We’re thrilled to welcome Jose Fischer as our new Senior Motion Graphic Designer. With extensive experience in data-driven creative production, he’s a fantastic addition to the team. Check out our Q&A with Jose below to learn more about his career journey!
Motion graphic design often involves close collaboration with various teams. How do you ensure effective communication and synergy when working on projects with colleagues from different disciplines, such as marketing, and game development?
“Effective communication and collaboration across different teams have been key throughout my career as a motion graphic designer, especially in roles where I’ve worked closely with marketing, user acquisition, and game development teams.
My approach starts with creating a shared understanding of the project goals. For example, I regularly aligned with UA managers and marketers to sync on the performance metrics we aimed to achieve, such as reducing CPIs and boosting IPMs. This upfront clarity ensured that we were all driving toward the same results.
I also prioritize regular check-ins and feedback loops. At Unity, I facilitated communication between creative, marketing, and production teams, keeping everyone on the same page through clear feedback processes, and cross-functional meetings. This not only kept the project flowing smoothly but also allowed room for different perspectives, resulting in better creative solutions.
Additionally, I act as a bridge between creative and technical stakeholders. At Ludia Games, I often served as the link between game developers, marketers, and designers. My goal was to translate complex technical or creative ideas into terms that each group could understand and act on, whether it was discussing animation styles with developers or explaining how creative assets could align with marketing strategies.
Overall, by combining clear communication, aligning goals, and fostering a collaborative environment, I ensure that all teams work seamlessly together, resulting in creative outputs that are both effective and aligned with broader objectives.”
In such a fast-evolving field, how do you keep up with the latest tools and technologies in motion graphic design? Do you use AI? Do you think it is a valuable addition to any creative production?
“I’m always curious about keeping up with the latest trends in motion graphic design, especially given how quickly things change. Here’s how I stay updated.
1. Always Learning: I’m continuously looking for new tools, plugins, and software upgrades.Whether it’s the most recent version of Adobe Creative Suite or a new animation plugin, I make use of online tutorials, and webinars to keep current and learn about new developments.
2. Tuning into Industry Buzz:. Engaging with other professionals, following industry experts, and researching trends allows me to remain current on the newest developments.
3. Hands-On Experimentation: When I discover a new tool or approach, I prefer to get right in and try it. I frequently try out new software on side projects or simply play about with it to see what it can achieve. This not only helps me study, but it also shows me the potential of new tools.
4. Embracing AI: Yep, I’ve been using AI tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney in my creative process. AI may be quite useful for generating ideas, brainstorming concepts, and even producing fast prototypes. It’s like having an assistant that speeds up some elements of the production process, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspects. AI does not replace the human touch, but it is an excellent tool to have in the mix.
5. Balancing New and Tried-and-True: While I encourage the use of new technologies, I also make an effort to maintain my core design abilities. No matter how powerful the technologies get, the fundamental principles of design and animation remain the same. At the end of the day, the human factor is the one validating the output, and we have to use our knowledge and expertise to do that, to verify if the result delivered by AI matches our needs, and fits into our project scope.”
Is AI Worth It?
“Definitely! AI offers significant value to our work by increasing efficiency and allowing us to explore more ideas faster. But, at the end of the day, it’s the human element—our imagination, intuition, and storytelling—that truly elevates a project. AI is an excellent collaborator in the creative process, but it is our vision and expertise that make things come to life.”
What advice would you give to aspiring motion graphic designers who are just starting out in the industry?
“For aspiring motion graphic designers just starting out, here are a few pieces of advice that I’ve picked up over the years:
1. Master the Fundamentals: Solid design principles and animation fundamentals are the backbone of great motion design. Spend time perfecting your understanding of concepts like timing, spacing, color theory, and typography. These skills will give you the creative foundation to build on, no matter what tools or software you use.
2. Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The industry changes rapidly, so never, never stop learning. Whether it’s new software, design trends, or animation techniques, staying current is essential. Don’t be scared to experiment with AI tools and new plugins to improve your process. Being adaptive and interested allows you to stay ahead. Stay hungry, stay curious.
3. Embrace Feedback: Early in your professional life, feedback is priceless. Take feedback from peers, mentors, or clients and utilize it to better your work. Don’t take criticism personally; instead, use it as a chance to improve your abilities and develop as a designer. People will always remember you for the quality of your work, and for how easy (or hard) it is to give you feedback.
4. Build a Strong Portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card. Focus on demonstrating quality over quantity. Highlight projects that showcase your greatest work and adaptability. If you don’t have many professional works yet, make personal projects that showcase your abilities and originality.
5. Understand the Bigger Picture: Great motion designers understand how their work relates to larger goals, such as user acquisition, narrative, and brand consistency. Learn about the industry you’re developing for, such as gaming, marketing, or advertising. This understanding will train you to best understand your tasks and what you have to do in your job.
6. Network and Collaborate: It is important to realize that the creative business lives on relationships. Attend industry events, participate in online groups, and work with others on side projects. Be professional, be polite, treat others like you would like to be treated, and be humble and respectful. These will help you with building relationships and learning from people in your area that might lead to new possibilities while giving you a good reputation in the market. Remember, the market is not that big, and you will always need a good reference.
7. Be Patient and Persistent: Breaking into the industry might take time, so be patient and persistent. Every initiative, no matter how modest, serves as a stepping stone. Stay steady, keep creating, and your efforts will ultimately pay off.
Remember that the journey is as essential as the destination – it sounds cliche, but it is very true. Don’t rush to craft the perfect portfolio: even geniuses need time to come up with their masterpieces, so why would you be any different? Good things take time, so keep doing great stuff and great things will come to you.”
What or who inspired you to join Sandsoft?
“The first thing that piqued my curiosity was reading about the company’s ambitions. That, along with the fact that they were a relatively young studio (based in Barcelona), prompted me to apply.
Then, throughout the interview process, I had a wonderful and good time talking with all of the team members. Not only did I feel at ease among my peers, but I could tell I was speaking with intelligent individuals who were interested and dedicated to a vision and a goal: to publish and create exciting, fun games.
For me, the interview process was critical because it allowed me to speak with the individuals who are making Sandsoft a terrific place to work, grow, and succeed. Once I met the team, another thing that drew me in was the company’s startup vibe: I saw a wonderful chance for anybody who wants to develop, wear numerous jobs, explore, and make an enduring influence. That is essential to me: being around clever and supportive people while having the chance to try new things, take risks, be brave, and make an impact.
In a nutshell, I can say I was inspired by the whole package: the vision, the people, and the studio.”
