David Jeffers started a music production company and an online record label as a pioneer of digital media. Then, just as his career was taking off, he suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After the accident, David sought to turn this life-changing event into an opportunity. David's story isn't only an inspiration for overcoming hardship, but for the unyielding pursuit of your goals. We can't wait for you to share in his journey and gain some insight into your own.

School of Motion Podcast

Quadriplegia Can’t Stop David Jeffers

Imposter Syndrome is one of the more insidious parts of, well, everyone's life. From famous musicians to iconic actors to the first man that walked on the moon, we all experience this sensation from time to time. As artists, we often feel it even stronger since our work is so subjective. How do you overcome the fear that you just aren't good enough? We asked Dr. Dave Landers how we can quiet that voice inside our heads.

It's a Charade with Dr. Dave

When you're starting out as a freelancer, it's a shock to system to learn that your hopes, dreams, and even talent might not be enough to pay the bills. There comes a time when many artists decide to wade into the strange world...of the hustle. Nick Greenawalt—a Philadelphia-based motion designer—knew he needed to outwork the competition to make his career a reality. He's been able to work on projects he loves with clients of all sizes, and he's never stopped hustling. 

Do the Hustle with Nick Greenawalt

Have you ever wondered what comes next for 2D animation? It's a style that never goes out of fashion, no matter how the trendy tides ebb and flow. From hit television shows to iconic video games and—of course—the best MoGraph around, the second dimension has a lot to offer. But where is it headed next? Join Danni Fisher-Shin, an Art Director at Scholar, to hear her experiences, her advice, and maybe a recommendation for some expensive coffee.

Newer Software for 2D Character Animation - Danni Fisher-Shin

What's HUD got to do with it? Sitting at the nexus of Visual FX and Motion Design is the strange and wonderful world of Screen Design. Stephen Lawes is the Creative Director and Co-Owner of Cantina Creative, a Los Angeles-based visual effects and design studio. They've worked on enormous films and TV shows, from Furious 7 and Blade Runner 2049 all the way to the films and limited series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The team has carved out a niche in the Motion Design world and made quite a name for themselves along the way.

Designing the UI of Tomorrow - Stephen Lawes of Cantina Creative

If you're a motion designer in these modern times, you've likely thrown one or two videos up on social media. It can often feel like those side projects are just wastes of time, but that's not true. You're learning new skills, inspiring other artists, and—every so often—putting your work in front of the exact right audience to land a life-changing job. Join Peter Quinn as he discusses how he cracked the code on creating a viral video...and how it led to some incredible opportunities. 

Being the Smarterest Artist - Peter Quinn

Have you ever thought of starting your own studio? How do you even begin? There are so many questions that many people don't get past step one, which is why we brought in an expert to share some much-needed wisdom. Mack Garrison is the co-founder and Creative Director of Dash Studios. He's not only an outstanding artist, but he has an intimate understanding of how our industry functions—and how it treats studios big and small. Grab a snack and listen up!

How to Start a New Studio with Mack Garrison of Dash Studios

You've worked hard to build a freelance business as a motion designer. It seems like you've got this train firmly on track...until suddenly it's not. What causes a career to derail? How are you burning bridges. And can you rebuild them? Amanda Russell, co-founder and Creative Director of Cream Studios, shares her experiences on both sides of the hiring table. Don't miss this one.

Don't Burn Bridges - Staying Hireable with Amanda Russell

Defining your style is one of the most challenging aspects of any creative career. Emonee LaRussa is the founder and CEO of Pamanama Studios LLC., a studio filled with a diverse set of talented artists from all over the world, collaborating with musicians to produce top of the line lyric videos. Her hard work has earned her two Emmys, as well as high end clients such as Ty Dolla $ign, John Legend, and Kayne West.

Finding Success from East to Kanye West - Emonee LaRussa

Building a career in motion design can sometimes feel like getting started in Cross Fit. There's a ton of new terminology, you have to buy specialized equipment, and you end up spending a bushel of money just to get started. It's hard to know how to take your career by the reins and steer it in the right direction. Our guest Remington Markham is a motion designer at Facebook, and he might just have the blueprint to help expand your career. 

A Blueprint to Expand Your Career with Remington Markham

Do you have a logo? A set of colors that you use on your site, your social media handle, on – gasp – your business card? Your brand is more than just a collection of assets—it's your reputation, and sometimes it needs a refresh. The question of rebranding was recently brought up by Macaela VanderMost and the team at Newfangled Studios – and we sat them down to talk all about it.

Ready, Set, Refresh - Newfangled Studios

Imagine you've spent the last few years building up a sizable portfolio for 3D work...but 2D is what your heart desires. Is it possible to rebrand this far into your career? Our guest today has DONE IT… and she is sharing her secrets. The multi-talented Monique Wray is here to spill the beans about how she made a fairly drastic change to her personal brand, the type of work she does, and the impact her work is having on the world.

Rebranding Yourself Mid-Career with Monique Wray

Imagine if you had the chance to work with one of the greatest bands of the modern age. How hard would you work to get there...and what did it take? Bomper Studio’s Emelyn Davies and Josh Hicks challenged their team to learn how to produce high-end character-driven work, and that effort directly led to a contract...with the Foo Fighters.

Working for the Foo Fighters - A Chat with Bomper Studios

Chris Schmidt is a really good 3D artist. He was one half of the wacky Greyscalegorilla team back in the early days of the site, and quickly gained a reputation for his MacGyver-like ability to rig things up in the most clever ways imaginable. Some of his tutorials were instant classic, and helped many artists learn their way around Cinema 4D. Now, we're talking to him about his new site, Rocket Lasso, and the future of 3D art and design. Check it!

From GSG to Rocket Lasso with Chris Schmidt

Even if you don't pay close attention to industry news, you've likely heard of NFTs. Crypto art, led by a growing list of pioneering artists, is revolutionizing not only our industry but art as a whole. However, there have been some valid concerns raised over the viability of the market and the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. That's why we gathered to grapple with this topic and share our observations...plus what we’ve been hearing from artists and studios.

We Need to Talk About NFTs

A show for MoGraph artists by MoGraph artists. We interview Designers, Animators, Producers, and other folks related to our industry. We get deep into the geeky world of Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop and Illustrator. We talk about the business and art of Motion Design. Dig in.

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School of Motion Podcast

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