Aharon ass the head of marketing for Red Giant prior to their acquisition by Maxon. Aharon hosted
Red Giant TV, designed VFX and motion design software, and helped artists create amazing things. In
the past, he’s been the host of Creative Cow’s After Effects Podcast, a technology commentator for
National Public Radio, an animation teacher at Pratt Manhattan, and worked with Greyscalegorilla.
Aharon currently works with companies to help with marketing in our space.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Territory Studios and Perception

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What advice do you wish you had known personal connections, and hopefully pay the
when you rst started motion design bills.

I wrote an article once called "Your Not That I buy into the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to
Talented and Other Advice" that focused on the become an expert at something and, for most
idea that while artistic talent is an important part people, the majority of that time isn't going to be
of motion design, skill, dedication, and a good reel-worthy. Even on those less exciting and
attitude are far more important for landing more challenging projects, I've always found myself
work. Also, being able to accept criticism without using it as an opportunity to try something new -
letting it devastate you is probably the most which makes it time well spent.
important thing in taking your work from being
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
good to great. It took me a while to come to
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
understand how important these two things are.
designers
What is a common mistake that new motion
Frame.io or any platform that makes
designers make
collaboration and feedback easier for artists is
I am sure that I am not the only person to say an essential tool for motion design. Social media
this, but please stop thinking that every project is also super important as it offers an opportunity
has to be for your reel. Not every project is going to connect with other artists, share work, inspire
to be fun or worth showing off, but every project each other, and give/receive advice. There are a
is an opportunity to hone your skills, strengthen

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 lot of good, knowledgable, talented people out no matter how much you fear rejection and
there, and they are just a few keystrokes away. negative feedback.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be On the ip side, don't be afraid to give
different about the industry constructive feedback. Everyone wants to do
their best work, and they can only get better by
I am really interested in seeing where AI take
hearing the truth.
things when it comes to motion graphics and
VFX. Not in the sense of creating art for us (I What’s the difference between a good motion
have yet to be impressed by AI created artwork), design project and a great one
but in removing some of the tedious manual
Great projects have great producers and art
tasks that steal our time. Rotoscoping is a great
directors. They are the main line of
example of that. Inserting MoGraph elements
communication (and defense) between a client
behind people or objects could become so
and the artists involved on the project. Any
much more fun and focused, instead of slogging
project I've ever worked on that went really well
through the hard stuff at the beginning.
was because there was a clear line of
If you could put a quote on the After Effects communication between all parties. When I was
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it a junior motion designer, probably the worst
say thing that could happen to a project was that the
client would drop by to discuss unexpected
"Shy people get nothing and that's what they
changes and ideas while my producer was at
deserve."
lunch.
This is the best piece of advice I have ever
received. I am not saying shy people deserve
nothing, but shyness is the fear of rejection. It
has no place in art. Especially if you want to get
better at it. You have to get your work out there

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BEN RADATZ // MK12 STUDIOS

benradatz.com

Ben is a Los Angeles-based lmmaker, designer, photographer and writer with an interest in
experimental animation, new technologies, and visual research. He is also a founding member and
seventeen-year partner at MK12 Studios, a design & animation collective headquartered in Kansas
City. He’s also a frequent contributor to Art of the Title. Ben is a godfather of modern motion design.

Favorite Project: Almost Anything from Shynola

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
There really is no 'right way' to do anything - the
right way is the way you want to do it. “Use Your Illusion”

What is a common mistake that new motion Are there any books or lms that have
designers make in uenced your career or mindset

Many motion designers are too literal with a Robert Bresson's Notes on the Cinematographer
client's request, or they are too disengaged with is a wonderful collection of musings on
the subject matter. A motion designer is still a aesthetics, composition, visual and narrative
designer and has a responsibility to the integrity context, and the journey of creation.
and impact of a client's message.
What’s the difference between a good motion
What’s the most useful tool, product, or design project and a great one
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
It’s all in the attention to detail - going back into a
designers
project with a fresh set of eyes and adding
Bookstores, libraries, and lm festivals - things that perhaps only you’ll notice. The more
Motivation and visual inspiration are often most you believe in the world you're trying to build, the
abundant off the computer. more others will too.

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be

different about the industry

There will be a plurality of formats, venues, and

niche applications unbound from the
requirements and traditions of linear lm and TV.

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RENZO REYES // FREELANCE

renzoreyes.com

Renzo is a freelance compositor and animator based out of Los Angeles. Before taking the plunge
into the world of freelancing, Renzo was a lead compositor and animator at We Are Royal. He has
worked for brands such as Nike, Oculus, Under Armour, Hyundai, Toyota, and Disney. There are few
motion designers that know compositing as well as Renzo.

Favorite Project: Good Books Metamorphosis (p. 125) + Sherwin Williams by Buck

Favorite Artist or Studio: Oddfellows, Tendril, Future Deluxe, Gmunk, & JR Canest (p. 45)

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Inspiration is not only found on Vimeo and
YouTube. It's all around us. Go outside and enjoy Evernote is a great tool for saving notes, ideas,
the simple things in life. There’s more to life than screengrabs, and more. I use it to write down
being a “motion designer". Your career and work notes for cool tips and tricks, along with
doesn't de ne you as a person. screengrabs that will later help me remember
things faster.
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry
New motion designers can lack folder
organization and structure. They need to focus I think more studios will opt for of ces with no
on learning how to deliver a project on time (as physical location. Staff artists will be located all
part of a team) and error free. If you don't know over the world. Everybody will likely working from
something, speak up. Be honest and reliable. the cloud. GPU computing will continue to
Also, precomps are your friend! change the way we work. Artists will be able to
log in remotely to powerful computers from just a
Finally, do not put tutorials on your reels.
simple laptop, without any latency.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Attention to detail, patience, perseverance, lots
“Great art is created by artists, not machines.” of love, and teamwork comes to mind. It is said
that the last 5 - 10% of a project is when you
Are there any books or lms that have
really make it shine. It's true. Some "motion
in uenced your career or mindset
designers" don't understand the fact that
Back to the Future - the greatest movie of all projects need to go through many revisions
time. (internally or from client) in order to get better.
Through many iterations, and everybody's input,
a project goes from good to great. But with that
extra love and care it can go from great to
amazing.

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JEREMY SAHLMAN // BLACK MATH

blackmath.com

Jeremy Sahlman is a creative director and partner at Black Math in Boston, Massachusetts. Jeremy’s
career in motion design has led him to work at some incredible companies including Digital Domain
and Buck. Black Math’s clients include Jack Daniels, Nike, and Puma. Jeremy’s sense of humor and
down-to-earth outlook on life is woven into the fabric of Black Math’s culture and work.

Favorite Project: Adobe’s Getting Started Video by Oddfellows (p. 236)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner

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 What advice do you wish you had known If you could put a quote on the After Effects
when you rst started motion design or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
Embarrassment will hold you back more than
anything else in the entire world. Accept that you “Don't ever doubt yourselves or waste a second
are terrible at everything and just put your crap of your life. It's too short, and you're too special.”
out there so you can learn from other peoples’ - Ariana Grande
reactions.
Are there any books or lms that have
What is a common mistake that new motion in uenced your career or mindset
designers make
We are all earthlings - the Sesame Street music
New motion designers can think too much and video and the Sesame Street How Crayons are
try too hard - paralyzing themselves with fear Made video. I have never read a book...
that they will do it wrong.
What’s the difference between a good motion
"Just Do It" - Nike, or Shia LaBeouf design project and a great one

What’s the most useful tool, product, or I am not sure. I’m still trying to make something
service you use that’s not obvious to motion great.
designers

Drowning my depression and anxiety with fast

food, candy, and soda.

"I'm Lovin’ It" - me

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CLAUDIO SALAS // FREELANCE

claudiosalas.com

Claudio is a Chilean-born Swedish director, animator, and designer living in Brooklyn. He has created
charming work for clients such as The New York Times, Apple, Google, and Nike. Claudio also helps
organize the animation & design festival Blend and run the wildly-popular Vimeo channel Wine After
Coffee.

