School of Motion Podcast
The School of Motion Podcast is a top resource for designers and animators who want to deepen their skills in motion graphics. Each episode features interviews with professionals in design, animation, 3D art, and production, offering insights into both the creative and business sides of the industry. The show covers technical topics like After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop, and Illustrator, as well as broader discussions on career growth and creativity. It is produced by School of Motion, a company dedicated to motion design training.
Episodes
The Founders of Rive Spill the Tea on Interactive Animation! | SOM Podcast
Joey sat down with Guido and Luigi Rosso—the brother founders behind Rive—to dig into what makes this platform different, where it's headed, and why teams at Spotify, Duolingo, and LinkedIn are building entire interactive experiences with it! Get more deets in the blog post: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/rive-podcast
The HONEST Truth About Motion Design in 2025 | Year in Review
It's that time of year again—the School of Motion End of Year Podcast is here, and this one is our longest yet... by a lot. Buckle up for an in-depth look at everything that shaped motion design in 2025, and a look ahead to 2026! 🗒️ SHOW NOTES https://schoolofmotion.com/eoy2025 This year, we're joined by 17 industry veterans and special guests to break down what "motion design" even means anymore,
How to Turn Your Creative Anxiety Into Your Biggest Advantage
What if the things that make you anxious are actually pointing you toward your greatest strengths? School of Motion Creative Director EJ Hassenfratz shares his talk from the Motion Plus Design conference in New York City, exploring how the anxieties we face as creatives—imposter syndrome, the proliferation of AI, creative blocks, and staying relevant in a fast-changing industry—can actually become
How to Build a Tutorial Empire Like Ben Marriott
We got Ben Marriott on the podcast, and honestly, it's about time...Ben's one of the best tutorial creators out there for After Effects and motion design, and his journey from freelance illustrator to full-time YouTuber happened faster than anyone expected (including him). Check out the corresponding blog post with key takeaways here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/b...
Why Motion Designers Are Having a Moment — with Adobe's Michael Tanzillo
From pouring drinks to lighting shots at Blue Sky to leading Adobe's Substance 3D team, Michael Tanzillo's professional path is anything but typical and his story is packed with lessons motion designers need to hear. Check out the corresponding blog post here: www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/adobe-michael-tanzillo In this episode of the School of Motion Podcast, EJ Hassenfratz sits down with Michael t
Nikola Wonder Dynamics
In the sea of surface-level chatter about AI and filmmaking, Nikola Todorovic is saying the quiet part out loud—and it's the stuff creative pros actually need to hear. Check out the corresponding blog post with our key takeaways here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/wonder-dynamics As Co-Founder and CEO of Wonder Dynamics, Nikola helped build Flow Studio, an AI-powered platform that lets small
Why Moonvalley's Approach to AI Video Makes Sense
Most AI video companies are gambling with copyright law. Moonvalley made a different bet. Check out the corresponding blog post with highlights here: http://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/mo... Real talk: Most AI video companies are doing it wrong.They scrape everything they can get their hands on – YouTube, Vimeo, whatever – and feed it into their models. The results? Tools like Sora and Gemini are
Sarah Beth Morgan Gets Real About Parenthood, Career Crisis & Her New Podcast
Sarah Beth Morgan, illustrator and School of Motion instructor, joins Joey to dish about the real stuff: moving across the country, having a baby, and navigating the ever-changing animation industry. See the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/sarah-beth-morgan Since her last appearance on the SOM Podcast, she's moved across the country, had a baby (a delightful two-y
Mack Garrison, Dash Studio, and Building Creative Community
Joey recently caught up with the main dude behind Dash Studio, Mack Garrison, for an episode of the School of Motion podcast that's creative rocket fuel. These two industry veterans dive into everything from bizarre career plot twists to throwing killer community events and surviving the AI apocalypse. It's a dive into how to thrive as a creative when the entire industry seems to be transforming a
