Motion design is experiencing transformative growth as we leap forward to 2025, with advancements driven largely by artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative tools reshaping the industry. Ronny Young, founder and president of the award-winning motion design studio OddBeast, reflects on this evolution, emphasizing the need for artists to remain adaptable and courageously embrace new technologies.
Young leads with his enthusiasm for AI, noting how it has become almost synonymous with motion design transformations. "First, check your fear for the moment because there are AI 'tools' (stand-alone apps or found within our existing software toolset)". These tools, like Topaz, which enhances video resolution and increases 3D render lengths, are not generative AI but rather significant enhancements to traditional workflows, streamlining processes and improving output quality.
On the generative front, with tools such as Sora, Runway, and VEO creating immense possibilities, Young remarks, "These tools stand to completely revolutionize our field, whether we welcome them or not." The emergence of generative AI poses both excitement and apprehensions but signifies a pivotal shift for motion designers willing to leverage these advancements.
While AI continues to secure its place, Houdini remains undisputed as the backbone for particle effects within the motion design community. Young urges, "If you’re a serious motion designer... knowing Houdini really sets you apart from the crowd." The complexity of Houdini, often seen as intimidating, is outweighed by its exceptional capabilities—a tool not only for freelancers seeking work but also for seasoned professionals aiming to push creative boundaries.
Complementing the array of tools, Blender’s exponential growth cannot go unnoticed. Young states, "One of the best 3D modelers I know, Boris FX’s John Dickinson, switched to Blender because its modeling features are simply more reliable than Cinema4D’s." This switch underlines Blender's capabilities as an open-source option gaining traction among top professionals, indicating its worthiness for integration within designers' toolkits.
Motion design is also undergoing significant stylistic changes, with studios increasingly blending media types. Young asserts the mixed-media trend is perhaps best illustrated by Sony Picture's revolutionary project, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He elaborates, "That blew the door wide open (off its hinges, really), but it’s open nonetheless." The successful fusion of hand-drawn 2D elements with immersive 3D environments has established new benchmarks for visual storytelling.
The blurring lines between motion design, visual effects, and film signify another fascinating aspect of this evolution, heavily aided by advancements like the Unreal Engine. "Clients are asking more about augmented reality..." emphasizes Young, as brands look to integrate interactive components not only for advertisement but also user experiences. This shift is exemplified by projects such as Jonathan Winbush's recent creation of a Method Man-themed game for Fortnite, showcasing how far motion design's reach has extended.
Overall, these trends point toward continued transformation within motion design as we head toward 2025. The fusion of technical advances and creative exploration assures this dynamic field remains at the forefront of visual entertainment and engagement. The future of motion design will undoubtedly hold numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, challenging artists to not only adapt to changes but to thrive within them.