I started in this industry in 1992, working with my brother Robin in his fledgling business development company. It was a small setup, basically Robin, myself and my father Allan in the front room of Robin’s house. More on that in an upcoming post but what I wanted to share with you now is my first motion graphics project (created in After Effects).
The road to excellence is never ending; I don’t look at my work and think “that’s perfect, I’m now the best I could possibly be”. Every day I see superb examples of motion graphics, and am always looking to improve my own design and production skills. You may be thinking that’s easy to say because I already have years of experience, but remember, if you become frustrated with what you see after you hit the render button, take heart, everyone starts somewhere.
Watch movie (2.8MB)
12 Responses to this post
May 10, 2009 at 7:03 pm |
Thanks so much for this post. Many talented artists and creative people have too much pride to admit that they actually had to “start somewhere” by making really crappy designs, so it’s refreshing to see you use your own creative skeletons as a source of inspiration for others.
I’ve been in this business for 18 years, and even to this very day, I constantly think that everything I do completely sucks. Yet I have a contradictory level of stubbornness that motivates me stay late at work or come in on weekends, just to spend extra time trying to perfect things that I feel are sub-par. Unchecked, it’s a dangerous trait to have, but it never occurred to me that this is the only way to get *truly* better at anything you do. I often have to review demoreels of freelance editors and mogfx artists, and I am often in awe–to the point of jealousy–how some of them can be so damn confident and proud of their own mediocre, unprofessional work. Sometimes I wish I could find bliss in creative ignorance, but alas I can’t.
I really wish there was a dedicated blog or forum where designers can post examples of their own work which they aren’t proud of, but can still use as an inspirational and perspective-engaging exercise. The closest thing to this is Shane Ross’ awesome podcast , “The Edit bay”: http://lfhd.blogspot.com/2009/02/edit-bay-how-to-subscribe.html .
May 10, 2009 at 7:52 pm |
It is very hard to breakthrough and get a job in this industry now…
I bet it would have been a lot easier back in 1he 1990’s to get work…
I am not giving up , I just need a break into the industry…
Perhaps you could give us a few pointers on how to get work in the braodcast TV area?
May 10, 2009 at 9:29 pm |
I have a similar RED project, though mine is print. Thanks for posting this JD.
May 10, 2009 at 10:59 pm |
Mario,
My highest recommendation would be to start in local news. The promo department is all about motion graphics and graphic design. Try to find a job in a small market! I’m no where near as great as Mr. John Dickinson, but I’ve become so much better over the years in terms of design skill. And it was my start in news that really gave me the opportunity to learn After Effects and follow my dreams. Keep going!
May 10, 2009 at 11:04 pm |
Hey John!
Thanks for sharing that! I remember digging up some old print work from when I first started and yeah, it’s fun (and inspirational in a way) to look back at where you came from and look at where you are now. I know my motion work has improved since I started a year ago and with your help I’m getting better everyday!
Thanks again mate, your help and guidance to all of us newbies is invaluable!
Cheers
Ben
May 11, 2009 at 2:49 am |
Thanks for share this John. I now have my head filled with all my first AE experiments 4 or 5 years ago, before i actually switched from plain old job to motion graphics.
I still have a very long road ahead !
May 11, 2009 at 7:41 am |
Mario, besides what Raivan said, you can also try getting a job as a Motion Designer on a Digital Signage company, it’s a great way to learn, because the motion in general it’s not so demanding as a Motion TV Studio,
That’s the way I started! Digital Signage is a growing market, and i think by the end of this decade almost all public spaces will have their own corporate channel,
- Pedro
May 11, 2009 at 4:57 pm |
What was this project for John, or was it a personal piece?
Cheers
b.
May 11, 2009 at 5:56 pm |
Always great to get your feedback everyone. This was an intro for a corporate training program that teaches how people use words, voice tone and body language to destroy relationships.
May 15, 2009 at 2:00 am |
I see why I love your blog !
July 12, 2009 at 5:10 am |
hahaha! looks better than mine when i first started out!
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