Favorite Project: Forms in Nature by Chromosphere

Favorite Artist or Studio: Arina Shabanova and Gunner

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 What advice do you wish you had known In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
when you rst started motion design different about the industry

Find inspiration in the most unexpected places - There will be a lot more screens everywhere,
not only in the digital world. which will mean there will be a bigger need for
content. It will also be much easier to create
What is a common mistake that new motion
content with faster and better tools. This will
designers make
de nitely create more jobs and there will be more
New motion designers are typically not aware room for motion designers, but also more
that they don’t do certain types of roles. It’s too competition.
common for a motion designer to try to create a
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
project without a design background or
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
education. Learn the basics rst!
say
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
“Frustration happens.”
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
A color picker tool like Sip or Color Note can be
a great timesaving tool for quickly color picking Great projects spend that extra time nessing
from anywhere on your screen. After you pick a and polishing the details. Make sure you spend
color you can paste a hex code into any enough time guring out a good story, concept,
software. and idea before starting to design styleframes or
setting keyframes.
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ERIN SAROFSKY // SAROFSKY

sarofsky.com

Erin Sarofsky is president, owner, and executive creative director of Sarofsky, a design driven
production company that specializes in live action production, VFX, 3D development, design,
animation, and editorial content for the entertainment and advertising communities. Her Emmy-
nominated company, Sarofsky, has created titles for blockbuster lms including Dr. Strange &
Guardians of the Galaxy. Erin is a pioneering force in the motion design industry.

Favorite Project: The John Oliver Main Titles by Trollback

Favorite Artist or Studio: The Art of the Title, Ash Thorp (p. 211), & Animalators

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 What advice do you wish you had known In my experience, the client knows what works
when you rst started motion design for their brand and project. It’s just that they don’t
necessarily have the vocabulary to describe
Deadlines: They can be a bit overwhelming at
what they need. As a result, designers need to
rst. Make sure you communicate with your
listen, ask good questions, and read between
producer to help manage the clients
the lines.
expectations.
It’s also important to provide options when
Producer: They will communicate with the client
addressing feedback. Giving clients a few
on your behalf. Make sure you have a good
options engages them and makes them feel like
relationship with them.
they are really contributing.
Revisions: Clients will ask for revisions until they
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
run out of time and money. It doesn't matter if the
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
work looks good. If the client is paying for your
designers
time they will nd a way to use it.
Honestly, motion people tend to be in a box. I
What is a common mistake that new motion
suggest you get out in the world. Not just
designers make
museums and art stuff either, see the world.
Some designers don’t embrace notes and see Learn about different cultures. Be aware of the
the client as a dummy making terrible decisions. world. And then, eventually, you can use your

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 medium to have impact on the world in ways that If you could put a quote on the After Effects
resonates with you. or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry I can think of so many quotes, but here are three
off the bat:
I am hopeful that there is more talent out there to
accommodate all the work that is being asked of “But can you render that?”
us.
“Is that procedural?”
Motion is becoming a fundamental part of
“Don’t depend on plugins”
communication: Print billboards are all digital
and animated. Instagram is infused with motion. Are there any books or lms that have
Sitting in a cab or riding up an elevator you have in uenced your career or mindset
motion. Store displays have motion and even
some interactive element. Even mailers have QR When I was a kid MTV was amazing. Music
codes and augmented reality aspects to them. videos, and even the MTV bumpers, were artistic
All of these mediums require the handy work of a and animation masterpieces. I used to make
motion designer. mixed VHS tapes where I’d wait for videos and

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 things I liked to come on and quickly record Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
them. artist or studio to follow?

A-Ha’s Take On Me was a regular on those I like reading sites like Art of the Title. You can
tapes. Even now I can’t get enough of it. tell the people who produce that have a point of
view. They take the time to craft in depth stories
If you go back even earlier I remember being
and go out of their way to curate work from all
trans xed by the 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10, 11, 12
different artists and genres. Ash Thorp has a
song on Sesame Street. The animation was
podcast that is worth a listen. Also, Animalators
incredible!
is a great podcast.
What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one

I think the best pieces of motion work on a

conceptual level. In this Instagram world, we are
pushed to produce quick cool things that catch
your eye. But the work that stands the test of
time not only catches your eye, it strikes a cord.
It relates on a fundamental, emotional level. That
can only happen when there is an idea as well as
a cool technique and a beautiful design.

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SEKANI SOLOMON // BLOCK

sekanimotiondesign.com

Sekani is the Head of Creative Studio at Block. He’s a Cinema 4D generalist and designer based in
New York City. Hailing from the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Sekani's diverse skill set
in design, animation, and compositing allows him to work at any stage of the production pipeline with
a high level of pro ciency. His organic 3D work pushes the limits of possibility in Cinema 4D.

Favorite Project: Shapeshifter by Chrlx

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
I wish I knew more design principles. I tried to
make images based on what I thought looked I think one of the most useful tools that I use is
good and not based on a system of principles. Pinterest. Taking inspiration from things I see in
the world is also important. Going to a museum,
What is a common mistake that new motion
a historical site, or a park could be a marvelous
designers make
spot for inspiration. Also, networking and
New motion designers can focus too much on seeking knowledge and advice from more
software tools and not learning the theory behind experienced designers has helped me
good design. As a result, their work tends to immensely.
mirror tutorials or other people's work, not
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
allowing them to nd their own voices. Some
different about the industry
tend to do the motion without the design. Also,
the 'everyday' trend can be detrimental to In the future motion design companies will be
development if not used properly. You can end heading in two directions, either getting bigger
up repeating the same techniques and or smaller. Mid-sized shops will become more
(sometimes) mistakes, daily. It's better to work scarce. The bigger shops are able to take on
towards something everyday than make large volumes of work whereas smaller shops will
something everyday. have the exibility to not take every project to

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 keep the lights on. Also, we'll see companies importance of the design and conceptualization
and clients sometimes skip working with process into my head.
agencies or production studios to seek out more
What’s the difference between a good motion
talented motion designers to do their work.
design project and a great one
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
Great motion design is the combination of great
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
design with great technical execution. I've seen
say
a lot of great motion design projects that look
“Learn me more, but learn design too!” beautiful but often fall at because there isn't
much thought behind it. It's always essential to
Are there any books or lms that have
base the visuals in an idea or concept.
in uenced your career or mindset

I don’t think there is any single example of a

book or lm that has impacted by career - it was
my college professors that really instilled the

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DAVID STANFIELD // IGOR + VALENTINE

igorandvalentine.com

David Stan eld is a director, animator, and designer in Charleston, South Carolina. For years he’s
been designing 2D masterpieces for the biggest brands in the world including Google, Vox, and
Reddit. David is a founding member of the original 9 Squares MoGraph collaboration.

Favorite Project: Interpreter's House by JR Canest (p. 45)

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What advice do you wish you had known long run. A lot of younger motion designers
when you rst started motion design seem a bit too into the work they make, good,
great, or otherwise.
It sounds obvious, but there will never be a
single project, client, global agency, or amazing I think that stuff gets worked out over time.
brief, that takes the pressure away. You will nish Whether from experience, life changes like
that project, experience the euphoria, and then having a family, having more important priorities,
keep working on whatever comes up next. or just realizing after enough projects it won't
ultimately lead to ful llment.
Also, don't be scared to let other people into
your work. The beauty and joy of letting other What’s the most useful tool, product, or
talented people elevate a collaborative project service you use that’s not obvious to motion
can't be overstated. designers

What is a common mistake that new motion Matt Smithson and I use Dropbox Paper
designers make constantly. Since we work remotely, we use it at
the beginning of projects to brainstorm and hash
I see a lot of fresh, young, uber-talented motion
out rough concepts for visuals. We use it to keep
designers who seem to have a lot of ego. It's
a log of all current work things. We use it to
cool to take pride in your work, in fact, it's a
discuss speci c details in still designs. We use
must, but to nd your entire identity in motion
when we need a checklist. We can both see and
design isn't going to lead anywhere good in the
edit our documents. We use it while discuss,

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 while we're on the phone, watching each other or screenplay. This book gave me the initial push
type in real-time. Have I hyped it up enough? to quit a job I'd been at for 8 years - scared to
death of going freelance - with a third kid on the
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
way. Every decision has risk. For me, staying at a
different about the industry
cozy but stagnant, unful lling job was riskier than
I've never been very good at looking ahead. taking the leap to go out on my own.
However, one thing I hope (and expect) to see is
What’s the difference between a good motion
more equality in our industry, along with more
design project and a great one
opportunity for women designers, illustrators,
and animators. I already see this trending in the I think what it takes is a stubborn unwillingness
right direction, and I'm con dent it will continue. to not cut corners. Every project has a hundred
I'd love my daughter to have female role models little decision points where you can decide to put
in her dad's line of work. There are already so in the extra time or decide it's just too much, and
many incredible female motion designers that just make the end result “good enough”. When I
she can look to, but not enough. look at the work of people who consistently blow
me away, there's an obvious refusal to take the
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
easy route.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say I also think great motion design projects have a
story, and the visuals necessary to tell it.
“Don't rush whatever you're about to do. It'll only
make you angry.” Bonus Question: What’s your favorite piece of
motion design from the last 10 years?
Are there any books or lms that have
in uenced your career or mindset That's an insane question. Off the top of my
head, I'm going to say Interpreter's House by JR
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Don Miller
Canest, and my reasoning is personal. That
is the only book that has ever literally changed
project is the one piece I can point to that
my life. It's about thinking of your life as a story,
caused me to want to chase after motion design.

