I started designing inside of After Effects in 2009 for 3 simple reasons.

1. After Effects is non-destructive
2. After Effects has a lot more effects/plug-ins/possibilities
3. Minimal animation setup is required

Today's video is all about choosing to design in After Effects instead of Photoshop.

I get asked all the time, how do I come up with ideas? How do I figure out what I'm going to create?

There's so many possibilities when it comes to motion graphics.

The truth is that unlimited creativity creates unlimited problems.

So today, we're talking about how to create something really unique. How to be truly creative.

We're talking about Creative Constraints.

There are so many tutorials out there that just teach you how to push buttons.

The problem is that these tutorials and lessons do not teach you how to be creative and think for yourself.

What you end up creating is the exact same result as everyone else.

It's important that you learn from lessons that teach you how to also apply techniques to your own work.

In today's video we are talking about why online learning is more than just button pushing.

In today's video we are talking about 3 powerful tips that every remote artist should be using right now.

These 3 tips are:

1. Set strong boundaries
2. Optimize work time
3. Optimize down time

Do these 3 things and you will set yourself up for success.

In today's video blog post we are talking about Software and Hardware..more specifically..what you need to get.

You don't need more than one or two programs, and you don't need every plug-in and script that is released.

You also don't need the most up-to-date fancy computer to be considered a pro.

Watch today's podcast and find out what you do need.

The term motion "designer" includes the word "design" for a reason. You need to have a fundamental understanding of design principles if you want to be hired as a pro.

This does not mean you need to be as professionally knowledgeable as a graphic designer, but it does mean you need to know why and how to make a composition look good.

Getting work as a remote freelance artist is easier than you may think...if you know where to look.

There are a multitude of online places where work can be found.

Check out:

1. Working Not Working
2. Facebook Groups
3. Facebook/Instagram Ads

My journey to become a pro motion designer didn't involve attending art school or any other form of higher education.

I became a pro by practicing..by pushing myself..by creating.

You too can be a pro motion designer. You just need to put the time in and practice and enjoy the journey.

In order to be a successful freelancer you need to focus on 3 key points.

1. Freelancer type
2. Online branding
3. Ideal Clients

In this blog post we dive deeper into each of these three points and discuss what you need to implement to become a successful freelancer.

A demo reel is your calling card. It not only shows what you can do, but also shows who you are. It displays your personality. It is also your resume and a key component to helping you land that dream job or client.

Every single scene in your demo reel MUST be your very best work. You have one chance to impress and first impressions are everything. Your goal is to capture the viewer’s attention immediately. Keep the reel short. I think that reels over :90 are too long. You don’t have to show every piece of work you have done..just your strongest pieces. As a creative director I receive a lot of reels and I don’t have a lot of down time to spend watching reels, so a short, very strong reel is going to capture my attention.

Don’t ever, ever, ever claim someone else’s work as your own. I have seen this happen too many times and it has happened to me more than once. It’s a punch in the face to see your work on someone else’s reel. If you only...