Already Been Chewed and the Journey to Motion Design Success
EJ jams with Barton Damer, the creative muscle behind Already Been Chewed (ABC)...basically the Tony Hawk of motion design. This dude turned his skateboarding obsession into a full-blown 3D animation studio that now cranks out mind-blowing work for Nike, Adidas, Star Wars, and Marvel. Check out the corresponding blog post with key takeaways: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/already-been-chewed
From Self-Taught Animator to Oscar Winner: Gints Zilbalodis on Creating "Flow"
Oscar-winning director Gints Zilbalodis just proved you don't need fancy film school or million-dollar software to snag that golden statue. See the corresponding blog post with key takeaways here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/gints-zilbalodis-flow EJ sits down with animation's newest golden boy, Gints Zilbalodis, the genius behind "Flow" (yep, the one that just took home an Oscar). From doo
Unreal Engine, Creative Communities, and Career Growth with Cart & Horse
What happens when a small group of motion designers in Detroit evolves into a powerhouse of collaboration and innovation? The crew from Cart & Horse sat down with Joey on the School of Motion podcast to share their journey—from navigating the tight-knit creative community in Detroit to pioneering new workflows in Unreal Engine. Check out the corresponding blog post and key takeaways here: https://
Inside the Mind of Territory Studio: VFX, UI, and an Epic Dune Graphics Breakdown
Territory Studio's creative minds behind Dune: Prophecy, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and Vast Haven-1 spill the beans on designing for Hollywood, gaming, and the ever-evolving world of motion design. Check out the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/t... Ever wonder how mind-blowing sci-fi interfaces, cinematic VFX, and hyper-realistic game graphics come to life? In t
Mastering Blender and Navigating a Creative Career with Elijah Sheffield
Blender artist and motion designer Elijah Sheffield shares how he transitioned into 3D, built a standout demo reel, and turned personal projects into career-defining moments. Check out the corresponding blog post (with episode highlights) here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/elijah-sheffield-blender 👉 CHAPTERS 👈 00:00 Coming Up 00:22 Elijah Sheffield's Background and Early Career 01:29 Disco
Standing Out in Motion Design: Joel Pilger's Strategies for Success
In the latest episode of the School of Motion Podcast, host Joey Korenman sits down with industry veteran Joel Pilger—a name synonymous with success in the motion design world. With a career spanning over two decades, Joel has: - Founded and led Impossible Pictures, a top creative studio that grossed over $40 million and garnered major awards. - Advised leading independent studios worldwide, inclu
The most EPIC 2024 roundup of all things Motion Design
2024 was a transformative year for motion design - from AI disruption to the evolution of real-time tools, emerging platforms, and a changing economic landscape. In this comprehensive year-end roundup, Joey Korenman, EJ Hassenfratz, and Aharon Rabinowitz break down everything that shaped our industry and peer into what 2025 might bring. We also asked some industry luminaries to weigh in, so you'll
Rediscovering the Art of Interactive Design with 2Advanced Studios
From Flash to the future, in this episode of the School of Motion Podcast we dive deep with interactive design legends Eric and Tony of 2Advanced Studios. Check out the corresponding blog posts (with additional videos and design examples!) here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/2advanced
The State of 3D with PJ Richardson: Adapting, Thriving, and Staying Inspired
This week on the School of Motion Podcast, EJ chats with PJ Richardson, co-founder of Laundry Studio, to dig into the current state of 3D, creative burnout, and what it takes to succeed today.
Yukai Du on Making Art, Finding Your Style, and Out-Creating AI: 5 Lessons for Creatives
In this episode of the School of Motion podcast, Joey chats with Yukai Du, a Chinese-born, London-based illustrator and animator, about her journey into art and animation. Yukai's story is packed with insights for creatives aiming to carve out their own space in the industry—straight from someone who's done exactly that. See the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/y..
