Motion Designer Going Solo? Guide to Find Your Community!
Artist and Author Leah Kopke
Editor Ezra Blocker
Nature exists in ecosystems, people work in communities, and we artists find more success together than independently. We learn from each other and explore ideas together. If you are still looking for your motion graphics community, here is a guide to finding friendly artists to network with and learn from! We will all make a great team. Each of the following organizations has an excellent community that is well worth exploring. All of the information is coming directly from the organization's websites or a representative.
Monday Meeting Podcast: https://www.mondaymeeting.org/
“The Monday Meeting team is excited to keep growing as a resource, including taking on more volunteers for anyone who wants to get involved who sees a role they'd like to explore! Whether it be as a host, helping with the community engagement events, social media, or the back end tasks for the podcast! We aim to be the safe and helpful space for new motion designers that we all needed when we first started.”
-Jen Van Horn
Designish: https://www.youtube.com/@Designish-blog/videos
“DESIGNish highlights all things design-related by platforming unique and unconventional insights at all levels across a wide breadth of expertise. Rather than solely focusing on key figures and one niche, our approach is exploring all levels of expertise, journeys, and discussing workflows beyond stereotypical design. One example would be highlighting how a baker approaches making a cake relates to a graphic designer's workflow. DESIGNish's knowledge hub includes interviews, course reviews, tool reviews and thought leadership content.”
-Grant Walkup
Half Rez: https://www.halfrez.com/
“Half Rez is a blowout party celebrating the amazing motion artists, designers, producers, students, and studios that make Chicago and the Midwest the community it is. The Half Rez party is a nighttime event that focuses entirely on the celebration part of Half Rez! This way, everyone can focus on networking, games, prizes, cubes, food, and drinks! If you love the educational part of a traditional Half Rez, join the Creative Sessions earlier in the day!”
School of Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolofmotion
“School of Motion's aim is to provide professional training to artists who are really serious about making a living in this field. With hundreds of hours of training on every major tool, design and animation courses, a worldwide online community, and unlimited critique on your work, they're changing the way designers and animators learn the ropes.”
-Joey Korenman
Women in Film Chicago: https://www.chicagowomeninfilm.org/
“Women in Film Chicago is dedicated to advancing the careers, visibility, and influence of women in film, television, advertising and media. We empower our community through mentorship, education, networking, and opportunity—amplifying diverse voices and fostering equity across all aspects of the industry in both on screen and off. Rooted in collaboration and inclusion, we strive to shape a more just, equitable, and representative future for storytelling in Chicago and beyond.”
CWMD: https://www.lyndsaymccully.com/cwmd
“Chicago Women in Motion Design is a community that supports women in visual effects, design, and animation. We provide the connection and resources to help advance women in the industry, whether you are a seasoned professional, switching careers, or straight out of college. CWMD is an excellent place to network and share ideas and opportunities.”
Mothers of Mograph: https://mothersofmograph.com/
“Mothers of Mograph (aka MoM) is a community committed to empowering mothers in motion graphics. With a focus on networking, education, and advocacy, MoM addresses the distinct challenges women, particularly mothers, face in this traditionally male-dominated industry”
Ambient 3D Animations: https://www.ambient3danimations.com/
Ambient 3D Animations has 3D motion design tutorials, career tips, workshops, and a Discord server where artists can be a part of a supportive and thoughtful community. The discord server is an excellent place to share your creative works. Ambient 3D Animation’s goal is to bring artists together. We want to learn from each other in an inclusive environment that supports a variety of learning styles to empower artists.
Make Your Own Community:
Do you want in-person connections, but there aren’t many events in your area? You can start your own community. In the developing industry of Motion graphics I often hear the phrase, “no one has even retired yet.” It means that there is ample opportunity to create the community you want to be a part of! The groups that exist now just needed someone with the desire and initiative to start. You can too! There are more and more apps available to make creating your own group easier. Some options include Meetup or Alignable.
What Are Your Thoughts?
The artists around us inspire us. These communities may help you in your design journey whether you are a student, full-time employee, or freelancer. If you have other resources or groups you would like to share, drop it in the comments for other readers.
