Whether on the movie set or in the computer lab, motion graphics professionals are the magicians of the technology world. They're special effects masters and Flash animation experts. And they're needed in virtually any industry that produces captivating imagery.
The Profession
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a moving picture is worth so much more. Motion graphics professionals create captivating imagery for entertainment and instruction. Be it movies on the big screen or video courses in a distance education program, these graphic designers are one part artist and one part technician. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers held about 261,000 jobs in 2006 in specialized design, advertising, printing, and publishing. Popular tools of the trade include Adobe, Macromedia Flash, Autodesk Combustion, and Final Cut Studio 2.
The Program
The key to being competitive in the motion graphics industry is formal training. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary colleges and universities with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in graphic design with a specialization in motion graphics. Continuing education, in the form of software-specific training modules, is also highly recommended. Students considering a career in this field should prepare with courses in computer operations and basic programming languages.
The Future
History shows that the technology industry is a fairly safe bet for job security and advancement opportunity. The motion graphics industry is no exception. Employment of motion graphics designers is expected to grow 10% over the next decade; about as fast as national average for all occupations. Advertisers, publishers, and computer design will lead the demand for professionals in the industry. Improvements to cell phones, PDAs, and handheld computers will offer new opportunities for motion graphics graduates to show their stuff.
Source(s)
BLS OOH
SimplyHired
