Junior, Middle, Senior roles

Last time I've been writing about necessity of researching the responsibilities
of motion design roles. I've set the task for 40 minutes to learn
the differences, and frankly, it was inspiring time spent. Junior roles are demanding advanced Cinema 4d skills... What about senior roles, I've become curious, Hollywood movies and Disney animations?

Certainly, it all depends from the company and agency requirements.
Well known studios will be taking on board those who can create stunning things. But for less skilled awaits huge competition. Even in comparison
to ~20 millions of developers, about ~300 thousands of motion designers around the world  - it's  relatively small number, but the number of projects
and tasks that's needed to do is significantly smaller then for programmers. Anyways, the competition is lower, or easier to overcome, especially
when you step up to the higher level. The situation will change in the future, when it will be needed to catch an attention with videos and animations
more professionally.

It's easy to make nice animation, but in addition to the highest animation technics is needed to follow design requirements, brand specifics,
current project limitations. Learning just Photoshop, After Effects is not enough. It's needed to see the project as a whole, and propose relevant solutions,
control the quality and many more.

Junior motion designer role is a term that describes a typical animation and design tasks. Many companies are setting so high requirements, that it
becomes a real challenge and success, for someone who acquires this position.
Learning and practical usage of Cinema 4d, Blender, UE, Unity, and obviously AE, AI, Figma, prominent portfolio is just for starting the conversation.
Some companies are asking for much less, but still it's not an option to rely on such possibilities, because it will be easy to become a fast replaceable
worker with an unpredictable company decisions. Striving for the highest level of requirements is the best way to stay competitive.

Middle motion designer role demands cemented proficiency and understanding of creative process and digital production. This is an independent
specialist, that can lead highly advanced 2D and 3D project without support and control. Middle is an experienced, talented and self-organized creative professional. Any complex task is a challenge for gaining new experience and solve the problem at the end. Specialization, advanced design skills,
and ability to interact with a team and clients on a friendly, professional and emotionally correct comfortable level. Work with creative
producers, providing valuable propositions on creative briefs, and even building brand guidelines for some cases. Learning Houdini, Maya
or Cinema 4D on a professional level. Fast iterations for several parallel projects. Middle motion designer is a creative source of the business by its own.
What differs Middle from Senior is the amount of supervising responsibilities. Seniors are more involved in the strategic planning, marketing of the company and tighter work with Creative Directors, customers.

Skills aren't the only thing that is necessary for Middles and Seniors, but also ability to analyze and solve hard creative tasks. Ability to learn and work with innovative technologies, educating and helping juniors and others who can ask for help. Working alone is not a nature of any company.

Others by seeing your social activity are more pleasantly opening gates for the growth, and the rest is depends on availability of supervising, managerial roles, like Senior motion designer.

Most of the time it requires diplomas of BFA or higher level to become a Senior, Middle and even Junior motion designer at some companies.

But there is always exceptions. For example if you have excellent portfolio of design works, or having great overall level of design and animation skills, plus was freelancing for high profile clients and studios, I guess it will be exceptions.
But for Senior roles it's very seldom to hire someone new, and expect wonders. Motion designer has to understand how the company works, it's rules, long-term goals in order to work effectively. Not many businesses are ready for such step. It's needed to grow with the company and most of the time it will be needed to start with junior roles or even lower. Something like interns, assistants and remote contractors. To become familiar with the team and projects.

After spending several months or even years, it will be much easier to understand which skills and levels are required to have for a Motion Designer.

That's why it's very important to specialize in some specific business. It will be more interesting and effective to do animation and design for sports, medical, tech or crypto, fashion, beauty brands.
Prepared set of 3d animations, character rigs, or technical solutions are automatically elevating you above the competition. Which saves time and brings new possibilities to learn even faster.

Knowing Middle Motion designer responsibilities helps to aim for specific type of work. It can help to prioritize the goals, build the plan and path to this position. But growing with the company can be a much simpler way. That's why junior and assistant roles can be a great option for those, who struggle to find the job with a decent salary and responsibilities. Less amount of work and better understanding of what this company actually is, may help you decide if it's the right choice. But also huge practice experience and new connections, that can help you grow, if it will be a chance to find friends among these coworkers, to learn more about them and their life.

Usually it's hard to find a deep connection, when everybody is busy with own tasks, and trying to raise own metrics. That's why it's necessary to do own job well, and then to be ready to help if someone will ask. Building connections is a long and continuous story. Communication plays a huge role here. Speaking simple it's needed to avoid any negativity and complexities.

Being reliable and highly skilled is very often saves the situation, others will be grateful for your involvement and support.
Junior, middle and senior roles are absolutely different leagues. Always play well and support the team in each league to win big games.

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Till next time!
Have a great MotionDay!