Most of us weren’t always freelance motion graphic designers. For those of us that once worked for another company, the change wasn’t straight-forward. Finding new work and having the right support may not have been easy to come by. Today, I’m chatting with someone who recently made this transition to becoming a motion graphic designer what he’s learned in the process.

Chris Field is a freelance motion designer who recently made the transition from full-time corporate work. With a strong background in design strategy, Chris is finding success in motion design and learning some valuable lessons along the way.

Chris shares his transition from working as a design strategist into the world of freelance motion design. He’s always had a passion for human-centred design which first led him into a career in industrial design. As such, Chris keeps a keen eye out for the elements of design that truly help the people he’s aiming to serve.

His transition into animation took place once Chris realized its ability to tell the story that his clients wanted to envision. He talks about the steps he took to move into life as a freelancer and how he’s found support along the way.

In this episode

What goes into making sure that design serves the people that it’s meant to
The power of story to help people and companies envision their future
Affordable and supportive ways to transition from a corporate job into freelance
What happens when we directly approach people we want to work with
The potential role of a motion designer in developing brand strategy
How deeply understanding your audience will lead to a compelling story

Quotes

“I was super hyper focussed on getting a job within the creative world because I had done so many horrible odd-jobs before and it was time to treat myself to the career that I really wanted.” [2:04]

You’re not going in with a solution. If you have a solution going into a design research project, that’s like throwing a dart at the wall and then drawing a target around it afterwards. If you have a design and solution in mind, you’re probably doing it wrong.” [7:23]

“I’m genuinely interested in the work that they do. If they’re genuinely interested in the work that I do, they’re probably going to reciprocate that.” [30:02]

“Who is watching this and how are they watching it is the basis for the human-centred design spin on motion graphics.” [39:41]

“The emotional charge behind it all is deeply rooted in real people. If you don’t have that, you’re rolling the dice as to whether you’re going to have a compelling story.” [45:43]

Links

Find Chris Field online

Follow Chris on Instagram

Continuum Innovation

School of Motion

Episode 49 with Kyle T. Webster

Episode 44 with Sander Van Dijk

The Mograph Mastermind Program

Join The Mograph Mastermind Program here

053: How to become a motion graphic designer in 11 Weeks w/ Chris Field

Motion Hatch: Helping Motion Designers Do Better Business