Motion Graphics Artists

An experienced motion graphics artist with leadership ability can advance to the position of chief motion graphics artist (CMGA), who oversees the work of other MGAs and works closely with senior management and clients regarding project parameters, budgets, and timelines. A CMGA can advance to the position of art director, who oversees the visual style for all of a company’s products. Some motion graphics artists start their own design firms. This can be both rewarding (e.g., having a flexible work schedule, being able to choose what type of clients they work with, having the opportunity for increased earnings) and challenging (e.g., having difficulty landing clients, having to manage staff and handle payroll, billing, encountering budgetary issues). The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 59.5 percent of special effects artists and animators (including MGAs) were self-employed in 2023—a percentage that is much higher than the average for all careers. Some motion graphics artists teach at traditional colleges and universities. Others work at design institutes or teach classes at online learning platforms such as edX, Coursera, and Udemy.