Over the last decade, motion design has become an increasingly important skill for creative professionals. The global lockdowns in 2020-21 further spiked this trend, hindering live-action recording. Motion design filled the visual gap created by the inability to film. 

As a result, motion designers are needed more than ever before and have become crucial contributors to how we create and consume digital content.

If you’re looking for top-tier motion designers to bring your branded graphics to life, you’re in luck. This guide highlights some of the best motion designers to follow for visual inspiration. These artists are at the forefront of visual communication, providing critical insights into emerging trends and techniques.

What is a Motion Designer?

A motion designer specializes in creating animated visuals for various digital mediums. Using a blend of creative flair and technical know-how, they craft engaging animations that make static images come alive. 

Motion designers work closely with clients or creative directors to bring visions to reality, whether animating logos, enhancing typography, or illustrating complex ideas. 

Their animations often enhance videos, websites, presentations, and more, adding a dynamic layer of storytelling and visual interest that captivates audiences.

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Before we proceed further, it’s essential to have a solid foundation in graphic design principles and animation basics. If you’re eager to dive deep into creating captivating motion visuals, consider joining GUVI’s Motion Graphics Career Program. In this program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of animation, visual effects, and storytelling techniques. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques, and unlock your creativity to craft stunning motion graphics for videos, presentations, and more. 

What Makes a Good Motion Designer?

Becoming a successful motion designer demands more than just a sound knowledge of the software. You should know how to blend your technical and creative skills and be meticulous in your approach.

Here’s what differentiates the best motion designers from the rest:

Technical mastery: The best motion designers are experienced in various tools and technologies, such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, or Cinema 4D. More importantly, they understand animation principles, which allows them to create smooth and engaging animated content.

Creativity: Creativity is the lifeblood of exceptional motion design. The best motion designers know their tools and bring a distinctive artistic vision to their projects, leaving a unique footprint in this fairly crowded field.

Detailing: Attention to every little detail is critical. Whether it’s the timing of motion transitions, the choice of color palette, or the type of typography used, the best motion designers meticulously craft each element to create cohesive and polished animations.

Also, Explore 10 Must-have Skills for a Motion Graphics Designer in 2024

20 Best Motion Designers to Follow for Visual Inspiration

Our curated list of top motion designers includes pioneers in their field. These designers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in animation and offer a rich source of inspiration for aspirants like you. 

Whether you’re a budding designer or an experienced professional, following these artists can flare your creativity and give you a fresh approach to how you create motion design.

1) Andrei Staruiala

Andrei Staruiala’s work combines illustration, typography, and 3D graphics. He creates beautiful and emotionally compelling animations. His keen eye for detail and storytelling make his designs stand out.

Check out Andrei’s portfolio: andreistaruiala.co.uk

2) Andrius Vizbaras

Andrius Vizbaras arrests his audience with bold colors and surreal imagery. His animations are not just stunning—they are also rich in storytelling and simplicity. 

Check out Andrius’s portfolio: andriusvizbaras.com

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3) Cindy Suen

Cindy Suen’s charming and playful animations, often featuring her love for cats, are infused with a distinct Asian influence. Based in New York, Cindy’s work is a vibrant addition to any digital platform.

Check out Cindy’s portfolio: cargocollective.com/cindysuen

4) Eleanor Ngai

Operating out of London, Eleanor Ngai’s designs are hip, energetic, and trendsetting. Having worked with clients like Nickelodeon and Coca-Cola, Eleanor brings a fresh, design-driven perspective to the motion design scene.

Check out Eleanor’s motion design portfolio: ghostchips.tv

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5) Eva Cremers

Eva Cremers is your go-to for a playful and inventive approach to motion design. She is known for her ability to break down complex concepts into clear and captivating visuals. Her custom animations are a masterclass in blending brand identity with creativity. 

Check out Eva’s motion design portfolio: evacremers.com

6) Henrique Barone

Henrique Barone is an award-winning motion designer who creates imaginative and aesthetically pleasing work. He is valued for his creative storytelling, with his animations being rich in concept and absolutely stunning in execution.

Check out Henrique’s portfolio: henriquebarone.com

Also Read: Top 5 Motion Graphics Projects for Your Upgraded Career

7) Jaedoo Lee

Jaedoo Lee’s work is distinguished by his use of thin outlines and bold colors. Based in New York, Jaedoo’s illustrations and animations often revolve around humorous themes, making his work equally engaging and entertaining.

Check our Jaedoo’s motion design portfolio: jaedoolee.com

8) Julian Glander

Renowned for his quirky and colorful 3D animations, Julian Glander has carved out a niche in the motion design world. His work, which includes projects for big names like Disney and LeBron James, is filled with personality and a distinct, whimsical style.

