Design Specialties #3 Motion Design

Motion design is a word that encapsulates all aspects of designers who work with animation, live action for film or television. In the 50s Saul Bass what the first to create an abstract movie title sequence for The Man with the Golden Arm, a movie about drugs. Bass drew inspiration from the work of German expressionists for this sequence. Movies with well-designed title sequences include, to kill a mocking bird, Around the World in 80 Days, and more contemporary; Seven, Men in Black, Clockers etc. Now a days few studios employ motion designers in house but rather freelance based on a project by project basis. Beginners shouldn't make movie sequences, it involves a complex and involves a good understanding of not only the design principals but also how they work in time and space in a motion project. There is a good deal of overlap between film and television but television is for the most part less demanding than films. There are a lot more motion designers working in house for television than there is films but freelance is still an option as well. There is a great need for adertising in motion design, ie making commercials. Many firms also develop their own motion design projects for use online. Film and television training is essential to anyone looking to get into motion design.