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ERAN STERN // STERNFX

sternfx.com

Eran is a legend in the motion design education world. For over 20 years Eran has created
educational content for motion designers and video professionals. He has helped countless artists
along their motion design journey with online content and live events around the world. The
commitment that this guy has to the motion design industry is inspiring.

Favorite Project: Onward Internet by Buck (p. 57)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Adam Feinberg

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 What advice do you wish you had known Are there any books or lms that have
when you rst started motion design in uenced your career or mindset

It's ok not to master everything. Motion graphics Movies:

is considered a niche in animation. However, it's
- The Prestige
a deep pool. You don't need to know all of it.
- The Matrix
Focus on what you love and do best.
- Back to the Future
What is a common mistake that new motion - Superman (1978)
designers make - Stranger than Fiction

New motion designers can fail to adhere to a Books:

uniform graphic language. For example,
- MotionGraphics: Film & TV by Kathleen Ziegler,
combining real explosions into a vector design.
Nick Greco and Tamye Riggs
What’s the most useful tool, product, or - Re-work by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Hansson
designers - Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Dropbox - they gured out how to do secure le What’s the difference between a good motion
sharing and storage better than all the rest. design project and a great one

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Great projects add humor - usually in a form of
different about the industry secondary animation.

The majority of the industry will be female.

If you could put a quote on the After Effects

or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say

“We are not saving lives.”

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RYAN SUMMERS // SPILLT
spillt.com

Ryan has worked as a character animator on children's videos, created the visuals for industry-
leading slot machines, and designed the opening titles for some of the biggest shows on TV. Ryan is
currently a creative director at Spillt in Denver and his list of clients includes Google, Starbucks, and
Pokémon. If anyone has a pulse on the state of the motion design industry it’s Ryan.

Favorite Project: Forms In Nature by Chromosphere

Favorite Artist or Studio: Gunner and Golden Wolf

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Creative direction is diametrically opposed to
what you went to school for. To be successful as I’ve got a lot:
a creative director you'll need to know how to
- Evernote
negotiate, organize, play part-time therapist, and
- Pinterest
plan long-term strategies as much as you'll need
- Day One
to know how to rock a curve editor or understand
- Wunderlist
Redshift.
- Bullet Journals
What is a common mistake that new motion - Any Time Tracker
designers make - An everyday sketchbook that you can carry
around.
Many motion designers forget to focus on soft
skills like networking, reputation, and developing In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
your own voice, as much as software skills. different about the industry

At least two of the shops you've always wanted

to work at won't be in business.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Time and pressure can transform a project from
Cinema 4D – “Every answer you'll ever need is in good to great.
the Help. Also, Thank you Rick Barrett.”

After Effects - Just put a link to aescripts.com on

the splash screen.

Are there any books or lms that have

in uenced your career or mindset

- The Logo, Font, and Lettering Bible by Leslie

Cabarga
- Device by Rian Hughes
- Simpli ed Drawing for Planning Animation by
Wayne Gilbert
- Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez
- DV Rebel's Guide by Stu Maschwitz
- The Art and Making of Cloudy With A Chance
of Meatballs

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EMILY SUVANVEJ // FREELANCE

emy-su.com

Emily is a Brooklyn-based artist who loves tinkering with new materials and experimenting with bright
colors and graphic compositions. As a designer in physical mediums, her MoGraph work extends
beyond just the computer world. Emily’s unique approach to MoGraph produces work that is truly
original and inspiring.

Favorite Project: Wednesday with Goddard by Nicolas Menard

Favorite Artist or Studio: Buck (p. 36, 57, 125)

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 What advice do you wish you had known spend full tuition for on-location programs. That
when you rst started motion design probably means we'll start to see more kick-ass,
self-taught artists coming into the industry faster
Usually your rst idea is never the one that
- and we better watch out!
makes the cut - so don't be afraid to kill your
darlings. When you think you've pushed an idea If you could put a quote on the After Effects
to its max, do another pass. or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say
What is a common mistake that new motion
designers make “Engage.”

A lot of artists hold themselves to too high a Are there any books or lms that have
standard at the beginning. You'll get there. It's a in uenced your career or mindset
long journey, but the only way to get to where
I have this secret little book called A Dictionary
you want to be is by putting in the time and
of Color Combinations from Japan. It has the
moving forward with gusto.
loveliest combos created by a kimono designer
What’s the most useful tool, product, or who published the series in 1930. I always look
service you use that’s not obvious to motion to it when I'm in desperate need of inspiration.
designers
What’s the difference between a good motion
Boords - It's intuitive and the interface is simple design project and a great one
and easy. It’s such a major time-saver. Go,
Great projects have the right people. Time, love,
Animade!
and maybe a little pressure can be very helpful.
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Money doesn't hurt either.
different about the industry

I predict more and more students will attend

online design and animation courses, rather than

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ASH THORP // ALT-C

altcinc.com

Ash Thorp is a graphic designer, concept/digital artist, illustrator, animator, creative director, and
director. He originally gained recognition for his UI graphics in feature lms such as Ender’s Game
and Total Recall, along with the video game series Call of Duty. Ash’s commercial clients include Nike,
Adobe, and OFFF. Ash is one of the most in uential motion designers in the world.

Favorite Project: The Rock N Rolla Title Sequence by Danny Yount

Favorite Artist or Studio: Hayao Miyazaki

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 What advice do you wish you had known their work, without giving clients all of their ideas,
when you rst started motion design time, and energy.

Remember that your authenticity is your ally. If you could put a quote on the After Effects
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
What is a common mistake that new motion
say
designers make
“Whether you think you can, or you think you
I see a lot of motion designers create derivative
can't - you're right.”
work for other people.
- Henry Ford
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
Are there any books or lms that have
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
in uenced your career or mindset
designers
- Mastery by Robert Greene
I love using my sketchbook to contain my ideas
- Eat That Frog
and concepts. It's amazing what a piece of
- The War of Art
paper and a pencil can do in the right frame of
- The Power of Now
mind. It helps reset my mind and gives me
mental clarity. What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
different about the industry It takes being honest, taking risks, not feeding
the status quo, working hard and (most
I really hope to see more people doing what they
importantly) working smart.
love and nding their own audiences to support

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 NORA TWOMEY // CARTOON SALOON

cartoonsaloon.ie

Nora Twomey is an Irish animator, director, screenwriter, producer and voice actress. She is a partner
at Cartoon Saloon, an animation studio and production company based in Kilkenny City, Ireland. She
is best known for co-directing The Secret of Kells and directing The Breadwinner. Her work on both
lms earned Academy award nominations for Best Animated Feature Film.

Favorite Project: The end credits on animated lms

Favorite Artist or Studio: The lms of Laika

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What advice do you wish you had known Communication is the key whether it’s a two
when you rst started motion design person project or a crew of a thousand.

While it’s good to be focused and ambitious, What’s the most useful tool, product, or
sometimes you learn more from your mistakes service you use that’s not obvious to motion
and nightmare projects, than from the successful designers
ones. The tools you gain from ‘failure’, if you look
I’ve always liked Photoshop because of its
at it in a positive light, are far more robust than
simplicity and its ability to communicate big
the ones you gain from easy wins.
ideas quickly.
What is a common mistake that new motion
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make
different about the industry
If you’re part of a team, whatever level you’re at, I
I think people will work remotely, from home or
think the worst mistake you can make is to not
wherever, more often. Hopefully by then we will
see how your work ts into the big picture - the
have moved beyond the bad or frozen screen
emotional backbone of the project.
faces and poor sound quality that sometimes
Sometimes if your working on a few shots, you makes such collaborations dif cult. In terms of
want those shots to stand out. Sometimes artists technology, I really don’t know, nor would I
work in isolation instead of communicating as hazard a guess, as to where the industry is
much as they can about the work. heading.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects I found The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron to be
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it an incredible book resource for learning to see
say as an artist.

