Pages

Sunday, 30 November 2014

2D or Not 2D, The Disney Feature Animation Legacy.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has casually announced that Disney Animation Studios has no 2D animated feature films currently in development. The news has left many artists and mouseketeers wondering what this could mean for the beloved animation company with its 2D feature legacy.
dzsnmcK
Lets take a look at the background. Walt Disney moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s to create live-action feature films with actors, scripts and high production values. It was by circumstance that he found himself setting up an animation studio, though he considered himself a business man and filmmaker, not an animator. He hired others who could animate for him, some of whom became affectionately known as the ‘nine old men’.


He then directed the first Hollywood animated feature film, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, setting a precedent for future animation. Walt died leaving behind a huge legacy, having created the company that started with simple, soundless black and white shorts and finished with full-colour animated feature films. The Disney name became synonymous with 2D, handcrafted ‘magic’.

schneider_disney_katzenbergAfter Walt’s death, filling his shoes and keeping his legacy alive proved a daunting task. The animation department declined once the ‘nine old men’ each went into retirement.  New Disney talent struggled to fill the void against the corporate side of Disney, which had became disillusioned with animation; The future was live-action and animation had many ups and downs. The years of stagnation ultimately peaked with the release of The Black Cauldron which failed to live up to the standards of yesteryear, and people began to question the need for Disney feature Animation.

Michael Eisner, Frank Wells and Jeffrey Katzenberg were brought into the ailing company by Roy Disney in 1984 (to replace Walt’s replacement Ron Miller) and formed the much needed Dream Team; they collectively became what ‘Walt Disney’ was. It was Roy Disney and Jeffrey Katzenberg who decided to stick with Walt’s animation, keeping the art alive with his literal vision; good storytelling with solid characters, drawn by artists eager to get the job done. Pushed hard to release a high-quality film each year, artists and animators succeeded under their new supervision and Disney enjoyed a renaissance between 1988 and 1995.
67470_1609901603057_1101744569_1739173_4796990_nFollowing the untimely death of Frank wells, however, a split in management forced Jeffrey Katzenberg to leave and Dreamworks was born. Critically speaking, Pocahontas, Mulan, Hunchback and Hercules didn’t live up to the high standards set by previous features such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. But why not? The films still followed a proven formula and Disney had more money than ever before.


In the early 2000s, Disney became rattled by the money studios like Blue Sky, Pixar and Dreamworks were making above them. Disney flooded its brand, releasing straight-to-video sequels in an attempt to solidify its kingly status.

In March 2002, Disney fired their 2D feature animation staff whom they had shared success with 10 years prior. Disney Studios didn’t renew its distribution deal with Pixar either, instead they boasted about their new CG department and released Chicken Little and Meet the Robinsons. Their plan didn’t exactly work and Disney ended up purchasing Pixar for $7.4 billion almost as if it was their plan B all along. Pixar’s top Director John Lasseter took over as chief creative officer for Disney, hiring all the 2D animators back and
helping set Disney on the right path again. Michael Eisner left and The Disney legacy became 2D hand-crafted animation again.

But is 2D really Walt Disney’s Legacy?
 Wreck-It-Ralph-wallpapers-4
In 2012, Wreck-it-Ralph was released and it was a fun movie. Not just funny, but a FUN movie; it captivated the audience with playful art and imagery, stunning design and a charming story. Sound familiar? Well it’s the formula that Walt Disney established all those years ago. It’s what Pixar was inspired to follow and Dreamworks, LAIKA, Aardman and Blue Sky all emulate. A good story inspires good concepts, good art, which equates to a good movie. As the credits proved, Wreck-it-Ralph would have been just as good in 2D as it was in CG. Every animation lecturer will tell you “Good storytelling makes a film, no matter what the medium”.

2D animation certainly isn’t dead with Bob Iger’s announcement, just not in production. Recent features The Princess and the Frog and Winnie the Pooh were both critically acclaimed by reviewers and audiences, but they didn’t make the same money as Bolt or Tangled. This can be put down to the times; 2D is traditional, loved by audiences for its familiarity but with the novelty of technology, larger audiences seem more curious to see how far CG is developing than how 2D is faring after 75 years.  Audiences want developed visuals every time they go to the cinema. There is still scope for 2D to develop, it can offer just as many interesting visuals as any medium.

