I documented my writing and creative process for “cross-training” at work. The tools I use in the video to write and design are Scrivener, Byword, and Photoshop.
Like when I write, Radiohead (Like Spinning Plates) plays in the background. I recorded and edited everything using ScreenFlow.
Find a mentor. This is one of my strongest recommendations. I did not have this for the first 3 years of my motion graphics life… Oh the pains and embarrassments I could have avoided if I had taken the time to seek out someone a little farther in the game than myself. Someone to keep me accountable and humble.
I once made a promotional video for a school. I received 2 thumbs up and praise from every friend and colleague who saw the video. I took what I thought was the finished product to one of my mentors and he watched it. The first words out of his mouth was “Go grab a sheet of paper.” We then went section by section, frame by frame, and tore the video apart. By the time we were done, I had nearly two pages full of corrections I needed to make. Allowing myself to take correction and guidance has played a major role in not only shaping me as a motion graphics animator, but as a person.
There is no growth in praise. We are made better when we allow correction in our lives and allow some one to challenge us.
A large part of what we do at Vintage 56 is run the Audio and Video elements of events. Maybe it is over the top to call these experiences “the trenches of war,” but nonetheless we learn a lot from being out of the office and interfacing in with our fellow man in these semi-intense scenarios. One such lesson has come to the forefront at an event we recently ran; I like to call that lesson: being flexellent – both flexible and still excellent. This may sound like an easy thing, but very often it can be quite a bear depending on your personality type, and how truly prepared you are. Le’me explain.
If only you could see my earliest work! When I was new to the motion game, there were a lot of things I found cool, so I gave myself the impression they all just had to be in my projects…. all of them. My projects had anything and everything in them; from fire to random emitters to things that I am ashamed to admit. As I grew in motion graphics, I found that a simple look is almost always more professional. You can achieve great looks to wow your audience without using every stock emitter at your disposal.
For someone beginning motion graphics, assuming you have already done the tutorials and training and are ready to start getting your hands dirty with actual projects, finding your place of zen is essential; a place where you won’t be distracted and you can work for hours without your groove being interrupted. For me, I have a nice safe haven in my local Starbucks or in my bedroom. With big monitors and blaring music, I am able to work uninterrupted for a solid work block. Wherever it may be, find a place where you are comfortable and the creative juices can flow undisturbed.
