There’s still time for you and your creative colleagues and friends to register for HOW Interactive Design Conference in Boston, Nov. 5–7. At HIDC Boston, we’ll explore the intersection of design and technology. Meet expert web design practitioners, and gain a deeper understanding of how current patterns in visual design intersect with emerging technologies. Register today!
Designer of the Week Markus Magnusson is a freelance
illustrator and motion designer. He’s worked on everything from Google Doodles and ESPN animations to media app movies for Sony. You may notice something about all of his projects, regardless of the client: They’re interesting, eye-catching and fun. Go on, take a look—we dare you not to smile.
Name: Markus Magnusson
Location: Kristianstad, Sweden
Websites: markusmagnusson.tv; dribbble.com/MarkusM; and check my Instagram for the latest latest work—the stuff I haven’t even thought of yet: instagram.com/motionmarkus
How would you describe your work?Flat and Fun. I just made that up, but it actually sort of sums it up. This passion really started with me making crappy movies with my friends, so storytelling also makes up a great deal—at least, I tell myself this.
Where do you find inspiration?I would love to say that I run off to a little cottage in the woods, but the truth is that 99.9% of it is found on the web. Places like Pinterest and Dribbble are great, but also Instagram if you can stomach the occasional selfie
Who are some of your favorite designers or artists?Eran Hilleli’s animation & character work is just pure magic, makes you feel like a kid again.
Jorge R. Canedo Estrada is probably the best motion designer on this side of the Milky Way.
Tom Haugomat’s illustrations are just perfection, a true treat for the composition nerd.
Do you have a favorite among all the projects you’ve worked on? And is there a project that stands out to you as having been the biggest challenge of your career so far?I really don’t wanna single any project out. They’ve all been more or less equally fun & frustrating. Ooh yeah, don’t get me wrong: Sometimes when you sit up all night trying to perfect something you kind of wished you had a 9–5 job. But all of this comes with the territory. Those of us who get to work like this are truly blessed and should really never complain.
The things I do remember are all the wonderful people; they are really nice in this business. I used to be a crappy chef, so I can vouch for this.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?I wanna start making more short films. Animation or live-action, doesn’t really matter, it’s just that I have an urge to put some more meat to my storytelling bone.
What’s your best advice for designers today?Just keep yourself busy with stuff. At the end of the day, it’s just a craft, and like all other crafts you need to practice it to get better.
Animation and Motion Graphics
Ever wonder how that cool title sequence from your favorite movie was created? Or how that company logo was seamlessly animated on the television screen? Maybe you’re wondering how that awesome interactive infographic you saw on Vimeo or YouTube came to life?
In this course, you’ll immerse yourself in the motion graphics and animation design by learning the general terminology, as well
as the workflow of creating the designs in After Effects, file organization and animation fundamentals, along with many other basics.
Whether you’re curious as to how those title sequences, logos or infographics were animated or simply want to learn the software, this hands-on, information-packed course will give you a strong understanding of motion graphics, animation design and After Effects. At the end of the course, you’ll have created an animation from start to finish—and lived to tell your friends about it!