School of Motion Podcast

Dive into the nostalgia of digital art as industry legends recount their journeys from the Flash era. Discover the evolution of interactive design and how Rive is reshaping the landscape. Hear fascinating stories about the early days of ASCII and the birth of their studio, 2Advanced. Explore the balance between creativity and technology, and learn how small teams can maintain quality amidst growth. Finally, witness their vision for revitalizing the creative community and pushing the boundaries of design.

PJ Richardson, co-founder of Laundry Studio, shares his journey from graffiti artist to motion design innovator. He discusses the emotional challenges artists face in the fast-evolving motion graphics industry and the balance of adapting to new tools like Blender. The importance of community and personal creativity shines through, highlighting how genuine projects can attract clients. He also tackles the influence of AI, emphasizing the need for a human touch amidst technological advancements, ensuring artists stay inspired and thrive.

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...

Danny Gonzalez and Jeremy Lasky, co-founders of Perception, a motion design studio famous for their work on Marvel films, share insights into their creative journey. They discuss their transition from traditional broadcast to high-stakes film projects, fueled by their passion for Marvel. The duo highlights the challenges of balancing creativity with client expectations under pressure, showcasing their innovative contributions to iconic visuals like those in Iron Man. They also explore the evolving integration of UI and UX design in storytelling, emphasizing collaboration and adaptability in the fast-paced creative industry.

Chris Hardcastle and Ian Waters, the co-creators of the innovative Cavalry animation software, bring a wealth of experience to the table. They reveal how Cavalry challenges traditional animation tools like After Effects with its node-based system and data-driven automation. The duo discusses the software's groundbreaking features, its potential for high-volume projects, and how it streamlines workflows. They also share insights into the future of motion design, emphasizing its generative capabilities that empower both seasoned animators and newcomers alike.

Hayley Akins, the founder of Motion Hatch, specializes in empowering motion designers with strategic business insights. She dives into the challenges freelancers face in a post-COVID world and the importance of adapting business strategies. Hayley discusses the shift to productized services, smart pricing tactics, and the need for proactive self-promotion on social media. She emphasizes building connections through community engagement and using platforms like LinkedIn, providing invaluable advice for enhancing visibility and securing clients in a competitive landscape.

The discussion dives into the evolving attitudes toward AI in motion design, urging artists to embrace these tools for creativity. It draws parallels to the dot-com bubble, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in business practices. The complexities of Web 3 integration and its economic influences are explored, highlighting challenges like fraud. Financial hurdles for AI companies are also examined, addressing the risks of an industry bubble. Overall, the narrative reflects a transformational shift toward accepting AI as a valuable asset in the creative process.

Connor Henkle, a motion design expert renowned for his eye-catching stadium graphics, shares his captivating journey from graphic design to sports visuals. He discusses the importance of carving a niche in the competitive design landscape and how online tools streamline client interactions. Connor highlights the financial challenges in sports graphics budgeting and underscores the critical collaboration between in-house teams and freelancers. He also delves into the intricate art of creating graphics for large screens and navigating the volatile creative landscape with resilience.

Motion design expert Jonathan Winbush discusses the evolution of Unreal Engine for motion design, adapting to industry changes, the importance of diverse toolsets, and staying authentic in creative work. He emphasizes the need for mastering core skills, networking at industry events, and finding a balance between technology and outdoor experiences.

Motion graphics expert Aharon Rabinowitz discusses the evolution of software access, sharing knowledge, and the post-production industry focus. He also explores the transition from Red Giant to Maxon acquisition, company growth, and the comparison between Blender, Cinema 4D, and Unreal Engine. Additionally, he delves into the use of AI tools in motion graphics and art creation.