Marvel's Futuristic Magic: Perception Founders on Designing Tomorrow
Meet Perception—a motion design studio trusted by Hollywood and some of the world's biggest brands to bring sci-fi dreams to life. Ever wonder who's behind the mind-blowing tech visuals in Black Panther or the holographic wizardry in Iron Man? In this episode of the School of Motion Podcast, Joey sits down with Perception founders Danny Gonzalez and Jeremy Lasky as they spill the 'secret sauce' th
How Cavalry is Changing the Game for Motion Designers
In this week's School of Motion podcast episode, Joey speaks with Chris Hardcastle and Ian Waters, the creators of Cavalry! They discuss Cavalry's unique features, including its powerful animation capabilities, and dive into how Cavalry differentiates itself from traditional animation software like After Effects. We also look into Cavalry ability to handle high-volume projects, its potential to re
Mastering the BUSINESS of Motion Design with Hayley Akins
This week, Joey sits down with Hayley Akins, the founder of Motion Hatch to uncover smart strategies for building a motion design business! If you're a motion designer or animator struggling with the business side of things—like finding clients, pricing your work, or just keeping your head above water—this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! Get the show notes on our blog: http://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog
Let's Talk AI, Motion Design, and the Future of Generative Video
Let's talk about AI, by far the most popular topic that we get asked about at School of Motion. AI feels almost ubiquitous in our space and we felt it was important for us to dive in and examine it as objectively as we can. This is why Joey recorded a whole solo podcast episode to share his thoughts on the state of AI in our industry, what the long term impact could be, whether the use of AI will
Crafting Epic Stadium Graphics with Connor Henkle: A Dive into Sports Design
In the latest School of Motion Podcast episode, Joey catches up with Connor Henkle, a motion design pro who's found his groove in sports and stadium graphics. Connor gives us a peek into his journey from dabbling in graphic design to becoming a go-to guy for electrifying visuals at sporting events. Check out the corresponding blog post (and more of Connor's work) here: https://www.schoolofmotion.c
Unlock the Secrets of Motion Design with Jonathan Winbush
Join E.J. Hassenfratz and Jonathan Winbush on the School of Motion Podcast as they explore diverse toolsets, Unreal Engine, and the evolving motion design industry. URL: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/jonathan-winbush
From Red Giant to Unreal Engine: Aharon Rabinowitz on the State of Mograph
In this week's School of Motion Podcast, Joey sits down with our very own Aharon Rabinowitz, who looks back on his journey into the world of motion graphics and animation — and the potential future ahead. Check out the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/aharon-rabinowitz
Beeple on NFTs, AI, and the Future of Digital Art
We were stoked to have design trailblazer and animator Beeple join us on the SOM podcast. He shares insights on the NFT boom, how AI augments artistic work, and offers valuable advice for up-and-coming designers. Check out the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/beeple-nfts-ai
Designing the Super Bowl in Unreal Engine: In the Trenches with Marcos Vaz
Discover how designer and art director Marcos Vaz masters client collaboration and creative problem-solving. Check out the corresponding blog post: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/marcos-vaz
Designing the Future: A Deep Dive with John LePore on Motion and Design Trends
Creative legend John LePore joins us on the podcast! Join us as we dive deep into current and future trends in motion and design. If you're not familiar with the name John LePore, you're almost certainly familiar with his work. John has made creative contributions to Marvel Studios' Black Panther, the Hummer EV, and Pixar's Lightyear. He has worked on over 25 Marvel Studios films, including design
Oscar Mar on Blending Business, Design, and Creative Exploration
Oscar Mar joins us on the School of Motion Podcast, where he shares his journey from designer to founder, blending business savvy with creative exploration in sci-fi entertainment. See the full blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/oscar-mar-parallel
Design That Sells: Unpacking the Magic of Web + Motion with Ran Segall
Dive into web design with full-stack designer turned founder Ran Segall, as he dishes out on blending aesthetics, functionality, and business strategy to skyrocket your design approach. Check out the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/design-web-motion-ran-segall
Collin Leix from Gunner on the Intersection of Artistry and VR Innovation
Check out the corresponding blog post and key takeaways here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/c... Dive into the latest episode of the School of Motion Podcast as we hang out with Collin Leix, the brilliant mind blending traditional artistry with the limitless possibilities of VR. Collin is a full time animator at Gunner, now part of the innovative crew at one of the hottest tech company's aro
Chris Do on Creative Work: The Design Economy, Remote Work, and Evolving Skill Sets
We dive deep with Emmy award-winning designer and the Futur founder, Chris Do, as he unveils game-changing insights for creative professionals. Get the show notes: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/chris-do
