🎯 1. Understand What Motion Graphics Is
Motion graphics = graphic design + animation + storytelling.
You’ll need:
- Design fundamentals
- Animation timing
- Software skills
- Creativity + problem-solving
🧠 2. Start With the Fundamentals (No Software Yet)
Learn:
- 12 Principles of Animation (timing, easing, squash & stretch, anticipation…)
- Basics of design
- Typography
- Color theory
- Layout & composition
These are universal skills you’ll use in any software.
💻 3. Learn the Core Motion Graphics Software
Motion designers typically use 2–4 of these tools depending on their focus.
🟣 1. Adobe After Effects (Most Important)
This is the industry standard for motion graphics.
What you use it for:
- 2D motion design
- Logo animation
- Kinetic typography
- Explainer videos
- Motion transitions
- UI animations
- Basic VFX
What to learn:
- Keyframes
- Graph editor
- Masks & shapes
- Parenting / nulls
- Pre-comps
- Track mattes
- Expressions (wiggle, loopOut, etc.)
🟡 2. Adobe Illustrator
Used to create vector designs you animate in After Effects.
Learn:
- Pen tool
- Path editing
- Layer organization for AE
- Icons, shapes, graphics
🔵 3. Adobe Photoshop
Used for:
- Creating assets
- Image cleanup
- Compositing
- Textures
Not required early, but useful later.
🟠 4. Blender OR Cinema 4D (for 3D motion graphics)
You can go 2D-only, but 3D motion is a huge career boost.
Blender (free)
Great for 3D logo animations, product renders, abstract motion, and simulations.
Cinema 4D (paid, industry standard)
Often used with After Effects in professional studios.
🟢 5. Video Editing Software (Helpful but optional)
You’ll assemble final videos in:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
Not necessary for animation-only work, but useful for client projects.
🎥 4. Follow a Smart Learning Path
⭐ Beginner Path
- Learn basic design + animation principles
- Start After Effects (keyframes, shapes, masks)
- Create simple projects (logo animation, lower thirds)
- Learn Illustrator basics
- Animate Illustrator designs in AE
⭐ Intermediate Path
- Master graph editor (most important step!)
- Add transitions, text animation, UI animation
- Learn expressions
- Start learning 3D (Blender or C4D)
- Create full explainer videos or promos
⭐ Advanced Path
- Complex character animation
- 3D motion graphics
- Simulation and particle systems
- VFX + compositing
- Professional client workflow
🧰 5. Practice With Real Projects
Start small:
- Logo animations
- Kinetic typography
- Lower thirds
- Animated social posts
- Icon animations
Then move up to:
- Explainer videos
- 3D product animations
- UI motion
- Title sequences
📚 6. Best Learning Resources
YouTube (Free)
- Ben Marriott
- Jake in Motion
- ECAbrams
- Dope Motions
Paid Courses (Optional but very good)
- School of Motion — Animation Bootcamp
- Motion Design School
- Skillshare AE courses
- Udemy AE Masterclasses
🎯 Want a Personalized Roadmap?
Tell me:
- Your skill level (beginner/intermediate)
- Whether you want to do 2D, 3D, or both
- What types of videos you want to make (ads, YouTube, UI, logos, etc.)
I’ll create a 30-day or 90-day detailed learning plan tailored for you.