“Treat your le as though you intend to hand it What’s the difference between a good motion
over to another artist.” design project and a great one

There is nothing worse than a comp-artist not True collaboration - It’s essential for every person
being able to take a sick day because no one working on a project to feel a real sense of
else can understand their le structure with a ownership for their own work, but also see how
looming deadline. I’ve seen artists also get that work supports their teammates. The team
completely knotted up in their own messy le- needs to be led by someone who has a strong
trees. creative grasp on the heart of the project, but
who can also give creative freedom to their team
Are there any books or lms that have
in a way that’s aligned with the heart of the
in uenced your career or mindset
project.
Different lms have in uenced me at different
times in my life. A few lms that come to mind
areThe Night of the Hunter, The Princess Bride,
The Wizard of Oz, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited
Away.

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JOSH VAN PRAAG // FREELANCE
standardspin.com

Josh Van Praag is a designer and animator that loves bringing abstract ideas to life. Josh has worked
at studios such as Mode Project, The Mill, and Re neryNYC. His clients include McDonald’s, Nick Jr.,
and Ford. Josh is a motion design wizard.

Favorite Project: Burt's Bees ‘Uncap Flavor’ by Brand New School

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 What advice do you wish you had known results for both of us. I'll never foul anyone for
when you rst started motion design asking questions. If anything, it lets me know
you're engaged, and I'll feel better overall.
If you meet a colleague who's personality and
creative ability strongly compliments your own, What’s the most useful tool, product, or
don't let that person go. That person is far rarer service you use that’s not obvious to motion
to nd than you think. It's entirely possible you'll designers
be a one man powerhouse, but if you look at
The websiteYou Work For Them has always been
most studios, they're started by groups of
a great place for me when exploring new
people, not just one person. This industry takes a
typefaces. There are a million typefaces out
ton of willpower, more than you're thinking, and
there, so having someone curate what they think
having someone else along for the ride will make
are the better options can be a huge time saver.
the chances of that outcome far more likely.
The same goes for their other offerings, graphic
What is a common mistake that new motion accents, textures, and photos. Almost all of them
designers make are very strong selections that can save time.

It's a little concerning when I bring someone on In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
to a job, I brief them, and then there are zero different about the industry
questions asked during, or after the process. I'm
I think being able to dynamically change content
going to miss telling you things, no matter how
and post-client delivery, will continue to grow as
much I prepare. If your reaction to that is
an offering. For example, Facebook's "Year In
guessing what I want, it's going to have bad

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 Review" video, switching in custom images and visual elements are so strong that the one frame
custom type on the y. can stand alone as its own piece of art. Mark
Romanek's Closer video for Nine Inch Nails was
You have to gure that the more sensors that go
de nitely a turning point for me. I didn't have the
into your phone, the more data that companies
language then to describe what was unique
can hold on you, the more they can share about
about the piece, I just knew it was on a different
you, the more compelling the argument is to do
level.
targeted experiences. Barrier to entry will
continue to come down and the demand will What’s the difference between a good motion
continue to rise. design project and a great one

If you could put a quote on the After Effects To me, it's not enough to have a strong technical
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it execution. It's also not enough to have an
say original, interesting idea. In a client based
environment where most of this work is done, the
“Design is a relationship between form and
third leg that makes the table stand is
content.”
understanding the brand's voice and language.
Are there any books or lms that have After that it’s important to make sure the piece
in uenced your career or mindset re ects that voice. If you have those three
elements in place, you'll create great work.
I was rst in uenced (and still am) by pieces of
work where you can freeze any frame, and the

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MACAELA VANDERMOST // NEWFANGLED

STUDIOS
newfangledstudios.com

Macaela is the founder and director at Newfangled Studios in Boston. As an enthusiastic artist,
Macaela is passionate about telling stories. With an eye for design and love for art, she’s dedicated to
upholding the creative integrity of every project.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Golden Wolf

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 What is a common mistake that new motion In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make different about the industry

Newer MoGraph artists don't think enough about With the rise of mobile video, I think more
the design aspect and tend to dive into making MoGraph pieces will have simpli ed designs that
things dance. Spend time on thoughtful design take up a larger portion of the frame. I think even
and even the simplest animations can be more pieces will be type-driven. Sound might
impactful. even become less important.

What’s the most useful tool, product, or If you could put a quote on the After Effects
service you use that’s not obvious to motion or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
designers say

Instagram is incredible for discovering talent and “How would it move in nature?”
getting fresh ideas from people around the
What’s the difference between a good motion
world. It can also help you determine when a
design project and a great one
style is getting played out so you can avoid
blending into with the crowd. Writing ideas and working more on the pre-
production stage, rather than on the production,
is essential for great motion design projects.

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ANDREW VUCKO // VUCKO

vucko.tv

Andrew Vucko is a designer, animator, and creative director based in Toronto. Driven by ideas that are
communicated simply and with purpose, he strives for clarity before ourish in everything he creates.
His clients include Facebook, Google, and Patreon. Andrew is a master of visual language.

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 What advice do you wish you had known production" mindset. The fact is, you have to
when you rst started motion design prepare yourself to never stop learning - you
have to have that natural inclination to always be
The idea of "sacri ce" gets played up a lot. I
open to change and new information.
think that while it's important to work hard and
care, too much stock is put in the idea of killing What’s the most useful tool, product, or
yourself on projects. I found that once I realized I service you use that’s not obvious to motion
needed balance in my life, I started putting out designers
better work. You narrow your focus when you are
Post It Notes - I owe so much to writing things
just functioning behind a screen all the time,
down physically. The bene t of that is you form a
outside experiences help de ne the type of work
commitment to something that is tangible - and
you put out, and they give you much-needed
you can't just swipe right to dismiss it.
clarity.
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
What is a common mistake that new motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
designers make
say
I think one thing people who jump into the
"I'm just tool."
industry need to hone in on is their hunger to
learn. A common mistake is to think - "I'm done
school, i'm ready to work now". This is equivalent
to a "I’m done learning, i'm ready to start

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 Sure, these are powerful tools, but the best What’s the difference between a good motion
things come from the ideas that are created design project and a great one
outside of making something just look awesome.
Great motion design takes commitment. Don't
Are there any books or lms that have half-measure your projects - put everything or
in uenced your career or mindset nothing behind it.

The Social Network was in theaters within the

rst few years of me starting in the industry. If
you've seen that lm, you are probably aware of
how pumped it makes you to create.

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CALEB WARD // CURIOUS REFUGE

curiousrefuge.com

Caleb is a motion designer and content creator currently focused on the brave new world of AI. His
work has been seen by millions, as he has an uncanny knack for going viral.

Favorite Project: The Illusion of Life by Cento Lodigiani

Favorite Artist or Studio: Beeple (p. 229) and Raoul Marks (p. 142)

What advice do you wish you had known when you rst started motion design

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Don't avoid criticism - embrace it. It might hurt a What’s the most useful tool, product, or
little, but every artist needs to learn that service you use that’s not obvious to motion
constructive feedback is important to create designers
great work.
An extended gaming mousepad - I am amazed
Don’t spend your entire career avoiding failure. at how many small annoyances have been
Failure is one of the most helpful ways to grow in removed by having a large cloth workspace at
your motion design skills. The best artists have my desk.
failed more times than they’ve succeeded, they
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
just typically don’t advertise it.
different about the industry
What is a common mistake that new motion
Template sites and services are going to
designers make
incentivize clients to not hire motion designers
Muzzle ash skills are cool, but design and for day-to-day tasks. It is going to be more
animation principles will make you a better important than ever to prove your value by
motion designer. You're going to have a hard developing trust through great service and
time on day-to-day gigs if all you know how to do thoughtful storytelling.
is blow stuff up.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects What’s the difference between a good motion
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it design project and a great one
say
Rushed projects are rarely the ones that you’re
“You've planned this out, right?” the proudest of. If you want to create a great
project you need to give yourself enough time to
Are there any books or lms that have
see it through.
in uenced your career or mindset

- The Bible (Mark 8:35)

- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The Four Hour Chef by Tim Ferris
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by
Marie Kondo

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MORGAN WILLIAMS // RINGLING COLLEGE

OF ART AND DESIGN
clubcocoanut.com

Morgan is has been an animator and animation director for over 20 years. Morgan has worked for
clients such as Sony Pictures, the BBC, and Comedy Central. In addition to being a faculty member at
the Ringling College of Art and Design, he is also a character animation instructor at School of Motion.
You’ve never met someone who will geek-out over character rigs like Morgan.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Bee Grandinetti (p. 93)

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 What advice do you wish you had known because of the assumption that it's solely a
when you rst started motion design character animation tool.

