We recently connected with Paola Velez Miranda and have shared our conversation below.
Paola, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
Motion design is a vastly dynamic field with constantly evolving trends. Minimalistic and flat design styles continue to be popular in design and branding overall. These are styles that I most often aesthetically gravitate towards. I enjoy the crips lines, simple shapes, and vibrant colors. These elements, to me, are essential in crafting visually appealing and easily understandable animations. Pure eye candy.
However, one design trend that seems to be spreading like wildfire within the Motion Design industry is the dreaded “Corporate Memphis,” more popularly known as The Corporate Art Style. “Corporate Memphis” refers to a design style characterized by bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and playful typography. It is particularly used in branding and marketing. Its widespread use, especially in promotional content for companies such as Hinge, Uber, and GrubHub, are making it feel overly saturated. The more it is used, the quicker it seems to lose its impact, leading to a lack of distinction between brands and a decline in originality when it comes to establishing a strong, recognizable identity.
Though, despite my criticisms of Corporate Memphis, I have to remind myself how important it is to acknowledge that design trends reflect cultural and aesthetic preferences at a given time. It certainly had its moment in the spotlight, shaping the visual landscape of the corporate world during its peak popularity. Like all trends, though, I’m hopeful to see it fade a bit, making space for fresh new styles to emerge and evolve.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! My name is Paola Velez-Miranda (she/her), and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Design from Ringling College of Art and Design, conferred in May 2021.
I bring a robust skill set to the table, particularly in the realm of developing visual solutions within After Effects. I practically live and breathe After Effects. Though, I am continuously honing my expertise, exploring techniques to streamline my workflow. My insatiable appetite for learning drives me to stay up to date with the ever-evolving landscape of Motion Design, perpetually seeking creative ways to bring about meaningful and impactful experiences through animation.
I relish the challenges inherent in the designer’s journey, viewing them as opportunities for growth and refinement. I am eager in using my creative skills to assist in any task entrusted to me.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Being a Motion Designer is knowing the importance of marketing yourself. In a competitive industry like Motion Design, visibility is key. Don’t be a hermit! Attending networking events as a Motion Designer is crucial in building connections.
After spending my adult life in Florida with friends and family, I took a job opportunity in Minnesota, knowing no one when I landed, but attending networking events provided me with opportunities to meet and connect with other professionals in the Motion Design industry, including fellow designers, animators, creative directors, and friends.
Networking is not just about making connections; it’s about building meaningful relationships over time. By attending networking events regularly and staying in touch with your contacts, you can nurture these relationships and create a supportive network of peers, mentors, and collaborators who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities throughout your career.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Motion Designer is the opportunity to bring ideas to life in a dynamic and engaging way. Seeing your animations come to life and having a tangible impact on viewers is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s creating a captivating title sequence, designing a prop, or producing an engaging advertisement for a brand, Motion Designers have the power to shape how people perceive and interact with content, making every day as a motion designer its own rewarding little adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paolavelezmiranda.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolavelezmiranda/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolavelezmiranda/