Are motion designers in demand?

The Widening Impact of the Motion Design Industry

By Micah Bowers

Motion design, a unique blend of graphic design, animation, illustration, filmmaking, 3D technology, and digital product design, has become increasingly relevant in today's digital landscape. In this article, we'll explore the impact of motion design on business, its versatility, and why motion designers are in high demand.

What Is Motion Design?

Motion design encompasses a wide range of creative disciplines, making it a versatile problem-solving mechanism. Whether it's creating user interfaces for Ford's F-150 screens, designing Emmy Award-winning title sequences at Imaginary Forces, or working on medical visualizations, motion designers play a crucial role in various industries.

Impact on Business

1. UX Design and Brand Communication: Screens are omnipresent and interactive. Motion graphics and animation are key aspects of user experience (UX) design and brand communication. They enhance engagement and convey information effectively.

2. Unexpected Industries: Motion design impacts industries beyond entertainment. For example:

   • Agriculture: Animated videos have increased the adoption of agricultural techniques among farmers affected by poverty and low literacy rates.
   • Construction and Air Transportation: Animated simulations make training exercises safer in high-risk fields.
   • Recruitment: McKinsey & Company uses animation within a gamified environment to assess candidates' problem-solving skills.

3. In-House Teams: Large organizations now have in-house motion design teams. These teams create consistent brand experiences across digital products, social media, and marketing campaigns.

Why Are Motion Designers in Demand?

1. Versatility: Motion designers understand how different design fields relate to each other. Their broad skill set allows them to tackle diverse challenges.

2. Real-World Examples:

   • A graduate from Ringling College's Motion Design program heads DesignOps at Robinhood.
   • Another researcher focuses on artificial intelligence at Microsoft.
   • Several alumni work as art directors, producers, and production managers[^1^].

In conclusion, motion designers play a vital role in shaping our digital experiences. As businesses continue to embrace animation and interactive design, the demand for skilled motion designers will only grow.

---

References:

1. The Widening Impact of the Motion Design Industry | Toptal®
2. Are Motion Graphic Designers in Demand? – Blue Sky Graphics
3. In-Demand Design Careers: Top 10 Job Titles for 2024 – CareerFoundry
4. How To Become a Motion Designer (+ What You’ll Likely Do) – Springboard