Motion Graphics & Animation Pro Career Path

Understanding movement, animation principles, and the motion graphics workflow.

The Principles of Motion: Squash & stretch, timing, easing, anticipation, follow-through

• Understanding timing and spacing in motion
• Applying animation principles to simple objects
• Creating a bouncing ball animation

Composition & Design for Animation: Typography, color, and layout in motion

• Introduction to motion design aesthetics
• Working with typography animation
• Creating engaging visual compositions

Introduction to After Effects: Navigating UI, setting up projects, and animation basics

• Understanding the After Effects interface
• Setting up a new project and workspace
• Importing and organizing assets

Keyframe Animation Techniques: Timing, easing, and smooth transitions

• Working with keyframes and the timeline
• Exploring easing methods for smooth motion
• Animating simple elements with keyframes

Simple Motion Projects: Creating an animated sequence using essential principles

• Developing a basic motion design project
• Applying learned principles to a short animation

Mastering keyframe animation, motion paths, and transitions.

Keyframe Mastery: Interpolation, motion paths, and advanced easing

• Exploring keyframe interpolation techniques
• Using the graph editor for precise animation control
• Mastering motion paths and trajectory animation

Working with Layers & Pre-Compositions: Organizing complex animations

• Understanding layer hierarchy and organization
• Using pre-compositions for workflow efficiency
• Animating nested compositions

Shape Layer Animation: Morphing, stroke effects, and path animations

• Creating and animating shape layers
• Morphing objects smoothly
• Applying stroke effects and trim paths

Motion Graphics Transitions & Effects: Blending modes, motion blur, glows, and camera work

• Designing seamless transitions
• Adding motion blur and blending modes for realism
• Using cameras for dynamic perspectives

Introduction to Expressions: Automating animations with code

• Understanding expressions in After Effects
• Using basic math-based expressions
• Creating looping animations

Project: Creating a dynamic motion graphics sequence

• Combining techniques into a polished animation

Creating compelling narratives and character-driven animations.

Storyboarding & Animatics: Planning animations with sketches and timing

• Understanding visual storytelling
• Creating storyboards and animatics
• Structuring a narrative for animation

Character Rigging & Animation: Using Puppet Pin Tool, DUIK, and After Effects tools

• Rigging characters for animation
• Creating walk cycles and natural motion
• Using DUIK for advanced rigging

Animating Emotions & Expressions: Creating natural movement

• Animating facial expressions
• Lip-syncing techniques
• Conveying emotion through movement

Scene Transitions & Camera Work: Cinematic storytelling techniques

• Creating smooth scene transitions
• Using cameras to enhance storytelling
• Simulating depth with parallax animation

Compositing & Special Effects: Integrating multiple elements into a polished animation

• Applying effects for a cinematic look
• Compositing scenes with multiple elements
• Finalizing a polished character animation

Project: Creating a character animation with expressive storytelling

Introducing depth and realism to motion graphics.

Introduction to 3D Animation in After Effects: Working with 3D layers, cameras, and lights

• Understanding 3D space in After Effects
• Animating in 3D with layers and depth
• Using lights and shadows effectively

Extruding Text & Shapes: Creating and animating 3D elements

• Adding depth to text and shapes
• Animating extruded elements
• Applying materials and reflections

Cinema 4D Lite Basics: 3D modeling, object manipulation, and rendering

• Navigating Cinema 4D Lite
• Creating and animating basic 3D models
• Rendering and exporting 3D assets

Hybrid Motion Graphics: Integrating 2D and 3D animation techniques

• Combining After Effects with Cinema 4D Lite
• Creating hybrid 2D-3D animation sequences
• Enhancing 3D animations with After Effects effects

Project: Creating a 3D motion graphics animation

Enhancing motion graphics with video editing and sound design.

Editing Workflow in Premiere Pro: Organizing and assembling motion graphics projects

• Importing motion graphics into Premiere Pro
• Editing clips and arranging the timeline
• Using transitions and effects

Syncing Motion with Audio: Working with music, voiceovers, and sound effects

• Audio editing basics
• Syncing sound effects with animation
• Enhancing motion with music and beats

Color Correction & Effects: Enhancing visuals with grading and filters

• Adjusting color and contrast
• Creating a cinematic color grade
• Applying effects for final polish

Rendering & Exporting: Preparing animations for different platforms

• Understanding different file formats
• Optimizing for web and social media
• Best practices for exporting high-quality files

Project: Editing a full motion graphics sequence with sound and effects