Karin Fong on Art Direction, Mentorship, and Legendary Title Design
We go 1:1 with the one and only Karin Fong—Emmy award-winning director, designer, and founder of the creative agency Imaginary Forces. Check out the corresponding blog post here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/karin-fong
Textures, Photoshop, and the Creative Journey with Brady Erickson
From playing guitar in the underground music scene with his band Slowburn, Brady's journey shifted gears to tweaking pixels in LA and founding Texturelabs, an online tutorial and assets site. His transition from the world of music to the realm of visual arts is a testament to the fluidity of creative expression. Brady shares actionable tips and insights from his design journey — tips you can use t
Character Design and Artistic Growth: Insights from Emma Gillette
In our latest podcast episode, Emma Gillette, a professional illustrator and instructor of the newly released Character Design Fundamentals course, shares her experiences and insights, providing actionable lessons for fellow artists and designers. Check out the corresponding blog post: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/emma-gillette Show Notes Emma Gillette People Brent Adams Sam Nielson Maike
NFT Success and The Future of Motion with Rive CD Jerry Liu
In this week's podcast we're talking to Jerry Liu - Creative Director at Rive, and a man who has seen a lot in his motion design career. He's done plenty of studio work, did a stint at Meta, made 7-figures selling NFTs, and now he's deep in the fast-growing world of interactive motion design. In this conversation, Jerry talks transparently about his career, the NFT roller coaster he got to ride,
How to Win in 2024 | Thoughts and Tips for Motion Designers
We slice through the noise and focus on the real factors that will drive motion design success this year. And heads-up: It's more than just the latest tools and trends. :) Check out the corresponding blog post: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/a... SCHOOL OF MOTION COURSES All Courses - https://som.bz/3SUg5Yb After Effects Kickstart - https://som.bz/3ZNQnH9 Show Notes motionmondays.com How
The Past and Future of Motion: Simon Robson on AI, Evolution and Staying Curious
Join us as we dive into the world of motion design with Simon Robson, exploring the evolution from early 2000s experimental scenes to today's AI-driven creative production. Get more info and explore Simon's work: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/simon-robson Show Notes Joshua Davis (Praystation) OneDotZero Jamie Hewlett Lightwave Cinema 4D Imagination Studio MK12 NorthBoySouth Creating Motio
2023: The Year In Mograph
Get ready for the School of Motion's annual end-of-the-year podcast extravaganza, featuring an epic and (record-breaking!) discussion. Show Notes People EJ Hassenfratz Ryan Summers Austin Bauwens Amanda Russell Sekani Solomon Marina Nakagawa Jonathan Winbush Nick Forshee Justin Cone Joe Nash Chad Ashley Hayley Akins Kelsey (Premiere Gal) Barton Damer Louis Wes Sara Beth Morgan Zak Lovatt Don Al
Rive and the future of interactive design
Let's get real about Rive. Guido Rosso, Rive's CEO, pitches Rive as the next step in vector graphics and interactive design, a tool easy to pick up for After Effects veterans and powerful enough to dominate interaction design. Get the full scoop here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/rive Show Notes Rive Guido Rosso Kurt Hartfelder Jerry Liu Hernan Torrisi JcToon After Effects to Code: Lott
The Future of VFX: Simulon has Arrived with Divesh Naidoo
Dive deep into the future of visual effects with Divesh Naidoo, the founder and CEO of Simulon, in this fascinating episode. Discover the groundbreaking app that's making high-end visual effects accessible to anyone, anywhere. Learn about Divesh's journey of building a startup in South Africa, and hear his unique insights on the challenges and rewards of this process. From the nitty-gritty of soft
Procreate Dreams: The 2D Animation Revolution for Digital Artists
Procreate Dreams is OUT—the 2D animation app from the creators of the legendary design app, Procreate. We got on the line with James Cuda and Claire Desus, the minds behind this game-changing software. Explore the journey from Procreate's humble beginnings to the iPad Pro revolution and the birth of Procreate Dreams. Check out the interview breakdown over on the School of Motion Blog Page: www.sch
How to Land Big Clients: The Art of Mograph Biz Dev with Joe Nash
Check out the School of Motion blog post for a deep dive: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/m... Join us as we dive into the art of creative business development with Joe Nash, the ex-Director of Business Strategy at Buck. Joe dishes it out on building strong relationships, matching clients with perfect creative solutions, and mastering the business side of the evolving creative industry. This m
Motion Design as a Subscription Service? Austin Bauwens of Ravie Studio
If you follow "motion design Twitter", you've probably encountered the work of Austin Bauwens, co-founder of Ravie Studio. At 21, running his own 8-person studio, Austin is a bonafide motion design influencer. In this interview Joey explores how Austin dropped out of college 2 years early to focus on Ravie and how he's seemingly cracked the code of using social media to actually get client work. T
Can Motion Design be Inclusive AND Profitable?
