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What is a motion graphics artist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Kimberly Weast

A Motion Graphics Artist creates artwork for web, television, or film companies. Visual effects, animation, and other cinematic techniques are needed to bring life to creations. You may create video content, graphics, and animation for handheld electronic devices, web programs, video games or smartphones, and mobile platforms. You may be required to develop apps. To be a Motion Graphics Artist, you must have an interest or experience in art and or graphic design. You will need a creative graphic design skill set, like sketching, and know how to create several version of your art and edit it.

You need to be skilled at using constructive feedback to make changes as needed. You will need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, plus have strong technical skills and an ability to use Photoshop, Premiers Pro, 2D/3D animation, and other programs. You will also work with team members and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines are necessary. As a Motion Graphic Designer, you can make a median of $75,000 per year.

What general advice would you give to a motion graphics artist?

Kimberly WeastKimberly Weast LinkedIn profile

Fine Arts Department Chair Director of Theatre Arts Professor of Theatre, Northwestern Oklahoma State University

At this time, work on creating your work and presenting it - however you can. This is a prime opportunity to break molds that have been in place for many years. Work on building your webpage, Instagram, and improve your other social media presence. Still, practice your craft. Professionals are professionals because they practice and stay equipped.
ScoreMotion Graphics ArtistUS Average
Salary
5.2

Avg. Salary $67,079

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.64%

Asian 7.61%

Black or African American 4.32%

Hispanic or Latino 14.12%

Unknown 5.59%

White 67.74%

Gender

female 14.43%

male 85.57%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Motion graphics artist career paths

Key steps to become a motion graphics artist

  1. Explore motion graphics artist education requirements

    Most common motion graphics artist degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.2 %

    Associate

    11.7 %

    Master's

    7.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific motion graphics artist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Video Production16.23%
    Animation16.06%
    Cinema9.19%
    Adobe Creative Suite5.45%
    Premiere Pro3.87%
  3. Complete relevant motion graphics artist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New motion graphics artists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a motion graphics artist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real motion graphics artist resumes.
  4. Research motion graphics artist duties and responsibilities

    • Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
    • Work on VFX motion graphics project.
    • Design in-house graphics, VFX and animations for broadcast and internal marketing.
    • Generate custom compression for video material post on YouTube for game promotion.
  5. Prepare your motion graphics artist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your motion graphics artist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a motion graphics artist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable motion graphics artist resume templates

    Build a professional motion graphics artist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your motion graphics artist resume.
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
    Motion Graphics Artist Resume
  6. Apply for motion graphics artist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a motion graphics artist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first motion graphics artist job

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Average motion graphics artist salary

The average motion graphics artist salary in the United States is $67,079 per year or $32 per hour. Motion graphics artist salaries range between $43,000 and $103,000 per year.

Average motion graphics artist salary
$67,079 Yearly
$32.25 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do motion graphics artists rate their job?

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Motion graphics artist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

I get to do what I love

Cons

It’s hard work, it feels like you will not make it and you’re jumping from job to job sometimes every now and then but the goal is to not give up, everyone is more than capable of achieving the things they put their minds too. :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

However for today's living we need food so, as that motion graphics is a great way in which people regularly needs graphics for each and every purpose.

Cons

Technical Issues


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Painting Use of all mediums Creativity Shows


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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