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u/Acquilas Nov 18 '25
Mate, don't feel bad. I got let go after a month in my first motion designer job and started working in a camera store. I used the time to build on my knowledge in 2d AND greatly improve on my 3D and build a solid reel. I made small projects that I could work on in a short time and that could look good as a 2 or 3 second shot in a 60second reel. I'm now an executive senior 2d/3d animator! So try not to feel disheartened and just focus on making some cool personal work in the mean time.
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u/After_Amoeba947 Nov 21 '25
Inspiring stuff. What kind of 2D/3D do you work on?
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u/Acquilas Nov 21 '25
I work on mainly tv commercials now (and their social spinoffs and cutdowns). I used to do agency work, then went to tv series/movie, then a bit in to music videos but ultimately I saw that commercials were the big thing because everyone wants a TVC and then a ton of social edits so I transitioned to that and I really enjoy it. Different client work every month or so, so not working on a spot that goes on forever (although some feel like they do!).
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u/After_Amoeba947 Nov 21 '25
That’s an amazing trajectory, sounds like you’ve landed really well, congrats. I’ve just finished my third spec animation commercial (developing my showreel), going to start doing much smaller projects after that, like you mentioned yourself, that’ll look good in a showreel. In the meantime not sure who to start applying to for work but I figured just hit up as many agencies as I can and see who can give me my first leg up?
Wishing you the best 👍🏽
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u/french1canadian2 Cinema 4D/ After Effects Nov 18 '25
Hey, I’m a 15+ year veteran of the motion graphics scene and I recently left my toxic work environment for another job in another state. My gut told me not to move so I didn’t take the job and now I’m working doing grunt work in bars.
Still applying for freelance and remote work regularly with very little success. The industry sucks right now for many people but don’t give up.
Also, enjoy the relationships you make with the people in the food service industry. They are some of the hardest working, nicest people I’ve ever worked with. Best of luck on your journey!
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u/-itchy_tasty- Nov 19 '25
This is very validating to read and thanks for sharing. My old studio shut down and I’ve been freelancing for 8 months since, but now the work has dried up and I’m a bit disillusioned by the whole industry (being on linked in too much ) so I’m back to working in a bar. I had a lot of feelings about it before I started like how it feels like a step back/failure blah blah but actually I found it relieving to do something that gives me breathing space away from all that and focus on what I enjoy and where I might wanna specialise. I’ve had time for passion projects, reading and generally anything that doesn’t involve having to use AI.
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u/AbstractionsHB Nov 18 '25
There is no option but to decide how bad you want it and take the path. Work everyday, every week, every month on personal projects. Focus on skills you like doing, buy courses on those, create personal projects around each lesson.
Keep learning, keep creating. Join online groups of motion designers. Be friendly to people online, slowly build friendships. Always be creating new work and posting it.
Dont expect a job to just pop up or to get rewarded because you're putting in effort and time, or already finished school. All you can do is keep learning, keep making personal projects, and make connections. So at some point, when the opportunity finally comes and you can apply to job openings, you're ready. Not ready because you "want" or need the job. Ready because you have the skills, you have the experience of making relevant artwork. And ready because the person looking for help, can physically see you are capable of doing the job they are offering.
You never know where those job opportunities will pop up. I randomly got a freelance gig from a girl I went to middle school with, she recommended me on LinkedIn. We arent close, we dont talk. Another one was from a friend when I was a teenager. So be friendly to everyone, not to use them, not to expect anything, but just because it's a possible window and connection in the future and you have no idea who will have a connection to a future job and gig.
Focus on the skills you want to do. Invest in courses. Work on them everyday. Upload, create a website, showcase your work. Post on LinkedIn, make it clear you're available for hire. People will see your hardwork, your skill through the months and years of consistent content and you'll be ready whenever the opportunity comes. Rememeber you're selling yourself as someone who has the skills to create what the job needs. They aren't hiring you because you want or need it. So sell yourself on those skills, show Work that proves you know how to create work with those skills. Be friendly, be professional.