A feature film that uses the same CG technique as the Oscar winning short Paperman hasn’t been announced, but it would certainly please an audience. Paperman really did something new and beautiful; and not just with style, it played on the principles that Disney established; beautiful visuals, charming stories and the often-quoted “Disney magic!”
MEg-Paperman
We sympathise with traditionalists who had hoped Disney would shift focus back to 2D, leaving CG digital animation in the safe hands of Pixar, but if anything it has taken much needed pressure off Disney’s shoulders. All Disney needs to do now is release a film once in a while, a good film, a fun film, to prove they’ve still ‘got it’. After a few years of pioneering, giving the paper and pencil a needed break, maybe they will find a story that will suit the traditional medium again.

Disney is not planning any more 2D hand-drawn feature animation for now, focusing instead on its many arms of global entertainment. This gives the audience a gap of at least five years for the chance to see another traditionally drawn Disney film. But the positives should be clear; Walt the business man would be happy, Walt the filmmaker would be happy and, finally, Walt the pioneer would be very happy.

As for the artists at Walt Disney Studios, I hope they are happy; it’s not like CG is any easier.

Article Source....

Thursday, 27 November 2014

10 Steps to Choosing the Best 3D Animation - Video Production Studio For Your Project

Here is a 10-point checklist to help you choose the best 3D Animation and Video production company for your project. It ceases to be a tricky risky decision when you know what to look for and when you are armed with just the right questions.

1. Size does matter

To do justice to your budget it is important to pick the right type and size of 3D animation or video production company. So just what is out there?

Option A:
Large production companies thrive on luxurious budgets and big ongoing projects. They work with expensive resources and a big staff and all that comes with just as big overhead costs. Great for big extensive 3D animation or video projects. Certainly not suitable for small or medium sized budgets.

Option B:
Medium sized production houses are more nimble, dexterous and willing. They may also be competitive on the price factor as they are compelled to remain lean. They cut costs by 'not' owning big studios or employing teams of people. Instead they may be a set of partners or a network of 3D animation and video professionals who get together as and when projects demand. The quality of their output purely depends on the quality of people in their network. So before taking your pick your challenge will be to find out more about them.

Option C:
Then we have the part-time individual professionals. These professionals can underbid everyone else across the 3D Animation and Video production industry. This is because they are usually already employed elsewhere and are looking to make some extra money in their free time. Depending on their individual talent, you may take them up to do part of the work such as create storyboards or write scripts. Their ability to comprehend corporate vision in its entirety or your marketing and creative strategies or execute entire pre-production, production and post are usually limited. And that will show in the quality of output.

2. Watch demo reels and compare


The one thing that you must look for and compare in any demo reel is the complexity and finesse of imagery. Demo reels usually show little else. If you need to further understand a production company's creativity, their story-telling abilities or their way of simplifying complex ideas for audiences, then watch one of their complete videos and pay attention to the story, script, voice, visuals and the overall effect. No matter what your specific subject matter is, a 3D Animation and video production company with a great looking show reel or portfolio should be able to deliver a great film, unless they specify that they cannot. Remember they are in the business of making the film. The only thing that changes with each project is the subject matter expert. The rest of the production process always remains the same.

3. Get team details


Ask upfront about who, how many and what profile of people will be working on your project. Their answer must assure you that your project is being given the adequate attention and involvement it needs. The number of professionals they choose to work on your project will depend entirely on the nature and scope of the project itself. For example a 3-minute 3D animation product demo, if made from scratch would need

1. A subject matter expert to take the brief from you.
2. Script writer
3. Illustrator to create storyboards
4. 3D modelers
5. Voice artists
6. Animation experts

For complex ideas or products such as medical devices, 3D animation production companies usually prefer to get a written script from the client. Which is not a bad idea at all as the project is clear when complex technical details come from the experts closest to the product. In this case lesser people are involved and the production cycle is shorter and tighter.

4. Have them walk through a past work project


This is the best way to know what work channel your project will go through. Even if the past project may be different in scope and subject matter, the general process of work will remain more or less the same. By going through their work process you will know what communication to expect from them and how cued-in will you be in the production process. Will they involve you every step of the way in an set approval process or will the final 3D animation video be delivered all at one go in the end. A been-there-done-that-this-way will help a great deal in understanding a 3D animation and video production company's approach to your project.

5. Ask for their work process document


Every decent sized 3D Animation and Video production company will have one. A work process document will specify the various steps they will take to produce your video. It may have details like agenda of initial meetings, at what stage will the storyboards be ready, approval processes etc. Go through it and see if it suits you and your team's work process for the project. Ask questions and suggest changes if any.

