If you're a motion designer, you know that vfx software is essential for creating stunning and engaging visuals. But with so many tools and features available, how do you learn new skills and techniques to keep up with the trends and demands of the industry? In this article, we'll share some tips and resources to help you master vfx software for motion graphics.
The first step to learning new skills and techniques with vfx software is to choose the right software for your needs and goals. There are many options out there, but some of the most popular and versatile ones are After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender, and Houdini. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you need to consider factors such as your budget, your level of experience, your style of work, and your desired output format. You can also use a combination of software to achieve different effects and workflows.
I make sure to keep up with what's happening in the world of motion graphics and VFX by checking out daily trends and exploring any new styles I notice. Once I spot something interesting, I dive into learning about it and trying it out for myself. I'm all about staying in the loop with online trends and learning new stuff every day
There are so many software applications out there to work with VFX. You need to decide (if you haven't already) what you want to specialize in. Why? Because each tool is comprehensive. To this day as a post-production supervisor, I STILL don't know what each of the tools I use can fully do. One reason is they continue to add features and enhancements. YouTube has been a life saver in software tools when it comes to VFX. If it is remembering what to do with a specific feature or function, I can usually find it on YouTube. Don't forget ChatGPT, it has been my new "right hand person" when it comes to helping me work on tools. So yes, choose wisely and get to know what the tool does for YOU! Not because it is cool. Cool costs money.
Select a VFX software that aligns with your goals and industry standards. Popular choices include Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Autodesk Maya, and Blender. Consider factors like ease of use, availability of learning resources, and compatibility with your workflow.
One of the best ways to learn new skills and techniques with vfx software is to follow online tutorials and courses from experts and instructors. There are plenty of free and paid resources online that cover various topics and levels of difficulty. You can find tutorials and courses on platforms such as YouTube, Skillshare, Lynda, Udemy, School of Motion, Motion Design School, and more. You can also search for specific keywords or topics that interest you or match your project needs. The key is to practice what you learn and apply it to your own work.
AS I stated above, YouTube is chock FULL of tutorials and how to. If you want a more structured way through tools, use LinkedIn learning. (I did when it was Lynda.com) and still reference back to my courses for a refresher of the tools. ChatGPT is becoming my go to lately for remembering a function, writing a script for After Effects, or knowing which tool to use in Maya.
Start with beginner tutorials provided by the software's official website or reputable online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning. Follow structured courses that cover fundamentals and gradually progress to advanced topics.
Another great way to learn new skills and techniques with vfx software is to join online communities and forums where you can interact with other motion designers, ask questions, get feedback, and share your work. You can find online communities and forums on platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, Discord, Behance, Dribbble, and more. You can also join specific groups or channels that focus on a particular software or topic. By joining online communities and forums, you can learn from others, discover new tips and tricks, and stay updated on the latest trends and news.
The motion design community is usually a supportive group. If you’re looking to get started professionally, knowing other designers can help tremendously. Help others instead if competing and you’ll grow a strong network. Let your network know about 1 or 2 kinds of projects you want to work on. When they hear of an opportunity, they might just think of you and refer you for a job or freelance gig.
Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, or local meetups dedicated to VFX and motion graphics. Engage with fellow artists, ask questions, share your work for feedback, and learn from others' experiences. Community support can be invaluable for motivation and knowledge sharing.
Keeping up with the trends in mograph is helpful. I follow as many motion designers / studios as I can on LinkedIn and Instagram so my feed is filled with inspiration.
Evaluate communities and forums based on the software. It will be much easier to find answers to your questions on highly active forums.
One of the most fun and creative ways to learn new skills and techniques with vfx software is to experiment with different settings and effects. You can try changing the parameters, adding layers, applying filters, adjusting the timing, combining elements, and more. You can also use presets, plugins, scripts, and expressions to enhance your work and save time. By experimenting with different settings and effects, you can explore new possibilities, create unique styles, and solve problems.
Keep abreast of the latest trends, techniques, and software updates in the VFX and motion graphics industry. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to YouTube channels, attend webinars, and participate in workshops or conferences to stay informed and inspired.
One of the most effective and inspiring ways to learn new skills and techniques with vfx software is to watch and analyze other motion graphics. You can find amazing examples of motion graphics on platforms such as Vimeo, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. You can also look for award-winning or influential works that showcase the best practices and standards of the industry. By watching and analyzing other motion graphics, you can learn from the pros, understand the principles and techniques behind them, and get ideas for your own work.
I fully agree with this. I download templates and learn how each function works. I try to avoid template that use plug-ins (unless you have them) and I learn what others have done and what I can do to make my workflow more efficient.
The final and most important step to learning new skills and techniques with vfx software is to keep learning and improving. Motion design is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You need to keep updating your knowledge and skills, as well as your portfolio and resume. You can also seek feedback, attend workshops, read blogs, listen to podcasts, and follow influencers to stay on top of your game. By keeping learning and improving, you can grow as a motion designer and achieve your goals.
Practice, Practice, Practice.... I find a new effect or feature and I try to master it in a week. I then log it to a priority to how much I will use it and keep it in an Apple Note (or your favorite note taking tool) and keep it handy so I can reference back to it from time to time. Again, take one of those templates you download and put it to practice. One thing I do is download a video and then practice my visual effects on it like change the text on an object, remove an element, track a moving vehicle ANYTHING... but there is ZERO reason you can't practice to hone your craft.