How do I give my graphics the emotion of joy and not frustration?

May 30, 2007 4:59 PM

How do I learn motion graphics in nyc?

I want to make motion graphics like I see on sites like motionographer and cgart.com and I've been trying with Cinema 4D, but my usual route as an autodidact has hit a brick wall. I'm good with computers and usually a quick learn, but most books and training DVDs only cover the beginning of the program. I'm quickly learning that while it is easy to watch flashy graphics, it is less easy to map out and prepare them. And to make matters more difficult, I want to learn this to skillfully incorporate them into DV footage. It seems like so many people are making so many beautiful things (and also crap that I don't want to be making), but it is unclear as to how a post-college video person goes about learning all of this.
Are there courses (e.g., continuing ed classes at a college) in NYC that people would specifically recommend? And should I be looking to go into Maya instead of C4D simply because there seems to be more support? Is there a course of action that I'm not thinking of? Long time reader, first time questioner: help me hive mind, you're my only hope.

posted by history is a weapon to computers & internet (5 comments total)

I don't live in NYC so I can't give you specifics on where you can learn this stuff. But I'd like to share with you what advice I can.

There are two aspects of motion design (and any design for that matter): 1. concept/design, 2. production.

Your question is very focused on aspect #2, production. Learning how to use programs like After Effects and Maya doesn't teach you how to design and concept a motion piece. If all you want to do is learn how to animate, then yes focus on the tools and take some basic animation classes.

But if you want to concept and design, then take classes at a design school. (SVA or Parsons might have some continuing ed classes.)

A lot of the really beautiful and complicated stuff you see on the sites you mentioned are done by teams of people, usually divided into designers/art directors and animators. That's not to say that you can't do both design and animation.
posted by lunarboy at 5:43 PM on May 30, 2007

I face a similar dilemma. I am giving the Pixelcorps a try. They are discounting their registration fee during the summer.
posted by squink at 5:56 PM on May 30, 2007

A friend of mine just graduated from Parsons. While she didn't study motion graphics her thesis piece was in a show with several folks who did. Their work was mostly awesome. I know Parsons offers summer programs for college students, so it might be worth a look to see if they have anything you can enroll in as a continuing ed student.

I have no experience with Pixelcorps, but the concept seems fairly awesome.
posted by Alterscape at 3:06 AM on May 31, 2007

thanks so far yall. Squink, Is pixels corps any good from the inside?
posted by history is a weapon at 5:13 AM on May 31, 2007

I went to Parsons for college and have taken some of the summer programs there. I give it a thumbs up. They keep their computers (software and hardware) very up to date. As far as schools in NYC go, i think its your best bet for technology-oriented arts (design, motion graphics, film/video, etc). Of course, a lot of it is that you get what you put into it. The classes are small and the teachers are usually always willing to put in the extra hours if you are.

The only downside is that it can be pretty hefty on your change purse. Parsons ain't cheap.

Anyway if you'd like more info, email is in my profile.

Otherwise good luck! Motion graphics is hard work!!!
posted by modernsquid at 8:06 AM on May 31, 2007