Check out Julian’s portfolio: glander.co

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9) Lana Simanenkova

Lana Simanenkova, a London-based Estonian animator, combines nostalgic animation techniques with a modern flat-design style. Her work is heartwarming, fascinating, and a testament to the power of combining old and new artistic approaches.

Check out Lana’s motion design portfolio: lana.land

10) Louis Wes

Louis Wes brings a delightful touch of nostalgia and vibrant color to his projects. Based in New Jersey but hailing from California, Louis has collaborated with major brands like Apple and Google, infusing his motion designs with a joy and playfulness that’s hard to ignore.

Check out Louis’s portfolio: louiswesstudio.com

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11) Marco Cheatham

Marco Cheatham is known for his sleek, high-quality motion designs for TV, film, and advertising. His work looks fantastic and is rich with technical precision, making him a standout in the industry. Marco is also dedicated to educating others, often sharing his expertise through various online platforms.

Check out Marco’s Instagram profile: @marco.cheats

12) Marta Azaña

Marta Azaña stands out with her whimsical and innovative animations that mix digital techniques with hand-drawn elements. Her playful aesthetic and dedication to pushing creative boundaries make her animations fun and inspirational.

Check out Marta’s portfolio: martaazana.com

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13) Mikey Dowdle

Mikey Dowdle combines creativity and technical prowess to produce stunning animations for artistic and commercial projects. His distinctive style is marked by bold colors and sharp angles, making his work a visual treat.

Check out Mikey’s motion design portfolio: mikeydowdle.com

14) Nuria Boj

From Edinburgh, Nuria Boj offers a fresh perspective in her motion design work. Her animations are original and unmistakable, remarkably standing out in a replete field.

Check out Nuria’s motion design portfolio: nuriaboj.co.uk

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15) Pablo Rochat

Pablo Rochat, an art director in San Francisco, cleverly uses internet culture to craft engaging and fun content for global brands. His early-web-style animations are both nostalgic and highly innovative.

Check out Pablo’s portfolio: pablorochat.com

16) Paul McMahon

Paul McMahon’s motion designs are known for their boldness and dynamism. His work combines strong typography with striking animations, creating powerful narratives that arrest viewers both visually and emotionally.

Check out Paul’s motion design portfolio: therustedpixel.com

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17) Rosie Phillpot

Specializing in 2D animation and digital illustration, Rosie Phillpot comes from the UK and works with various clients, from startups to global brands. Her work is versatile, engaging, and tailored to meet diverse visual needs.

Check out Rosie’s motion design portfolio: rosiephillpot.com

18) Samantha Jones

Samantha Jones is at the forefront of motion design innovation, exploring cutting-edge techniques like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Her bold use of color and dynamic animations make her designs eye-catching and profoundly impactful.

Check out Samantha’s motion design portfolio: iamsamjones.co.uk

19) Stephen Ong

UK-based Stephen Ong uses his playful design and animation skills to tell captivating short stories through his work. His energetic and vibrant animations are instantly recognizable and distinct.

Check out Stephen’s motion design portfolio: makeitmove.xyz

20) Tony Babel

With over a decade of experience, Tony Babel is celebrated for his clean, modern, and minimalist aesthetic. His designs simplify complex ideas into elegant animations, making them, in equal parts, stunning and communicative.

Check out Tony’s Dribbble profile: @TonyBabel

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Final Words

By following these listed motion designers, you can stay inspired and even learn new techniques to enhance your own work. With the global motion designing market expected to grow substantially between 2024 and 2031, it’s an exciting time to ace motion design. 

If you’re genuinely interested in advancing your motion designing career, consider enrolling in GUVI’s Motion Graphics Career Program. You’ll learn from industry experts with the best-curated curriculum. By the end of the course, you will have a robust portfolio of work to showcase in job interviews. Enroll today!

Also Read: 10 Inspiring Motion Graphics Artists You Should Follow

Frequently asked questions

What skills are essential for a motion designer?

Other than technical skills in software like Adobe After Effects, a motion designer needs to be good with composition, color theory, and storytelling to effectively communicate through animation.

How can I start learning motion design?

You can get started by exploring basic animation principles and software tutorials online. For a deep dive and complete mastery, you can undergo GUVI’s Motion Graphics Career Program.

What industries hire motion designers?

Motion designers are in demand across almost all industries. The major ones include advertising, film and television, video gaming, web design, and corporate communications.

Can motion design be a self-taught career?

Yes, many motion designers are self-taught, using online resources and trial-and-error to build their skills. Online communities and forums also provide feedback and guidance.

What is the average salary for a motion designer?

The salary of a motion designer in India ranges from INR 1.8 lakh to INR 9 lakh per annum, averaging INR 5.4 lakh per annum.