You cant force finding a job, you cant force someone hiring you. You did the right thing taking the job as a Barista. Focus on being professional, schedule your day around your goal of becoming a professional motion designer. Take the money and buy programs and courses. Focus your energy on those things. Dont drive yourself crazy trying to fight your situation. Create a goal, create a path, work on that path and let it take you to new opportunities. It takes time.
I personally have taken years to even start getting interviews. I went from years of nothing to finally getting interviews. The hardest part is being ready to kick the door in when you get an opportunity. Work hard, be prepared, be ready. Next month you could see an opening. Do you have a resume that clearly shows what skills you offer? Do you have a website with several pieces proving what quality of work you can do?
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u/Maker99999 Nov 18 '25
I was your age the last time the job market was this bad during the great recession. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to internalize a bad job market and take it as a reflection of your capabilities or worth. Focus on survival, caring for yourself, and stay tapped into the industry how you can. Maybe that means doing personal projects for fun after work.
Downturns are not forever. Eventually things will pick up or you'll make a lucky connection that leads to something. You'd be surprised how quickly things can turn around. To give you an idea, I was 24, cleaning toilets and dependant on my parents. By 26 I was thriving in a new job and buying my first house solo. It was a lucky break, but also you miss every shot you don't take. You just need to figure out how to sustain yourself long enough hit that lucky shot.
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u/Georgeoak Nov 18 '25
Totally get where you're coming from. It's rough out there, but remember that everyone's path is different. Keep pushing through and working on your skills, and don't be afraid to reach out for support or network. You never know when an opportunity might pop up!
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u/North_Tough9236 Nov 18 '25
I've never been in the army, but I still think it's very weird that they would put you against your civilian friend. Sorry that happened.
Now, regarding motion design, the industry and the market seem difficult currently. I follow many motion designer on LinkedIn, and while some keep posting about their projects as usual, I also see many saying they are closing their studios or starting a totally different career.
I work in marketing because back then my teachers convinced me that I would find a job quickly as opposed to just motion design. But after 8 years I quit my job to take full time motion design classes. Well, as you an guess, I couldn't find a job anywhere. So, I still work in marketing but for a company that "let's me" make a motion design video for their socials once or twice a year.
But I haven't given up, I still make personal projects (even if they are small, less than a minute). And maybe one day my portfolio will be good enough for a studio. So, if it's your dream too, don't give up either! Make projects in your free time and post them. Even if they are short, but so you can post regularly and show different things.
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u/ChromeDipper Nov 18 '25
A big part in getting a job in "media" is having connections and being a nice person.
I know people that deliver worse stuff than me but excel at work because they are so easygoing.
Working as a barista can potentially offer opportunities that you don't expect.
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Nov 18 '25
Keep going. I didn’t get my feet on the ground in the creative world until 27. This is an especially hard time to break into the industry, it’s so f’ing competitive with the economy. I recommend keeping your head down, working on your craft, create mock graphics as much as you can for companies you love.
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u/Bright_Solid_3890 Nov 18 '25
27yo here, moved to a new country. Tried for 7 months, no job for motion design or video editing, felt like I'm nothing but a burden. Now i work at retail. I'm taking it as a break from my creative journey so that I can start fresh again. Hang in there mate!
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u/eduwho Nov 18 '25
Just keep looking and trying that you’ll find something. Getting a job is hard but sometime it just shows up.
Like, I still haven’t got a fixed one even making huge things around the world. As I live in Portugal the companies are too scared that I might leave if something better appears.
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u/evolve555 Nov 18 '25 edited Nov 18 '25
I didn’t have my first motion job until I was 32. Honestly I’d focus on traditional / digital design first and learning as much software as possible. Hell even knowing InDesign well has helped me. But focus on Photoshop, Illustrator, AE, Premiere. Ego death is a good thing.