It's a cliché, but networking is so vital for motion If you could put a quote on the After Effects
design. Put your work out there, connect with or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
artists you admire, and participate in the say
"community" of the industry. My career would
“Learning software is easy. Making amazing sh*t
have grown a lot faster I would have really
with software is hard.”
understood this reality when I started.
Are there any books or lms that have
What is a common mistake that new motion
in uenced your career or mindset
designers make
- The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie
A lot of motion designers rely too much on
Johnson
plugins, scripts, and ashy effects without rst
- Film Directing: Shot by Shot by Steven Katz.
really understanding and mastering the
fundamentals of design and animation. What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Details, nessing, and ne tuning - plan on
designers nishing a project in half the time scheduled,
plan on nessing and ne tuning for the other
The New Duik Bassel - Although it's great for
half.
character rigging and animation, it has many
tools that are very powerful for non-character-
based motion design that I think get overlooked

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MIKE WINKELMANN // BEEPLE
beeple-crap.com

Mike (aka Beeple) is a living legend in the motion design world. For over 5000+ consecutive days
Mike has created a new artistic project and championed the ‘everyday’ lifestyle. His in uence can be
seen across the online artistic community and his list of clients include Justin Bieber, Apple, Nike, and
Eminem. Mike is probably one of the most inspiring motion designers of our generation, and an NFT
millionaire.

Favorite Project Keloid by BLR

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 What advice do you wish you had known freelance lifestyle instead of having to take every
when you rst started motion design garbage job that comes in.

Start an everyday!!! What’s the most useful tool, product, or

service you use that’s not obvious to motion
Editor’s Note: Mike used over a hundred
designers
exclamation points in the original draft of that
sentence. I use a lot more stock items than people think. A
lot of people haven't quite adjusted their
What is a common mistake that new motion
work ows to leverage the amazing amount of
designers make
free, or very cheap, assets available that can
I think wanting to go freelance too early is a save you an insane amount of time and allow you
mistake. I think freelancing is great, and if that's to put more energy in to polishing, storytelling,
your end goal, awesome. However, I think and conceptualizing. This approach can be
starting out in a studio will help you learn a ton better than recreating things that have already
about not just design and technical matters, but become somewhat commodi ed.
also client management, contracts, how to pitch,
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
how to work with others, and more. I also think it
different about the industry
will give you time to save up some money so you
can really hit the ground running with the I think as the tools become cheaper and
communication platforms become more

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 sophisticated, the industry will become more Are there any books or lms that have
global which will lead to not only increased in uenced your career or mindset
competition, but also increased demand.
The War of Art by Stephen Press eld
China has 1.4 billion people - name 5 awesome
What’s the difference between a good motion
motion designers from China.
design project and a great one
You probably can't right now. That will change.
A f***load of work and time - that's it.
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say

“Just do yer damn crap.”

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ADRIAN WINTER // FREELANCE

adrnwntr.com

Adrian Winter is a visual effects and motion graphics artist with years of industry experience. Adrian
has worked at studios such as Superfad, CBS Sports, Imaginary Forces, and Brickyard VFX, before
landing a gig as VFX supervisor at Nice Shoes. He’s currently freelance.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Henchmen in Brooklyn

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 What advice do you wish you had known to them. Many nod in agreement instead of
when you rst started motion design asking questions. Never do this.

I wish I was more serious about photography at From a big-picture perspective, it's not
the start of my career. I began in motion design impossible that a brief may be laid out poorly
doing logo and type animations, but when the (happens all the time) or an art director or client
eld expanded to include compositing, color might not be explaining themselves well (a
correction, and 3D, I found myself playing catch- common occurrence). Speak up when you need
up. The principles of photography - lighting, clarity and you’ll save yourself a ton of stress.
color, lensing and composition - are inexorably
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
tied to the foundations of motion design and a
service you use that’s not obvious to motion
deep understanding of them is invaluable. My
designers
advice to anyone just starting out? Grab a
camera and go shoot something. Evernote is awesome for organizing and storing
any stray information that I need to refer back to.
What is a common mistake that new motion
I have at least 20 different notebooks set up on a
designers make
per app basis where i keep keyboard shortcuts,
There is a fear amongst some young designers best practices, and solutions to common
that they’ll be judged if they don’t fully problems I encounter. I have one notebook that
understand a task or idea that’s being assigned contains nearly every After Effects expression I
have ever written or come across, and another

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 that stores Nuke gizmos, and even entire Nuke The transition from throw-away motion test to
trees, that can easily be copied and pasted into evolve into a full- edged project is quick. There
my projects. is no worse feeling working for an hour and
experiencing a longer than normal pinwheel or
In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
system lag, then noticing the words Untitled
different about the industry
Project * exactly one second later.
We are going to see a rapid increase in the
Are there any books or lms that have
diversity of the screens we are designing for.
in uenced your career or mindset
Screens will have their own set of unique design
challenges. Product manufacturers are starting Scott Pilgrim vs The World came out when I was
to slap video-capable screens on everything transitioning from motion design to doing more
they make in a response to the growing demand compositing work and it showed me how the two
for content. We’ve seen this already in store disciplines could exist in the same world. It
signage and public transit, but soon there will be transposed to lm all the things that made
a need for eye-catching animations and UI MK12’s Man Of Action - the Caddyshack of
design on everything from vending machines to MoGraph - so great. It bridged the gap between
household appliances - Get ready. great graphic animation and live-action
compositing. I watch it a few times a year, and
If you could put a quote on the After Effects
return to it often for reference.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
say

“Fun Fact: Auto-Save doesn’t kick in until after

you save a new project."

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 What’s the difference between a good motion Bonus Question: Who’s your current favorite
design project and a great one artist or studio to follow?

Strong design is about the successful These days I have my eye on Henchmen in
communication of an idea, be it a simple Brooklyn. It’s a new shop and the guys there are
message or a larger story. When careful super-talented friends that I’ve known for most of
consideration is made to ensure that all the my career. They have a sort of Justice League
visuals of a motion design piece bolsters the approach to motion design (or perhaps Legion of
message and acts in service of the narrative - Doom given their moniker), in that each of them
and aren’t just window-dressing masquerading has their own work that they focus on, but some
as production value - that’s when you get a or all of them will collaborate as a team when big
nished project that is truly awesome. The best jobs come in that span across their skillsets. It’s
artists and companies out there recognize this, an interesting business model that I think will
and that's why their work consistently stands out. become a lot more commonplace in the coming
years.

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YUKI YAMADA // ODDFELLOWS

ykymd.com

Yuki Yamada is a Japanese graphic designer and illustrator. After stints at Buck and Süperfad, Yuki is
now at Oddfellows, creating immaculate 2D art. His work showcases her mastery of color and
illustration.

Favorite Artist or Studio: Philippe Weisbecker

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What advice do you wish you had known incredibly helpful to keep track of all the projects
when you rst started motion design you've worked on over the years.

I wish I had more information beforehand on how In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
the industry operates and how freelancing different about the industry
works. I had to gain that experience rsthand.
It's becoming a lot easier to do work from
What is a common mistake that new motion different locations at the same time. I think there
designers make will be more of a need remote work as a
company and as an individual. The industry will
Sometimes I see a new designer make a great
likely evolve in a way that accepts more freedom
design, but they have a weak concept. I think the
in work hours and location.
meaning of the design is just as important as the
design itself. What’s the difference between a good motion
design project and a great one
What’s the most useful tool, product, or
service you use that’s not obvious to motion Great projects are able to satisfy everyone,
designers including yourself.

As a freelancer I use Google Spreadsheet a lot

when organizing jobs and invoicing. Any major
spreadsheet software would come in handy. It is

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RACHEL YONDA // MAILCHIMP

rachelyonda.com

A self-proclaimed ‘Human Graphics Factory’, Rachel Yonda is a senior motion designer for Mailchimp.
Previously she worked on the Late Late Show with James Corden. Her career in the motion design
industry has led her to create work for clients such as Google, Samsung, Coldplay, and SNL. Rachel’s
diverse pro ciency across MoGraph disciplines can be seen in all of her work.

