Motion Designers: who they are, what they do and how to become one
Who they are and what they do
The Motion Designer is a professional who creates animated graphic content for digital and audiovisual communication. Their work consists of transforming images, text, illustrations, and other visual elements into moving sequences capable of conveying information, telling stories, and strengthening the identity of a brand, product, or service.
Through rhythm and visual storytelling, this professional develops impactful communication experiences, carefully designed and structured to capture attention and facilitate the understanding of content.
Motion graphics are now used in a wide range of contexts: from social media content to advertising campaigns, from corporate videos to digital platforms, as well as television, entertainment, and cultural communication.
Role and responsibility
The Motion Designer is involved in the various stages of developing a visual project, from defining the concept to the final production of animations.
Key activities include the design of storyboards, the creation of graphic animations, the processing of video content, and the integration of typographic, illustrative, and three-dimensional elements within animated sequences. In many cases, they are also responsible for motion branding, that is, the design of animated visual identities, contributing to the development of dynamic visual languages for companies, products, and services.
They often collaborate with Art Directors, Graphic Designers, Video Makers, Creative Directors, Copywriters, and digital communication professionals to translate ideas and communication strategies into dynamic and effective visual experiences.
Career
The Motion Designer may work in a variety of professional contexts, including communication agencies, design studios, audiovisual production companies, television broadcasters, corporations, start-ups, and organisations that develop digital content.
The growing dissemination of video content and digital platforms has expanded professional opportunities in areas such as advertising, social media, entertainment, digital publishing and corporate communication.
With experience, this career path may evolve towards roles with greater responsibility, such as Senior Motion Designer, Art Director, Creative Director, or Visual Designer specialised in audiovisual and interactive content.
Freelance work is also common, offering the opportunity to collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams on a range of different projects.
IED Open Days
We look forward to meeting you in person at our premises and online, to learn more about our teaching offerings, get to know our services and interact with coordinators, lecturers and students.
Skills and training
The profession of the Motion Designer requires a combination of conceptual, technical, and creative skills that enable the development of effective and coherent visual experiences in motion. In particular, this professional is expected to:
· Design visual systems and coherent graphic content through the principles of visual communication and graphic design.
· Animate graphic, typographic, and three-dimensional elements, managing movement, rhythm, and transitions.
· Construct effective visual narratives, translating concepts and information into dynamic and engaging content.
· Organise visual and compositional hierarchies, using colour, typography, and layout strategically.
· Use motion design and post-production software to produce professional animations and audiovisual content.
· Integrate graphics, video, and audio within complex multimedia projects.
These skills are complemented by aesthetic sensibility, the ability to synthesise visually, and a collaborative attitude—essential qualities for operating within contemporary digital communication processes.
How to become a Motion Designer
Becoming a Motion Designer requires training that integrates visual design, animation, and digital skills. It is important to acquire a solid foundation in graphic design and the languages of visual communication, while also developing familiarity with audiovisual production tools and processes.
Practical experience plays a central role: working on concrete projects allows one to understand how to construct effective visual narratives, manage movement, and transform concepts and information into impactful content.
A structured educational path also enables the development of a conscious design approach, capable of combining creativity, method, and knowledge of contemporary media.
Would you like to build your path as a Motion Designer?
Discover IED courses in the Visual Communication, Graphic, and Interactive Media areas, and develop the design skills needed to work in the field of visual, digital, and audiovisual communication.
Explore the topic further with courses such as Interactive Media Design, Interaction Design, and Communication and Creative Technologies, focused on the design of visual languages, digital content, animation, and contemporary communication systems.
Bachelor of Arts
To gain a solid foundation
Master of Arts and Master Programs
To gain further specialisation and learn advanced skills
Further education
To keep up-to-date and remain competitive on the job market
Summer Courses
To improve your professional skills over the summer
Discover some projects of the Visual Communication, Graphic e Interactive Media area students