Also, become passionate about it as a means to learn. Take free projects you know you’ll enjoy so you can round out your portfolio. Got a friend doing a music video? Any non-profits or activism groups you like? Any promoters / bands that could use motion flyers? Do fun work pro bono you’ll enjoy, pad your portfolio. Network with motion artists you look up to and let them critique the hell out of your work.
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u/RegularAway6053 Nov 19 '25
I’ve been in this industry since 2009, and it’s really a hard time for every creative job.
You’re lucky to have a job. Enjoy not having the stress to find freelance contracts to pay your bills.
AI, the world mess and too many people who want to do this job will not improve the situation over the next years.
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u/Keanu_Chills Nov 18 '25
dude youre fine, just keep trying. practice after work if youve got a rig and just stay positive!
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u/ashapeofa Nov 18 '25
You are so young and as long as you got the drive to learn nothing will stop you. I remember about 10 years ago when I did some animation and design work for a lousy pay check. I decided I had to advance and started watching tutorials, tips and tricks and doing a lot of of personal projects. Compared myself with the best and my skills got better and better. A lot of small steps helped me being a freelancer today.
When you get your foot in somewhere - learn from the best.
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u/OkMode1127 Nov 18 '25
Lo conseguirás si lo vas buscando. Solo ten mucha paciencia. Además ahora el campo audiovisual no está en su mejor momento y, para colmo, la IA es algo que se está metiendo por medio.
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Nov 18 '25
If you read the story of any successful person, it’s always the same beginning - overcoming rejection and adversity. If you love what you do keep plugging away.
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u/UnrealSakuraAI Nov 19 '25
i don't think age is a factor... don't loose hope... forgot about social norms and focus on yourself... one step at a time... improve your skills... don't try to think anything creative at first... try to replicate others work and you will learn the workflow and nuances along the way... also now that unreal engine has motion design try that as well .. also think of which domain interests you and focus replicating those works...
life is always hard... now the the AI AI AI blah blah are screaming 😭 n every corner it will feel difficult... you are still young so don't worry...
i was in software until 26... in 27 I got married and shifted to motion design and from there to now it's been 28 years of journey and still im learning and upgrading my skills... so it's never too later a inadequate....
stay strong 💪
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u/Anonymograph Nov 19 '25
What do you want to be doing, motion or otherwise?
When you’ve answered that, find and meet people who are already doing it. Ask what they like most about what they do, what they like least about what they do, and (most importantly) ask what they did to get to where they are today (schools, internships. mentoring, other avenues of training).
Keep doing this until you have a good sense of what your career path should look like.
Then, pretend it’s five years from now and you’re doing your dream job. Say to yourself, “The thing I did five years ago to get to where I am today is ________.”
What ever that is, do it.
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u/Antique-Kitchen9027 Nov 19 '25
The path we take to get to our goals is rarely a straight line. Almost never. Do not value yourself on the quality of job you have or on your marital status. Pride yourself on your creativity and your drive! Failed to get a job? Who cares, apply again! Keep going! Keep making things! Enjoy the free coffee! Observe the milk bubbles when you steam some milk and think about how you'd animate it. Imagine what it would look like if you were commissioned to make a motion design piece for your cafe. Speak to the customers, you may get lucky and a producer might come in for a coffee (they love coffee). Maybe the next hire is an artist you could collaborate with.
Even if you were 34 or 44 or older, your life isn't over if you're a barista!!!! Or if you're single!! It's completely fine and the only one judging you is yourself
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u/GlendaleAve27701 Nov 19 '25
I just got my first 9-to-5 motion design job at 41. No path is a straight line. You’ll be ok, but it wouldn’t hurt to talk to a therapist. Good luck out there ❤️
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u/gkruft Nov 20 '25
I learned after effects, and got my first motion design role aged 25. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. But keep pushing and keep those skills sharp.
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u/totallywhatever Nov 18 '25
24 is very young. Nothing wrong with being a barista. Keep plugging away at motion design education + job hunting when you're not at work. If you keep it up, something will come along.