Favorite Project: Goodbooks Metamorphosis by Buck (p. 125)

Favorite Artist or Studio: Oddfellows

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What advice do you wish you had known instances where no amount of futzing with it will
when you rst started motion design salvage your design - and if the director is
suggesting that you go in a different direction,
I wish I had understood that being good at
they'll certainly notice if you try and repurpose
motion is not at all de ned by the number of
your old layers. It's demoralizing to go back to a
hours spent at your desk. I put ef ciency on the
blank canvas, but sometimes you just gotta do it.
same level as artistry - you need both for a
Stay committed to the creative, not your
successful career. Crunch times are inevitable,
Photoshop le.
but in general the best artists I know make their
hours count by working smart and clocking out What’s the most useful tool, product, or
at a reasonable hour. Life outside the studio is service you use that’s not obvious to motion
where your best ideas will come from, so take designers
care to cultivate work habits that protect your
Twitter - I learn all my best tricks from my peers,
freedom.
and I am eager to share what I know in return.
What is a common mistake that new motion Working in this desk-bound industry can feel
designers make isolating at times (especially for those who work
remotely) and just getting connected is half the
Many motion designers don’t know when it's time
battle. Twitter (and various other platforms) have
to scrap an idea and start from scratch. It can be
provided a great meeting place for motion folks
a terrible feeling to put time into something and
to build a community online and even in person.
realize it doesn't work, but there are plenty of

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 Take advantage of the free knowledge and Are there any books or lms that have
camaraderie available to you. in uenced your career or mindset

In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be Having come from a background in character
different about the industry animation, I'm a big fan of the Drawn to Life
books by Walt Stanch eld. It's a 2 volume
In the future I simply see a continuation of the
distillation of 20 years worth of Disney
industry trends that are already happening. As
masterclasses with all sorts of wonderful
machine power, software, and creative assets
insights, emphasizing creative thinking and good
become increasingly more attainable, large
draftsmanship alike. The philosophical approach
studios may be challenged by smaller, highly
demonstrated in those books has in uenced how
ef cient teams or individuals.
I think about using art and motion to
If you could put a quote on the After Effects communicate.
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it
What’s the difference between a good motion
say
design project and a great one
“Name. Your. Layers.”
Seamlessness - great projects are the ones you
have to pause and go through, frame by frame,
to understand what you just saw.

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MAXIM ZHESTKOV // ZHESTKOV.STUDIO

zhestkov.studio

Maxim Zhestkov is an award-winning media artist and director. Maxim has created work for clients
around the globe including Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, PlayStation, and Nike. He is
probably best known for his 3D particle work and abstract short lms. Seriously, his 3D work is
ridiculous.

Favorite Project: The Westworld Opening Titles (p. 142)

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What advice do you wish you had known What’s the most useful tool, product, or
when you rst started motion design service you use that’s not obvious to motion
designers
Don't try to be someone else. Concentrate on
your thoughts and ideas. There is a huge amount To-Do Lists are super important. I use Things 3 to
of people who will push you into their direction, plan and organize all my personal life and work
not yours. Your passion is your best compass. projects in a single place.

What is a common mistake that new motion In 5 years, what’s one thing that will be
designers make different about the industry

I suppose diving deep into tutorials could be New graphics cards will change the game
dangerous when you concentrate only on dramatically. With one card you’ll be able to
copying. A good way to learn things is to make render things that would currently be impossible
your stuff with the knowledge which you derived to create.
from a lesson and tutorial.

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 If you could put a quote on the After Effects Are there any books or lms that have
or Cinema 4D splash screen, what would it in uenced your career or mindset
say
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage by Carl Sagan
“Maybe you should spend some more time with
What’s the difference between a good motion
your brain gathering ideas and thinking about a
design project and a great one
concept rather diving into production?”
Great motion designers write out more ideas in
the pre-production stage, rather than production.

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APPENDIX // RECOMMENDATIONS

-------------------------------------------------- BURN YOUR PORTFOLIO

RECOMMENDED BOOKS: MICHAEL JANDA

-------------------------------------------------- THE CHEESE MONKEYS

CHIP KIDD
THE 50TH LAW
ROBERT GREENE DELIVERING HAPPINESS
TONY HSIEH
7 PRINCIPLES OF
DEVICE TYPE, DESIGN AND IMAGERY
WEALTH AND HAPPINESS
RIAN HUGHES
JIM ROHN

THE DICTIONARY OF COLOR

A GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE
WILLIAM B. IRVINE COMBINATIONS
VARIOUS JAPANESE AUTHORS
ANIMATORS SURVIVAL KIT
RICHARD WILLIAMS DRAWN TO LIFE
WALT STANCHFIELD
ARSÈNE SCHRAUWEN
OLIVIER SCHRAUWEN THE DV REBEL'S GUIDE
STU MASCHWITZ
THE ART OF MAKING CLOUDY
EAT THAT FROG
WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
BRIAN TRACY
TRACEY MILLER-ZARNEKE & JUDI BARRETT

THE FOUR HOUR CHEF

THE ARTIST'S WAY
TIM FERRIS
JULIA CAMERON

THE FOUR HOUR WORKWEEK

ARTWISE
TIM FERRIS
BOOK SERIES

THE FREELANCE MANIFESTO

THE BIBLE
JOEY KORENMAN
VARIES
(RECOMMENDED 4x)
(RECOMMENDED 2x)

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

THE BRAND GAP
JOHN STEINBECK
MARTY NEUMEIER
THE ILLUSION OF LIFE NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
FRANK THOMAS AND OLLIE JOHNSTON CHRIS VOSS
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
NOTES ON THE CINEMATOGRAPHER
THE INCAL ROBERT BRESSON
ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY
THE ONE THING
INFLUENCE: THE GARY W KELLER AND JAY PAPASAN
PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSUASION (RECOMMENDED 2x)
ROBERT CIALDINI
THE POWER OF HABIT
IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE, CHARLES DUHIGG

IT'S HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE

THE POWER OF NOW
PAUL ARDEN
ECKHART TOLLE

THE LIFE-CHANGING
PRICING CREATIVITY
MAGIC OF TIDYING UP BLAIR ENNS
MARIE KONDO
(RECOMMENDED 2x) REBEL WITHOUT A CREW
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
LINCHPIN
SETH GODIN REMOTE: OFFICE NOT REQUIRED
(RECOMMENDED 4x) DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON
AND JASON FRIED
LOGO, FONT AND LETTERING BIBLE
LESLIE CABARGA REWORK
DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON
MASTERY AND JASON FRIED
ROBERT GREENE (RECOMMENDED 2x)
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
SAPIENS
MEDITATIONS YUVAL NOAH HARRARI
MARCUS AURELIUS
SAUL BASS: A LIFE IN FILM AND DESIGN
MOTIONGRAPHICS: FILM & TV JENNIFER BASS, PAT KIRKHAM,
KATHLEEN ZIEGLER, NICK GRECO AND MARTIN SCORSESE
AND TAMYE RIGGS (RECOMMENDED 2x)
SHOW YOUR WORK THE WIN WITHOUT
AUSTIN KLEON PITCHING MANIFESTO
BLAIR ENNS
SIMPLIFIED DRAWING
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
FOR PLANNING ANIMATION
WAYNE GILBERT THE WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA
WORLD BOOK, INC.
START WITH WHY
SIMON SINEK
------------------------------------------------------
STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST RECOMMENDED AUTHORS:
AUSTIN KLEON ------------------------------------------------------
(RECOMMENDED 2x)

STEVE JOBS AARON DRAPLIN

WALTER ISAACSON AUTHOR + GRAPHIC DESIGNER

STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND ANNE MARIE DALMAIS

ROBERT HEINLEIN AUTHOR

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK C.S. LEWIS

MARK MANSON AUTHOR

THREE SIMPLE STEPS CORMAC MCCARTHY

TREVOR BLAKE AUTHOR
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
UNDERSTANDING COMICS
SCOTT MCCLOUD FRANK HERBERT
AUTHOR
THE UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
WILLIAM LIDWELL PHILIP K. DICK
AUTHOR
THE WAR OF ART (RECOMMENDED 2x)
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
(RECOMMENDED 5x) WILLIAM GIBSON
AUTHOR
WAYS OF SEEING
JOHN BERGER
---------------------------------------------- THE FLYING MAN

RECOMMENDED FILMS: GEORGE DUNNING

---------------------------------------------- GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995)

MAMORU OSHII
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
HAPPY
STANLEY KUBRICK
STEFAN SAGMEISTER + BEN NABORS +
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
HILLMAN CURTIS
AKIRA
INCEPTION
KATSUHIRO OTOMO
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN
ALICE
INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE
JAN ŠVANKMAJER
JAMES SWIRSKY AND LISANNE PAJOT
BACK TO THE FUTURE
INTERSTELLAR
ROBERT ZEMECKIS
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN
(RECOMMENDED 2x)