In this week's School of Motion Podcast, our Director of Community, Brittany Wardell interviews the founders of two studios leading the charge on Inclusivity in the motion design industry. Macaela VanderMost (Newfangled Studios) and Ricardo Roberts (Bien Studios) discuss how and why inclusivity became a part of their studios' DNA, the steps they've taken to make that a reality, and the costs and
Going Viral: Behind the AI-Generated Wes Anderson Trailers for Star Wars and LOTR
Caleb Ward of Curious Refuge joins us to talk about how he made 2 movie trailers go mega viral with AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, D-ID and Eleven Labs. Caleb recently released 2 Wes-Anderson-inspired trailers that mashed up Wes's signature quirky style with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Both trailers became viral hits, getting millions of views and spawning articles in The Hollywood Report
AI: An Artist's Friend or Foe? | Dan Jeffries, CIO of Stability.ai (Stable Diffusion)
AI has finally come to the world of art, but what does that really mean for artists? Will it be the friend we've always wanted by eliminating monotonous tasks and speeding up workflows? Or will it turn out to be a foe and make digital artists obsolete? Joey sits down with Daniel Jeffries, CIO of Stability.ai, to discuss the real-world use cases of artificial intelligence and the moral, ethical, an
2022 Year in Review
2022 may be remembered as the year things got back to "normal," but also as a year of big changes, and our industry is no exception. The economy was booming, but now may be stalling. The rapid development of AI tools makes our jobs ever easier, but also might be stealing them away. In-person work and events have returned, but are people ready to show up? New tools are making serious in-roads again
How to get Adobe to buy you for $20 billion in 3 easy steps...
Adobe recently acquired Figma for $20 billion. That's 'billion' with a 'b'. This transaction was the largest purchase of a private VC-backed company in history, and left wall street and many artists scratching their heads. Why did Adobe do this historic deal? And, what does it mean for motion designers?
Pushing Past Your Limits with Nocky Dinh
Building a career is like climbing a mountain. There are numerous obstacles ahead, and no guarantees that you're on the right path. But what happens when you reach the peak and discover…there's so much more you want to do? Nocky Dinh moved across the world to pursue her dream career, and she wasn't about to let a limited skillset keep her down. Find out what happens when she added 3D to her portfo
Listen as We Direct a REAL Voiceover Session
If you want to hear what a real VO session sounds like, then you've come to the right place! In this podcast you'll get to be a fly on the wall for a VO session lead by Jake and Joey. Along the way Joey is going to be dropping some golden nuggets of VO directing advice to help you direct VO like a pro the next time you need to.
Legwork or Legend? The Career of Aaron Ray
Think about your career as an artist. Are you really where you want to be? Are you headed toward the top of the right mountain? The Design and Animation industry is constantly changing, which makes it hard to know if your career is headed in the right direction. What does the end of the road look like? Who are the artists you should aim to follow? And how can you, forging your own path in this sub
Animating the Unreal with Chromosphere
We've had our eye on Chromosphere Studio for some time. They've consistently put out stellar work, with a keen eye toward the future of the industry. From new techniques to bold storytelling, these artists are building up their brand without taking their eyes off the prize. So how do you develop your career without losing focus on a passion project? We spoke with Kevin Dart and Theresa Latzko to f
NFTs and the Future of Motion with Justin Cone
The design and animation industry is rapidly evolving. As the tools of the industry become available to more artists around the world, innovation and growth follow. One of the most exciting developments has been the proliferation of cryptoart, but it is still an area rife with confusion and speculation. What do NFTs really mean for the future of our industry? We have Buck's Justin Cone here to dis
Animating for a Good Cause with Nicolaj Larsson
Doing personal projects is a great way to experiment and flex your creative muscles. Personal projects can also be part of a strategy of beefing up your portfolio or reel, especially if you're just starting out in the industry. Our guest today is Nicolaj Larsson, the founder and creative director of the Copenhagen based studio ccccccc.tv.
