Portfolio Tips for Motion Graphics MA

MA in Motion Graphics - Portfolio Tips

Thinking of applying for our new MA in Motion Graphics?  One of the most common questions we get asked by prospective students is: What should go into my portfolio? The short answer is - a bit of everything: design, drawings, painting, life drawing, sketches, scribbles, 3D digital artwork - ideally uploaded to your own website or blog.  

In particular, we're looking for a good sense of design and visual composition.

Tom Box from Blue Zoo at Annecy film festival 2019

You Don't Need to Be a Pro

You don’t necessarily need to have produced motion design before, but you should demonstrate a knowledge or interest in the subject.  Knowledge of, or interest in any of the following is also a plus:

Storytelling. Narrative. Filmmaking. Branding. Marketing. Audio design. 

Computer Skills

Most, but not all work will be produced on computer, so it’s essential that you have a good level of familiarity with computers and computer software. Motion Graphics is a blend of art and technology. 

Art Skills

The strongest motion designers have skills adjacent to design, such as drawing and/or painting. These are disciplines which feed into motion graphics and will elevate your work. Even basic drawing skills are a plus. Many designers find it useful to create small rough drawings or "thumbnail sketches" to plan their work.  

Design & Technology

At the Annecy film festival a few years back, Tom Box from Blue Zoo Animation (above) put it best of all when he explained how Blue Zoo look for artists with "a blend of techy skills and visual skills".

Motion Graphics Software

The principle software we use for Motion Graphics is Adobe After Effects and - for 3D work - Cinema 4D. You can get a 30 Day Trial copy of After Effects here.  And you can find a 14 day trial of Cinema 4D here. Try doing a few simple tutorials to see how you get on. 

Gesture drawing

Online portfolio

The best kind of portfolio is a website or blog showcasing your work.  Check out our post here on how to create a free blog and/or website, and start uploading your work today.  It's never too early to have your own online showcase, and it's completely free to build a blog at Blogger (you only need a Gmail account to get started) or build a website at wix.com.  You can also upload your work to Tumbler or Artstation.

Motion Graphics at Escape Studios

To see more about Motion Graphics at Escape Studios, follow the links below:

• Five Animation Tips in Motion Graphics with Adam Bennett
• Free Motion Graphics Tutorials at YouTube with Adam Bennett
• MoGraph MA Starts September 2024
• Meet Your MoGraph Tutors: Ed Brown
• Meet Your MoGraph Tutors: Adam Bennett
• Motion Graphics Student Demo Reel
• Motion Graphics Success Story: Daniel Amor MoGraph Animator at NBC
• MASH Tutorials by Haydn Roff
• Framestore Explains the Making of Skyfall Motion Graphics

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To apply for one of our courses, follow this link.