6. Look for frequent fresh ideas


How willing and open are they to experiment and try new things while discussing your project? Are they proactive even before getting the project? Do they instinctively generate ideas to make yours a better looking and more effective video? They may not have begun work on it but what you may look for is their attitude towards their work. If they are an excited bunch, they wont stop themselves from thinking about adding value right from the beginning.

7. Judge by speed and quality of response


A good way to predict the nature of things to come from a 3D Animation and video production company is the initial speed and quality of their responses. Quick replies usually mean they are in the habit of giving prompt service. Detailed, informative replies usually mean that they will not cut corners and will go that extra mile to make your project successful. It also means their internal processes are in place. This can't be called a foolproof method of prediction but is definitely a good indicator.

8. Production details and more details


Make sure the 3d animation or video production company keeps the production process transparent right from the beginning. There are ways to cut corners while making a 3D animation video as well as with video production. Make sure you have the details like the number of cameras to be used in the shoot, number of people being involved and paid, (cameras can be manned or unmanned!) or quality of the 3d animation that matches a reference material of the past.
On the other hand, as transparency is a two way process, the project if not worked out in utmost detail might throw in surprises. More demands from the client in the middle of the production process may force the production company to cut corners. So it is best in both parties' interest that project details be worked out and understood in the most detailed way possible before work begins.

9. Compare price but only so much


As with shopping anywhere, it is always good to compare prices. It is good to know what's out there. It helps you protect your budget and get the best out of it. However, do keep in mind the old adage - one gets what one pays for. Some 3D animation production companies may seem to charge way more than others but they have good reason to. One look at their output and we all will know why. They will not compromise on the quality of their 3D animation videos no matter what. And producing 3D animation videos is an expensive, time-taking and tedious process. On the other hand some companies may send in inflated quotes while their output may not justify the price tag. This is where you need to be alert and apply all the points above to discern their ability to deliver a great product.

10. Your single point contact


3D animation or video production even if it is for education and training) at some level is a creative process. And so clear precise communication between you the client and the production team is of utmost importance.

The 3d animation and video production company may assign one or two people to work with you on a daily basis. One of them may be a subject matter expert if your project is complex enough to require one. It is important to know their profiles and establish a rapport with them. Know if it is going to be an account executive or the producer himself. In any case the person closest tot he producer will be the best bet. Know him well and you will be able to see your project through smoothly.

What is 2D Animation?

What Is 2D Animation?

2D animation creates movement in a two-dimensional artistic space. Work in the field of 2D animation requires both creativity and technological skills. Read on to learn about education and career information related to this artistic practice. Schools offering Animation degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

2D Animation Defined

2D animation focuses on creating characters, storyboards and backgrounds in two-dimensional environments. Often thought of as traditional animation, the figures can move up and down, left and right. They do not appear to move toward or away from the viewer, as they would in 3D animation. 2D animation uses bitmap and vector graphics to create and edit the animated images and is created using computers and software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Flash, After Effects and Encore. These animations may be used in advertisements, films, television shows, computer games or websites.

2D Animation Training

Students seeking to learn more about 2D animation could enroll in certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree programs related to animation. While some programs specifically in 2D animation do exist, classes in this topic can also be found in general animation, computer graphics or art programs. 2D animation programs often include both artistic and technical classes in topics such as:

  •     Character design
  •     Life drawing techniques
  •     Digital animation
  •     Digital video
  •     Stop motion animation
  •     Web animation

Additional courses may cover storyboards, acting and character development. Many programs also include a course where students can create a marketable portfolio.
Career Information

After completing an animation training program, you may be able to seek a job as an animator. An animator's job is to study scripts and get into the character's frame of mind to design a believable character. More specifically, 2D animators can:

Article Source...

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

3-D Animation in France

It has been said that four countries have provided leadership in 3-D computer animation: the United States, Japan, Canada and France. One could expand that list to include other countries, such as England; but in any case, France is certainly one of the leaders.

A Little Bit of History

Three-D computer animation is not new in France. Its history goes back to the 1960s and the experimental works of Peter Foldes at Service de recherche de l'ORTF, an experimental art/technology lab run by Pierre Schaeffer. (Its beginning, of course, actually dates back to the flight simulators used by the French Army, which are much the same as those that now run on personal computers.) Soon after, a firm called Sogitec emerged from this prehistoric period and eventually became the largest company of its kind in Europe, and is now known as Ex Machina.