THE IRON GIANT

BLADERUNNER
BRAD BIRD
RIDLEY SCOTT
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
(RECOMMENDED 3x)

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI

COSMOS: A PERSONAL VOYAGE
DAVID GELB
CARL SAGAN

THE LAST UNICORN

THE DARK CRYSTAL
ARTHUR RANKIN, JR. + JULES BASS
JIM HENSON & FRANK OZ

THE MATRIX
FANTASIA
LILLY & LANA WACHOWSKI
DISNEY
(RECOMMENDED 3x)
FEAST
MOTHLIGHT
PATRICK OSBORNE
STAN BRAKHAGE
FIGHTCLUB
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
DAVID FINCHER
HAYAO MIYAZAKI
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER STRANGER THAN FICTION
CHARLES LAUGHTON MARC FORSTER
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
PAPERMAN
JOHN KAHRS SUPERMAN (1978)
RICHARD DONNER
THE PRESTIGE
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN THE TWILIGHT ZONE
TV SERIES
PRINCESS MONONOKE
HAYAO MIYAZAKI THE WIZARD OF OZ
VICTOR FLEMING
PULP FICTION
QUENTIN TARANTINO YELLOW SUBMARINE
GEORGE DUNNING
RUBICON (1997) (RECOMMENDED 2x)
GIL ALKABETZ
--------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD
EDGAR WRIGHT RECOMMENDED DIRECTORS:
--------------------------------------------------------
SESAME STREET
PBS
(RECOMMENDED 3x) ALFRED HITCHCOCK
DIRECTOR
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
DAVID FINCHER BRIAN DE PALMA
DIRECTOR
SOMETHING LEFT, SOMETHING TAKEN
RU KUWAHATA + MAX PORTER CHUCK JONES
DIRECTOR + ILLUSTRATOR
SONG OF THE SEA
TOMM MOORE DAVID LYNCH
DIRECTOR
SPIRITED AWAY (RECOMMENDED 2x)
HAYAO MIYAZAKI
FRITZ LANG
STAR WARS DIRECTOR
GEORGE LUCAS
(RECOMMENDED 2x) HAYAO MIYAZAKI
DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR NORMAN MCLAREN
(RECOMMENDED 2x) DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR

JOHN CARPENTER OSKAR FISCHINGER

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR

JOHN HUGHES RIDLEY SCOTT

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
STANLEY KUBRICK
KATSUHIRO OTOMO DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR + ARTIST

250
STEVEN KATZ BARTON DAMER
DIRECTOR MOTION DESIGN + DIGITAL ARTIST
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
STEVEN SPIELBERG
DIRECTOR BEE GRANDINETTI
(RECOMMENDED 2x) ANIMATOR + ILLUSTRATOR + DESIGNER
----------------------------------------- (RECOMMENDED 2x)

RECOMMENDED BEEPLE
ARTISTS + STUDIOS: EVERYDAY CHAMPION + MOTION DESIGNER
----------------------------------------- (RECOMMENDED 2x)

ADAM FEINBERG BENJY BROOKE

FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR + ILLUSTRATOR

AGRESSIVE BUCK
DIVERSE DISCIPLINED CREATIVE STUDIO WORLD-FAMOUS PRODUCTION COMPANY
(RECOMMENDED 6x)
ALEX KONSTAD
CONCEPT ARTIST + ILLUSTRATOR CARAVAGGIO
16TH-CENTURY ITALIAN PAINTER
ALLEN LASETER
DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR + ILLUSTRATOR CASPAR DAVID FRIEDRICH
19TH-CENTURY LANDSCAPE PAINTER
ANIMADE
LONDON-BASED ANIMATION STUDIO CHARLES AND RAY EAMES
(RECOMMENDED 5x) MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGNERS

ARIEL COSTA CHARLES HUETTNER

ANIMATION DIRECTOR FILM DIRECTOR

ARINA SHABANOVA CLAUDIO SALAS

ILLUSTRATOR + ANIMATOR ANIMATOR + DESIGNER

ASH THORP CORRIDOR DIGITAL

DIRECTOR + ILLUSTRATOR + VFX STUDIO + YOUTUBE SENSATION
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
DISNEY STUDIO IN DETROIT
ANIMATION STUDIO (RECOMMENDED 9x)
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
HENCHMEN STUDIOS
ELASTIC 3D MOTION DESIGN COLLECTIVE
FULL-SERVICE DESIGN STUDIO
HIDEO HOJIMA
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
JAPANESE VIDEO GAME DESIGNER
EUGENIO BENVENUTI
IAN SPRIGGS
ITALLIAN PAINTER
3D ARTIST
FOAM
IRENE FELEO
TREND LAB & BRAND IMAGE CONSULTANCY
ILLUSTRATOR + ANIMATOR
FREDDIE WONG
JAMES JEAN
FILMMAKER + VFX ARTIST
VISUAL ARTIST
THE FUTUR
JEFFREY SMART
ONLINE GRAPHIC DESIGN EDUCATION
URBAN PAINTER
FUTURE DELUXE
JINGNA ZHANG
EXPERIMENTAL CREATIVE STUDIO
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER
GIANT ANT
JOEL PLOSZ
MOTION DESIGN STUDIO
MOTION DESIGN + ANIMATOR
(RECOMMENDED 4x)

JOSEF BSHARAH
GMUNK
3D ARTIST
VISUAL + DESIGN DIRECTOR
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
JR. CANEST
ANIMATOR + CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GOLDEN WOLF
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
ANIMATION PRODUCTION COMPANY
(RECOMMENDED 4x)
KORB
BOUTIQUE VFX + DESIGN STUDIO
GUNNER
ANIMATION + ILLUSTRATION
LAIKA ODDFELLOWS
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION STUDIO DESIGN + ANIMATION STUDIO
(RECOMMENDED 3x)
THE LINE
ANIMATION STUDIO OLAFUR ELIASON
(RECOMMENDED 2x) DANISH-ICELANDIC SCULPTURE ARTIST

MAN VS. MACHINE PERCEPTION

MULTIDIMENSIONAL CREATIVE STUDIO FUTURISTIC HUD DESIGN COMPANY
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
PHIL BORST
MARION BORDEYNE ANIMATOR + FILMMAKER
ILLUSTRATOR + VISUAL DEVELOPMENT ARTIST
PHILIPPE WEISBECKER
MK12 AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR
PIONEERING CREATIVE AGENCY
POSTPANIC
THE MOTH COLLECTIVE FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY
ANIMATION STUDIO
(RECOMMENDED 3x) RAF GRASSETTI
ART DIRECTOR
NAOMI BENSEN
ANIMATOR + DESIGNER RAOUL MARKS
ANIMATOR + COMPOSITOR
NEIL KELLERHOUSE
MOVIE POSTER DESIGNER REECE PARKER
ART DIRECTOR + ANIMATOR + ILLUSTRATOR
NICE SHIT STUDIO
DESIGN + ANIMATION STUDIO ROMAIN LOUBERSANES
ANIMATOR + DESIGNER
NÖBL
ART DIRECTION + DESIGN STUDIO SAIMAN CHOW
SURREALIST ILLUSTRATOR + DESIGNER
NOT TO SCALE
FILM + ANIMATION PRODUCTION COMPANY SARAH BETH MORGAN
DESIGNER + ANIMATOR
SAUL BASS TUNA BORA
GODFATHER OF MODERN GRAPHIC DSEIGN VISUAL DEVELOPMENT ARTIST

SAVA ZIVKOVIC TYLER MORGAN

DIRECTOR + CG ARTIST DESIGNER + ANIMATOR

SHYNOLA WORSHIP
VFX ARTIST COLLECTIVE MOTION + DESIGN STUDIO

SIKANI SOLOMON YELLOW LAB

3D MOTION DESIGNER + TUTORIALIST MEDIA + DESIGN STUDIO

SIMON TIBBS YURI SHWEDOFF

MOTION DESIGNER + ANIMATOR 3D ARTIST + DESIGNER

STUDIO GHIBLI YUGEN BLAKE

JAPANESE ANIMATION STUDIO ART + DESIGN DIRECTOR

STUDIO TRIGGER ZEITGUISED

JAPANESE ANIMATION STUDIO EXPERIMENTAL 3D STORYTELLING COLLECTIVE
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
TANG YAU HOONG
ARTIST + ILLUSTRATOR + GRAPHIC DESIGNER
-------------------------------------------------------
TENDRIL RECOMMENDED PROJECTS:
MOTION DESIGN STUDIO -------------------------------------------------------