Which Render Engine is Right for You with Chad Ashley
If you've been on social media looking at 3D renders, you've probably seen something like this in the description: #octane #octanerender #gpu #gpurender #redshift #redshiftrender Aside from just a hashtag overload, what does that all mean? What exactly are Octane and Redshift? Do you need a third-party renderer? Are you falling behind the curve? Today EJ is going to chat with Chad Ashley from Gre
How Much Do Designers Get Paid with Carole Neal
How much money can you make in the creative world? No matter what career you're aiming for, it can be hard to find a direct answer. So how can you find out the real dollar value of your work? That's why we reached out to Carole Neal, the Marketing Director at Aquent. If you've ever been confused about your finances, you need to listen to this one!
How to Stand Out in Your Job Search
Do you ever wonder why you don't hear back when you send a demo reel or a resume for a prospective job? While there isn't a secret sauce for separating from the pack, there are some tried and true methods for putting your work front and center. We're bringing Frank Suarez on today to talk about what he thinks makes for standout work.
Unique Jobs that Need Motion Design
Are you still looking for work? If you can't find a job in commercials, film, or with a studio, what else is out there? Our community of artists is incredibly versatile, but often we put on blinders outside of our preferred lanes. There is a world of work out there in the most unlikely of places, and it can be just as satisfying—and lucrative—to take on. Today, we're honored to welcome Leeanne Bre
Were We Wrong About Studios? Giant Ant's Jay Grandin Responds.
You may have listened to our end of the year podcast where we covered the evolving relationship between artists and studios in the age of NFTs, mid-six-figure freelancers, and social media fame. Listening back, we wondered if maybe the picture we painted was a bit bleaker than the actual reality. And we weren't the only ones who felt that way. Jay Grandin—co-founder and creative director of Giant
Dreaming of Apple - A Director's Journey
Have you ever wanted to direct for the biggest name in tech? Is it even possibly to juggle design and animation with a directing career? What is it like to work in After Effects and Cinema 4D in the morning and step onto a set at night? We sat down with Shane Griffin, an artist and director out of New York, about running the Apple live event for the launch of the M1 Max chip. Don't miss this one!
How Personal Should a Personal Project Be?
Many artists don't take time to develop their personal projects. They worry they can't find an audience, or that there just isn't enough time in the day. We're joined by the wonderfully talented Sarah Beth Morgan, Taylor Yontz, and Rebekah Hamilton to share their journey in creating Between Lines, a short film that explores the harmful effects of schoolgirl bullying, and the long road to recovery.
Yes, You Are a Designer
All great art starts with design. Understanding the fundamentals of scale, contrast, and other principles allows you to create evocative and inspiring work that dazzles clients and elicits emotion. Once you have confidence in your design, you'll be amazed at how quickly the other pieces fall into place. We talked with The Futur's Greg Gunn to learn how design built the foundations of his art...and
The Year in MoGraph 2021
It's time for the annual marathon podcast episode with Joey, EJ, and Ryan Summers where we run down all of the big happenings in the industry that we like to call…Motion Design. After a year of starts, stops, and a few wild innovations, we're going to need a minute to sort through it all. What were the challenges and triumphs of the past year, and what can we expect in 2022? Tune in and find out!
Solving the Producer Problem with RevThink
The motion graphics industry is in the middle of a massive talent crunch, but the hidden issue plaguing many studios isn't where to find a Houdini artist or where their next job is coming from—it's what to do with the jobs once the artist is in-house! How did this shortage of talented Producers come to happen? We sat down with veteran industry consultants Joel Pilger and Tim Thompson to find a so
Living In The Future with Jim Geduldick
How can you future-proof yourself as an artist? You've already learned After Effects and Cinema 4D. You read the industry feeds and follow the right people on social media. You're as "up to speed" as you're ever going to get...but new things keep appearing on the horizon. How can you make sure you don't get left behind? Join Jim Geduldick, the Director & SVP at Dimension Studio, as we open your th
How Video Editors Can Gain Superpowers - Premiere Gal Kelsey Brannan
You need to add motion graphics to your video editing tool belt. Even if you are studio-based, there's constantly new tricks to learn and master just to stay competitive. VFX and motion graphics can be your secret weapons, but how do you find the time to do it all? Premiere Gal's Kelsey Brannan is here to show you how to become a Jack(ette) of All Trades. You don't want to miss this one.