At the time, more than 15 years ago, the computers being used were big, expensive and slow. The pictures Sogitec/Ex Machina generated were flat, ugly and expensive. Very few classically trained were interested in this new way of making films.

In the early 1980s, the French government gave a lot of money to spur the growth of this new industry and a film festival, Imagina, was set up to showcase 3-D pictures from all around the world.

Production companies, and especially post-production companies, began to buy equipment to produce 3-D pictures for TV commercials and advertising. They used, and still use today, a very complete software package called Explore, from Thomson Digital Image (a division of Thomson, a French company specializing in computer and hi-fi equipment). And when these companies could not find the right software to create the images they wanted, they wrote one themselves.

Today's Hardware and Software

As is customary elsewhere, a variety of software is used in France. A large percentage run on Silicon Graphic work stations, a platform that uses the old, but powerful Unix operating system. It is a very flexible platform, which allows each individual animator to customize his or her own setup with small, personalized programs. The amount of software that runs on UNIX is large and today even includes small applications written for personal computers. These work stations are often linked with PCs and Macintoshes, where one can prepare the "maps" (the textures you can see on the shapes of the 3-D objects). Frequently, several programs are used in making a single film: each one has its own niche, as an all-purpose software still doesn't exist.

The hardware and software used today are the same around the world. The main exception being the in-house software developed for internal use at various companies. For instance, MacGuffline has developed an excellent program to do morphing; Duran has a program that quickly integrates several layers of imagery, while Ex Machina has one that one can handle muscle distortion; K.O. Kid was made at Buff with software that creates an animation of a "3-D flat" character; etc., etc.

Who Works in 3-D?
Dino Island produced by Ex Machine for Iwerks Entertainment
© Iwerks Entertainment
Different kind of people work in 3-D: There are those who model the shape and volume of objects (an object can be anything you want-a character, an animal, furniture, etc.), others paint textures, animate and do the lighting.

For complicated shapes (like animals), artists start by sculpting the objects with plaster. Then, the object "appears" in the computer by inputting coordinates from a series of points drawn on the shape with a special pen linked to the computer.

Today, more and more traditionally trained animators are coming into 3-D animation. An increasing number of artists who create textures come from a traditional painting background. In other words, these two separate worlds are now becoming one. The war between the two universes (traditional/computer) is over.

Latest Techniques

There is a new way to animate, known as motion capture, which has been around for a few years. It's a kind of "rotoscoping" that involves shooting a real person in a special studio, with sensors attached to key points on the body (with some on the clothes or even the skin). The system provides a computer all a person's coordinates while he or she is moving, which can then be reproduced by the computer with great accuracy. The interesting thing, of course, is that you can change the character while keeping the movements intact; for instance, a realistic dancer can be turned into a cartoon one, while continuing to do the same dance.

Another interesting development, in the field of virtual reality, is being done at MediaLab. Every day, in France, you can see puppets being animated in real time on the Canal+ cable network. Two classical puppet animators wearing data gloves make the character act: one handles body movements, the other works on the face. Of course, this sort of technique needs a very powerful computer. More amazing, though, is that the system is used with an interactive TV game: the players, sitting at home, call in to indicate the route a pizza delivery man has to take through a city "built" just for the game, which is seen in 3-D, in real time.

MediaLab, as its name implies, is a kind of laboratory that specializes in TV production. In the field of virtual reality and real time 3-D animation, they probably have a two or three year lead over everybody else.

Another spectacular system was created by I.N.A. (Institute National de l'Audiovisuel). A background, a car, or any other solid object is photographed, with several graphic targets included on the field or the object itself. A computer then analyzes the movement with absolute accuracy and you can then change whatever you want. For instance, you can put a synthetic car in real landscape (like in a film made for Renault, the French automobile company), or you can do the exact opposite and create a 3-D landscape for a real car (used for advertising Italy's Lancia). I worked on these projects and I can assure you that the system is very impressive.

So, What About the Pictures?

Companies specializing in 3-D each have their own unique styles. If you want to generate a ride (dynamic cinema) the power of Ex Machina is the best. If you want to do special effects for 35mm theatrical films, Duran has the most experience (they just won a prize at Imagina for their work on La cite des enfants perdus - The city of the lost chidren).

The principal markets for these companies, which include both the domestic and international markets, are: advertising films (including TV commercials) done on videotape or 35mm film; the occasional industrial film; special effects for feature films; TV specials; and films used for theme park rides and exhibitions. Several studios work on video games, with the most important company in this area being Cryo.

