How can you build trust and rapport with your team members in motion design projects?

Clear, concise, and respectful communication is crucial for building trust with your team. It's important to use the appropriate tools for different types of messages. For example, use email for formal information, chat for quick updates, and video calls for brainstorming. Communication should be frequent and consistent, but be mindful not to overwhelm your team with excessive information.

Active Listening! Listen attentively to your team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback. Show genuine interest in their perspectives and acknowledge their contributions to the project. Regular Updates! Provide regular updates on project progress, milestones achieved, and any challenges encountered. Keeping everyone informed helps maintain transparency and fosters a sense of teamwork.

Effective Communication is the best approach between the team to enhance design aesthetics and let the team reach the highest level of clients hope and trust.

Building trust and rapport in motion design projects involves fostering an environment of open communication, where team members feel heard and valued. Encourage collaboration by respecting each member's expertise and actively involving them in decision-making processes. Provide constructive feedback to support growth and improvement, while also acknowledging and appreciating individual contributions. Be reliable and accountable by delivering on commitments and meeting deadlines consistently.

Something that I found very useful when I had to communicate with my team members in motion design projects was having an understanding of the software they are working in. This gave me not only some foundations to be able to discuss projects more clearly, but it also helped me understand limitations and effort vs. reward when it came to setting the scope of a project. A lot of the time a request comes in and stakeholders have no idea what it takes to make it happen. It makes a huge difference when you can speak to someone in their language and with their tools.

In my experience, sharing feedback effectively requires empathy and understanding. Recognizing that feedback is a two-way street allows for open communication and mutual respect among team members. Additionally, being receptive to feedback from others demonstrates humility and a willingness to grow professionally. One thing I've found helpful is to provide specific examples and actionable suggestions when giving feedback. This helps ensure that the recipient understands the areas for improvement and knows how to address them effectively. Additionally, framing feedback in a positive and encouraging manner encourages a growth mindset and motivates team members to strive for excellence in their motion design projects.

Sharing feedback is like helping each other grow. Keep it simple: be clear and specific, like giving directions. Focus on the work, not the person – it's about the project, not personal stuff. Mix it up like a sandwich: start and end with good stuff, with some helpful advice in the middle. Think of it like sharing tips, not pointing fingers. That's the recipe for helpful feedback in your team!

Building trust and rapport with team members in motion design projects involves clear communication, active listening, and fostering a collaborative environment. Encourage open dialogue to address concerns and ideas, allowing team members to contribute their expertise. Establish clear roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone understands their contributions and feels valued. Provide constructive feedback and recognition for achievements, promoting a positive and supportive atmosphere. Additionally, demonstrate reliability and professionalism in meeting deadlines and delivering quality work. By prioritizing teamwork and mutual respect, you can cultivate trust and rapport within the team, enhancing collaboration and project outcomes.

On the first review of a motion project, I take some time by myself to go over it again and again and take notes on the high level changes I'd like to see. Then I put the notes in a logical order and make sure my feedback is crystal clear, including screenshots and referencing the storyboard to help illustrate. On subsequent reviews, I dig into the details, again making sure to be as clear as possible. I stay open to suggestions from the designer and solicit second opinions. Giving praise and gratitude throughout the process goes a long way in projects that require a lot of back and forth.

In my experience, managing expectations involves proactive communication and transparency. It's important to be honest about any challenges or constraints that may impact the project and to involve team members in the decision-making process whenever possible. By keeping everyone informed and engaged, you can build trust and confidence in your team's ability to deliver results. One thing I've found helpful is to underpromise and overdeliver whenever possible. By setting realistic expectations and then exceeding them, you can delight your team members and stakeholders and build a positive reputation for reliability and competence. Additionally, be flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances.

As a strategist, I often work with both business partners on the marketing side and a motion designer on the creative side. With business partners, I try to get as much information about the need and the timeline and also manage their expectations about time (most people have no idea how much time goes into motion work). When working with the designer, I try to be very clear about what I'm looking for, giving a detailed storyboard and explaining the high quality I expect. I keep them abreast of timelines—which tend to change often—and check in frequently (although not too much!) to make sure we're on track.

Celebrating success isn't something that should just happen at the end of a project. Expressing gratitude along the way—be it for a great first iteration, solving a tough problem, or getting something done quickly—helps maintain a strong relationship. When bigger milestones are reached, celebrating the team publicly is a great way to show appreciation. And it just feels good! Giving and receiving acknowledgement reminds us that our work is worthwhile.

In my experience, celebrating successes is essential for fostering a positive and supportive team culture. Whether it's a small victory like overcoming a technical glitch or a major milestone like winning a client pitch, taking the time to recognize and celebrate achievements helps build confidence, motivation, and trust among team members. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving shared goals. One thing I've found helpful is to tailor celebrations to the preferences and interests of your team members. For example, some may prefer a casual get-together with snacks and drinks, while others may enjoy a more structured team-building activity or outing.

I learnt this in my career. First and foremost, it's crucial to foster an environment of collaboration and support, where jealousy is replaced with encouragement and mutual learning. Acknowledging and learning from junior team members who may possess valuable skills and insights fosters a culture of respect and growth. Respect for each team member's unique approach to work and their contributions is essential for fostering trust and collaboration. Celebrating even small successes together strengthens bonds and morale within the team. Additionally, consistently giving credit where it's due and providing constructive feedback when necessary builds trust and reinforces a culture of appreciation and growth.

Celebrating successes in motion design not only fosters a positive team environment but also encourages creative risk-taking and innovation. As a graphic designer, I've seen firsthand how recognition can spark inspiration, leading to more dynamic and impactful designs. Whether it's through a team showcase or a simple thank-you note, acknowledging each milestone cultivates a culture of appreciation that can drive a team to new heights of creativity and productivity.