The End of the Beginning for Motion Design | Part 1 with Ryan Summers and John Lepore
Jan 11, 2023
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Join Ryan Summers, a senior creative director at Spilt known for his expertise in visual effects, and John Lepore, a creative consultant with 16 years at Perception NYC specializing in tech design, as they explore the evolving landscape of motion design. They discuss the profound influence of the 'Spider-Verse' franchise, the significance of community among creatives, and the importance of adaptability in a tech-driven future. Their insightful anecdotes and reflections reveal a bright road ahead for motion design, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
Motion design has significantly evolved over three decades, integrating various creative fields and fostering innovative artistic expressions like seen in 'Spider-Verse'.
The role of motion designers is expanding beyond aesthetics, requiring them to lead in crafting narratives and adapting to emerging technologies like AI and augmented reality.
Adopting a generalist mindset is crucial for motion designers to remain competitive, as it encourages continual learning and adaptation to diverse creative challenges.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Motion Design
Motion design has evolved significantly, blurring the boundaries between various creative fields such as animation and visual effects. The recent success of films like 'Spider-Verse' showcases the potential for innovation within motion design, inviting a broader exploration of styles and techniques. This film serves as a catalyst, demonstrating that creators can deviate from traditional representations, allowing for a convergence of different artistic expressions. As a result, motion design is rapidly becoming recognized for its unique conventions and contributions to storytelling.
The Role of Motion Designers in Creative Industries
Motion designers are not only vital for creating engaging visuals but also play a crucial role in shaping narratives and conveying information effectively. As the industry matures, the expectation is for motion designers to step forward as leaders, blending aesthetics with functionality to provide innovative solutions for clients. Many companies are seeking expertise in areas such as augmented reality and interactive experiences, highlighting the demand for versatile motion design skills. Consequently, professionals in this field have the opportunity to influence the future of various industries with their creativity.
The Importance of a Generalist Mindset
Adopting a generalist mindset is essential for aspiring motion designers, as it allows for the exploration of various disciplines such as 3D design, sound design, and user experience. This mindset encourages individuals to continuously learn and adapt, setting themselves apart in an increasingly competitive landscape. By broadening their skillset, designers enable themselves to take on a wider range of projects and challenges, fostering creativity and innovation. As technology rapidly evolves, maintaining a flexible and curious approach will be key to seizing new opportunities.
The Impact of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies, such as AI and augmented reality, are set to transform the landscape of motion design, presenting both challenges and opportunities. While some may fear AI as a threat to creativity, it is more likely to serve as a tool that augments human capabilities, enabling designers to push the boundaries of what is possible. The upcoming wave of augmented reality will require motion designers to rethink their approaches and adapt to new immersive experiences. Comfort within this rapidly changing environment can set motion designers apart as they redefine storytelling and interactivity.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Community
The motion design industry faces challenges, including a marketing problem and a lack of self-definition, which can hinder its growth and recognition. Building relationships within the creative community is essential for overcoming these challenges and fostering a supportive environment. By sharing knowledge and experiences, professionals can help one another navigate the complexities of the evolving industry. Collective effort and communication will pave the way for a more defined identity for motion design, ensuring that it is celebrated for its unique contributions to creativity and storytelling.
Looking back over the past 30 years, our field has exploded, regardless of what you call it.
In this veritable tour de force, I’m joined by futurists John LePore (formerly of Perception NYC) and Ryan Summers (IF, DK, Spillt) who argue convincingly that we are just getting started.
Hold on for the ride as we lift the veil, break down walls, and help you make sense of our rapidly evolving industry.
It’s the end of the beginning for motion design, folks.
And that’s a very, very good thing…
So put on your shades, because the future is super bright.
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