In Europe, France's major competitors are Great Britain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland; other European countries have 3-D computer animation industries, but most highly developed are in the UK or France. It is to these two countries that European producers usually come to get to realize their projects.

Article Source...

Monday, 24 November 2014

Graphic Design Jobs and Careers

The scope of the graphic designer is far from narrow. Graphic design jobs cover all ends of the creative spectrum. We'll be taking a look at some of them below. Click on a graphic design job to learn more including what training is needed as well as salary information.

    Creative / Art Director

    Art directors, or creative directors are in charge of a creative team that produces artwork to be displayed in magazines, on television, on billboards, on the web, or on products. A creative team.... (Read More)

    Layout Artist

    A layout artist deals with the structure and layout out of images and text in a pleasing format for printed media. This can include... (Read More)

    Brand Identity Designer

    Brand identity design is concerned with the visual aspects of a company or organization’s brand or identity. A brand identity design is the visual element that represents.... (Read More)

    Logo Designer

    A logo is a sketched or graphically designed symbol, set in a specific typeface or font, and arranged in a unique way, with distinct colors, shapes, and designs to represent a company, product, organization, agency, or service.... (Read More)

    Illustrator

    Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations that represent an idea or a story through two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. Illustrators may do drawings for.... (Read More)

    Technical Illustrator

    Technical Illustrators conceptualize and create three-dimensional images, storyboard sketches, and moving illustrations for animated productions, television commercials, movies, computer games, or set and exhibit designs. Technical illustration primarily involves.... (Read More)

    Photo Editing / Photoshop Artist

    Photo editing, and new photo editing software like Photoshop has helped professional photographers and designers more easily bring their visions to life through advertisements, magazine layouts, billboards, logos, and just about every other multi-media medium.... (Read More)

    Multimedia Designer

    Jobs in multimedia design can be found in such career fields as television or film production, animation, audio production, and set design, as well as several other multimedia, and production design fields. Earning a.... (Read More)

    Photographer

    Photography is more than just capturing an image. Professional photographers need to learn how to use the camera and other photography equipment such as lights, film, lenses, filters, digital technology, as well as their own creative vision to produce images that communicate the desired.... (Read More)

    Prepress Technician

    Prepress involves a variety of tasks including checking proofs for errors and print clarity and correcting any mistakes, transforming text and pictures into finished pages, and making printing plates of the pages.... (Read More)

    Web Designer

    As a web designer, your work could be viewed by thousands of people everyday. Web designers create the pages, layout, and graphics for web pages, and play a key role in the development of a website. Web designers have the task of creating the.... (Read More)

All of these graphic design jobs require attention to detail, design sense, problem solving skills, and up to date knowledge of the latest software. The best way to land a graphic design job and enter into this exciting field is to get the right training at a graphic design school or college that offers a graphic design degree. While talent goes a long way, many employers won't even give you a chance if you don't have some sort of degree.

Article Source...

Sunday, 23 November 2014

Animation Career Information

A career in animation requires strong artistic skills and a solid familiarity with the latest in computer animation technologies. It also requires the ability to turn creative thoughts into compelling images, using them to effectively communicate an idea. Is this industry right for you? Could you become an animator?

There are a number of different career paths for animators. We often think of animators as the talented artists who create the cartoons we love, either for film or movies. Animators continue to work in these areas, but increasingly, many are employed creating animated graphics for a variety of projects.

This can include websites, online advertisements and video games. Animators can find full-time employment with movie or television production companies, with advertisers, web design firms, video game companies or with animation firms. Free lance work is another option for animators, particularly those specializing in web animation. Most entry-level positions will require an animator to have a bachelors degree in a related field such as fine arts or media. There are a number of Computer Animation Schools that offer course work specifically in computer animation and associated technologies. In addition, a strong portfolio of work which a training program can help you to develop is an essential part of landing a job in computer animation and becoming an animator. 

Video Game Animation:

The video game industry is just exploding right now, with no slowdown in sight. Nearly all games will need a team of animators to bring the games to life. Motion capture often is being used here as well as in movies to nail down convincing character animation. But there is still a lot of work involved obviously. This is where you could come in. : ) But this of course is one narrow example. Texture mapping, lighting effects, and other special effects are just as important to the success of a video games attempt to draw you in and immerse you. It might sound like many of the same elements in a feature film. That's because technology is closing in the gap, and the paying consumer demands more.