TERRITORY STUDIOS
MOTION DESIGN + VFX STUDIO 007 'SKYFALL' TITLE SEQUENCE
RATTLING STICK
TIMY INVENTIONS
ANIMATION STUDIO 2017 AMP AWARDS
BUCK
TONY ZAGORAIOS
MOTION DESIGN DIRECTOR A-HA'S 'TAKE ON ME' MUSIC VIDEO
STEVE BARRON
TOROS KÖSE
ART DIRECTOR + DESIGNER + ANIMATOR
AA 'DOORS' FORMS IN NATURE
BUCK CHROMOSPHERE
(RECOMMENDED 3x)
ADAM GAULT'S 2007 DEMO REEL
ADAM GAULT THE GAME OF THRONES TITLES
ELASTIC
ADOBE LIVE - GETTING STARTED
ODDFELLOWS THE GIRL WITH THE
DRAGON TATTOO TITLES
ADULT SWIM IDENTS
BLUR
SIMON CHOW
GOODBOOKS 'METAMORPHOSIS'
BBC STATION IDENTS (1990S)
BUCK
VARIOUS
(RECOMMENDED 9x)

THE BLEND IS NEAR

THE ILLUSION OF LIFE
ODDFELLOWS
CENTO LODIGIANI

BOX
IMAC PRO
BOT & DOLLY
BUCK

BURT'S BEES 'UNCAP FLAVOR'

INTERPRETER'S HOUSE
BRAND NEW SCHOOL
JORGE ROLANDO CANEDO ESTRADA

CICLOPE
INTRA - FROM A BLACK
THE LINE
HOLE TO THE BIG BANG
CNN GREEN THOMAS VANZ
JORGE ROLANDO CANEDO ESTRADA
JANE BORDEAUX 'MA'AGALIM'
FITC TOKYO 2015 TITLES URI LOTAN
ASH THORP
JUNE
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
CHROMOSPHERE
FIX FLORIDA
KELOID
GIANT ANT
BIG LAZY ROBOT CREW
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
LAST WEEK TONIGHT TITLES SEMI-PERMANENT 2015 TITLES
TROLLBÄCK+COMPANY RAOUL MARKS
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
THE LEISURE SOCIETY
'FIGHT FOR EVERYONE' SHAPESHIFTER
PERSISTENT PERIL CHARLEX

LOVE & THEFT SPACE EXPLORERS

FILMBUILDER GUNNER

THE LOVE SPORT SERIES SPECTACLE OF THE REAL

GRANT ORCHARD BUCK
(RECOMMENDED 4x)
MTV BUMPERS
VARIOUS STYLEFRAMES NYC
TENDRIL
MTV: VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (2009)
ILYA V. ABULKHANOV SUPERNAIVE 'OPAL WALTZ'
VINCENT TSUI
MY MOTHER'S COAT
MARIE-MARGAUX TSAKIRI-SCANATOVITS SWEATER PORN
MK12
NINE IN NAILS 'CLOSER' MUSIC VIDEO
MARK ROMANEK TEND
ANIMADE
NINE INCH NAIL’S ‘ONLY’ MUSIC VIDEO
DAVID FINCHER THE THIRD & THE SEVENTH
ALEX ROMAN
ONWARD INTERNET (RECOMMENDED 4x)
BUCK
TRUE DETECTIVES TITLE SEQUENCE
ROCKNROLLA TITLES ELASTIC
DANNY YOUNT
THE WALL-E END CREDIT SEQUENCE
SCAVENGERS DISNEY
JOSEPH BENNETT
WEDNESDAY WITH GODDARD
NICOLAS MÉNARD
WESTWORLD BRUSHBOX
ELASTIC BRUSH PRESET MANAGER FOR PHOTOSHOP

THE WESTWORLD OPENING TITLES BULLET JOURNAL

ELASTIC PHYSICAL NOTES ORGANIZATION TOOL
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
CADMAPPER
THE WISDOM OF PESSIMISM ONLINE CITY MAPS
CLAUDIO SALAS
CHINA MARKER (GREASE PENCIL)
ZKO ROLLERCOASTER A SIMPLE WAX DRAWING DEVICE
'GREAT EMOTIONS'
CINTIQ
VIRTUAL REPUBLIC
INTERACTIVE PEN DISPLAY

------------------------------------------------ CLOCK OR ALARM

RECOMMENDED TOOLS: PROJECT AND LIFE MANAGMENT

------------------------------------------------
COLORNOTE
NOTETAKING APP
ANIMBOT FOR MAYA
COOLORUS
POWERFUL TOOLSET IN MAYA
COLOR PICKING PLUGIN FOR PHOTOSHOP
ANIMDESSIN2
CRYPTOMATTE
DRAWING PANEL FOR ANIMATION
IN PHOTOSHOP COMPOSITING TOOL FOR NUKE

ASANA DAY ONE

ONLINE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM DIGITAL JOURNAL APP

BOORDS DISCORD

ONLINE MOODBOARD CREATION TOOL VOICE & TEXT CHAT

(RECOMMENDED 2x)
DISTRACTION FREE WRITING

BOSE QC35'S APPLICATIONS

NOISE CANCELLING FOR FOCUSED PRODUCTIVITY
HEADPHONES FOR FOCUS
DRAGON FRAME
STOP MOTION ANIMATION TOOL
DROPBOX GOOGLE DOCS
ONLINE FILE MANAGEMENT SERVICE COLLABORATIVE ONLINE WORD
(RECOMMENDED 4x) PROCCESSOR TOOL
(RECOMMENDED 2x)
DROPBOX PAPER
ONLINE DOCUMENT COLLABORATION TOOL GOOGLE SLIDES
ONLINE PRESENTATION TOOL
DUIK BASSEL
ANIMATION TOOL FOR AFTER EFFECTS GOOGLE SPREADSHEETS
ONLINE SPREADSHEET
E-READER COLLABORATION TOOL
DISTRACTION FREE READING TOOL (RECOMMENDED 4x)

EVERNOTE HEJ STYLUS

IDEA ORGANIZATION APP STROKE SMOOTHING TOOL FOR MACOS
(RECOMMENDED 3x)
INSTAGRAM
EXPLODE SHAPE LAYERS IMAGE + VIDEO INSPIRATION PLATFORM
VECTOR SPLITTING TOOL FOR AFTER EFFECTS (RECOMMENDED 2x)

FOAMCORE + PUSHPINS IPHONE CAMERA

PHYSICAL INSPIRATION EXPOSURE TESTS FOR FILMMING
ORGANIZATION TOOL
MAILTRACK
FRAME-BY-FRAME VIMEO TRICK EMAIL TRACKING TOOL
SHIFT + ARROWS WHEN BROWSING VIMEO
MEDITATION
FRAME.IO CLEAR YOUR HEAD
CREATIVE REVIEW PLATFORM
(RECOMMENDED 3x) MINDNODE
VISUAL BRAINSTORMING APP
FUSION 360 (RECOMMENDED 2x)
CLOUD-BASED 3D CAD TOOL
A MIRROR
GAMING MOUSEPAD CHARACTER ANIMATION REFERENCE
MULTI-PURPOSE WORK SURFACE
MOL3D
GOAL DIGGER PLANNER SIMPLIFIED 3D MODELING APPLICATION
PHYSICAL GOAL/TASK PLANNER
MOTION 2 TRAPCODE PARTICULAR
AFTER EFFECTS AUTOMATION TOOL 3D PARTICLE SYSTEM FOR AFTER EFFECTS

NOTION TRELLO
DOCUMENT CONSOLIDATION PLATFORM PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL

PHOTOSHOP TWITTER
PHOTO, IMAGE, & DESIGN EDITING APP SHORT-FORM ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA
AND INSPIRATION
PINTERSET (RECOMMENDED 2x)
ONLINE INSPIRATION PLATFORM
WAVE
POST-IT NOTES SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
QUICK REFERENCE TOOL
(RECOMMENDED 2x) A WHITE BOARD
PHYSICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL
PUREREF (RECOMMENDED 2x)
IMAGE REFERENCE VIEWING TOOL
YOU WORK FOR THEM
SIP ONLINE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE
COLOR PICKING APP

SKETCHBOOK
SIMPLE CREATIVITY TOOL
(RECOMMENDED 7x)

SLACK
TEAM COLLABORATION TOOL
(RECOMMENDED 2x)

TEXTEXPANDER
SNIPPET ORGANIZATION AND
COLLABORATION TOOL

THINGS3
AWARD-WINNING PROJECT TASK MANAGER