Another AE V Motion question

[Jon Fidler]

Hi Dave

Ive just started out as a FCP editor and have done a few promo pieces (NHS, National trust) and corporates where I jut added basic text captions etc. I edited and graded these but I did not do any of the motion graphics for any of this. I just passed them back to the clients and they passed them onto whoever dealt with that side of things. I do know they used motion though.

I also know how to use of the 2D motion graphic capabilities, filters and composite tools in FCP too, so this isnt an area which is totally alien to me.

To be honest id much rather continue my career in editing/grading im not particularly interested in the area, but I realise that I do need a certain depth of skill and understanding of motion graphics to progress in the industry. I really want to know this from an editors perspective just so I dont go off track as well.

With that in mind what do you think the best course of action would be?

Thanks

[Walter Soyka]

[Jon Fidler] “I’ve just started out as a FCP editor… To be honest id much rather continue my career in editing/grading im not particularly interested in the area, but I realise that I do need a certain depth of skill and understanding of motion graphics to progress in the industry. I really want to know this from an editors perspective just so I dont go off track as well. With that in mind what do you think the best course of action would be?”

Editors are expected to wear many hats now, and I think you’re right that you’ll need some familiarity with motion graphics in order to sell yourself.

As a sweeping generalization, I think that Motion is fast and After Effects is flexible. You can start with Motion now (you’ll get good results quickly), but After Effects is the industry standard for serious motion graphics work for a reason. If you’re interested in learning more about AE, I’d recommend the following link, in which Adobe’s Todd Kopriva pulls together some important introductory materials:

https://blogs.adobe.com/toddkopriva/2010/01/getting-started-with-after-eff.html

Ultimately, the design skills you must develop are going to be more important than the software you use. Design cannot be learned solely by reading a book or watching online tutorials — you have to practice.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Shawn Miller]

“Others may disagree with this, and I hope they join in, saying WHY they disagree.”

Actually, I agree with you Dave. I would just add that AE, gives you much more room to grow.

Jon, advanced mograph and VFX may not be in your sights at the moment… but who knows how your carrer and interests will change over time. I’m not trying to disparage Motion, but over time – design expertise and an advanced knowlege of AE might take you to some interesting and unexpected places.

Thanks,

Shawn