There is an obvious bridge between animation and video game design. This connection is often reflected in video game design programs and degrees that have strong elements of animation in their coursework.
Movie & Television Production:

The full spectrum of animation in these areas is quite large. Jobs may include character animation in the form of a cartoon, logo, special effect and more. In case you haven't noticed, 3D really has taken off in the realm of computer animation and animation in general .Movies such as Lord of the Rings, Finding Nemo, the latest Star Wars prequels are all relying extensively on 3D computer animation. What would have looked fake and rigid a mere 6-7 years ago now looks photo realistic and seamless for 3D rendering and animation. A program like Maya can spit out amazingly detailed and convincing characters like Gollum (seen below), Ring Wraiths, and an insane amount of fighting, screaming Orcs. Exciting techniques involving motion capture can really add to the realism of characters. It really is an exciting time to be in the industry. Texture mapping, lighting effects, collision detection and special effects also need to be covered.

TV also offers a fair amount of opportunity in computer animation. Commercials are littered with animated logos, cats that sing, and bottles that dance. : ) Local News always has an animator of some kind doing the logo fly in or that kind of thing. There are also TV movies, and obviously shows that rely on a computer artist to do some digital special effects. Some may start their animation career this way.

The Internet:

More and more, you are seeing animated advertisements dance across your screen as you're on the Internet. You go to a movie site or a band site, and you have a very good chance of seeing a flash animation. Much like other media industries, the Internet is expanding at a mind boggling rate. And with it comes new websites and advertisements that need a way to stand out. Static images don't always cut it, so why not get the attention of the viewer with animated characters or text?

An Outlook on the Computer Animation Industry

Salaried animators and multi-media artists (grouped together) are earning an average of about $44,000. In the video and motion picture industry the median salary is higher, at around $60,000. As with every career, the salaries animators earned varied greatly with their employer and their region.
Computer animation, like many creative fields, is fiercely competitive. As the web, the entertainment industry, and other multimedia outlets continue to grow, there continue to be opportunities for talented artists to work as animators. But you really need to get the proper training at a computer animation school or related program to be on that cutting edge that these employers seek. Not only do you get hands on training with the best equipment, but you also rub shoulders with those who know the industry well. This is just as important as the training itself.

If you are artistic, have an eye for detail, can meet tight deadlines, then maybe an animation career is what you have been waiting for. Do YOU have what it takes to become an animator?

Article Source....

Friday, 21 November 2014

Going with the Creative Flow: 3 Rules Every Motion Graphic Artist Should Live By

While static graphics are easy to scan and understand, motion graphics bring dynamism and give life into otherwise static content. This particular industry is growing, much like how the software it’s created with is becoming more accessible to everyone.

Everything from school projects, to TV commercials, to professional demo reels and portfolios, now contain great motion graphics. To help everyone out, we’ve listed some tips and rules that everyone should follow. These basics will be of great help whether you’re just jumping into the world of digital animation or are already trying to master your skills.

Always Follow Client Instructions

Even though this is more for freelancers and professionals, it’s still applicable to everyone.

Clients may not always be the easiest people to work with, but they’re the ones whose opinion matters. Clients often come to you with an idea and concept in mind, and it’s your job to give life to their idea in the best possible way.

While a little creative licence is allowed, it’s still best to know and follow what the client wants. This ensures revisions will not be needed and that you finish the project in a timely manner. It’s important to note, too, that while you need to follow their instructions, you are allowed to have creative input, especially when what they want doesn’t translate well in terms of motion graphics.

Have a Game Plan

Before firing up your After Effects, CINEMA 4D, Final Cut, or any other application, you have to have a game plan. This can be anything from a few notes from your brainstorming session with the client, a few sketches, or even a rough draft on a piece of tissue paper.

Creating any motion graphics project is a lot of work, and having a game plan will help keep you on track and make the whole project easier.

Don’t be Afraid to get Creative

Motion graphics and other digital animation pieces are all about letting your creative juices flow. As long as the client approves it, and/or it makes the work better, go ahead and include images and other elements to the project. Mastery of using animations, stock video clips, After Effects templates and the like should be part of your repertoire.

These and other tips are very valuable tools for everyone who is in the field of motion graphics.
If you’re ever in need of animations, stock video clips, templates and other similar elements to improve your craft, get in touch with us! We’ll be happy to provide you with digital elements that can inspire you and your work.

Article Source...