How to Skip School and Find Success as a Director - Reece Parker
Do you need to go to school in order to build a lasting, fulfilling career as an artist? You'll certainly pick up some great techniques and meet a lot of cool people. But does that mean you can't find success as an artist unless you have a piece of paper on your wall? Reece Parker, freelance animation director and illustrator, is here to share the highs and lows of his journey through the industry
Quadriplegia Can't Stop David Jeffers
David Jeffers started a music production company and an online record label as a pioneer of digital media. Then, just as his career was taking off, he suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After the accident, David sought to turn this life-changing event into an opportunity. David's story isn't only an inspiration for overcoming hardship, but for the unyielding pur
joey@schoolofmotion.com
Battling Impostor Syndrome with Dr. Dave
Imposter Syndrome is one of the more insidious parts of, well, everyone's life. From famous musicians to iconic actors to the first man that walked on the moon, we all experience this sensation from time to time. As artists, we often feel it even stronger since our work is so subjective. How do you overcome the fear that you just aren't good enough? We asked Dr. Dave Landers how we can quiet that
Do the Hustle with Nick Greenawalt
When you're starting out as a freelancer, it's a shock to system to learn that your hopes, dreams, and even talent might not be enough to pay the bills. There comes a time when many artists decide to wade into the strange world...of the hustle. Nick Greenawalt—a Philadelphia-based motion designer—knew he needed to outwork the competition to make his career a reality. He's been able to work on proj
Newer Software for 2D Character Animation - Danni Fisher-Shin
Have you ever wondered what comes next for 2D animation? It's a style that never goes out of fashion, no matter how the trendy tides ebb and flow. From hit television shows to iconic video games and—of course—the best MoGraph around, the second dimension has a lot to offer. But where is it headed next? Join Danni Fisher-Shin, an Art Director at Scholar, to hear her experiences, her advice, and may
Designing the UI of Tomorrow - Stephen Lawes of Cantina Creative
What's HUD got to do with it? Sitting at the nexus of Visual FX and Motion Design is the strange and wonderful world of Screen Design. Stephen Lawes is the Creative Director and Co-Owner of Cantina Creative, a Los Angeles-based visual effects and design studio. They've worked on enormous films and TV shows, from Furious 7 and Blade Runner 2049 all the way to the films and limited series of the Mar
Being the Smarterest Artist - Peter Quinn
If you're a motion designer in these modern times, you've likely thrown one or two videos up on social media. It can often feel like those side projects are just wastes of time, but that's not true. You're learning new skills, inspiring other artists, and—every so often—putting your work in front of the exact right audience to land a life-changing job. Join Peter Quinn as he discusses how he crack
How to Start a New Studio with Mack Garrison of Dash Studios
Have you ever thought of starting your own studio? How do you even begin? There are so many questions that many people don't get past step one, which is why we brought in an expert to share some much-needed wisdom. Mack Garrison is the co-founder and Creative Director of Dash Studios. He's not only an outstanding artist, but he has an intimate understanding of how our industry functions—and how it
Don't Burn Bridges - Staying Hireable with Amanda Russell
You've worked hard to build a freelance business as a motion designer. It seems like you've got this train firmly on track...until suddenly it's not. What causes a career to derail? How are you burning bridges. And can you rebuild them? Amanda Russell, co-founder and Creative Director of Cream Studios, shares her experiences on both sides of the hiring table. Don't miss this one.
Finding Success from East to Kanye West - Emonee LaRussa
Defining your style is one of the most challenging aspects of any creative career. Emonee LaRussa is the founder and CEO of Pamanama Studios LLC., a studio filled with a diverse set of talented artists from all over the world, collaborating with musicians to produce top of the line lyric videos. Her hard work has earned her two Emmys, as well as high end clients such as Ty Dolla $ign, John Legend,
A Blueprint to Expand Your Career with Remington Markham
Building a career in motion design can sometimes feel like getting started in Cross Fit. There's a ton of new terminology, you have to buy specialized equipment, and you end up spending a bushel of money just to get started. It's hard to know how to take your career by the reins and steer it in the right direction. Our guest Remington Markham is a motion designer at Facebook, and he might just hav
