GOING FROM GOOD TO GREAT
Learning cool techniques in Cinema 4D is all well and good. But – if you want to separate yourself from the pack – you need a different set of skills.
👉 Skills you can't learn from a thousand daily renders or personal projects.
👉 Skills that £50,000+ university courses are too cowardly to touch.
👉 Skills you only get from experience as a Designer, Producer, Creative & Art Director.
This Motion Graphic Design course is not about pushing pixels or buttons. It’s about pushing the quality of your creative, collaborative, and business skills.
That’s what separates good artists from great ones, and what keeps their clients coming back for more.
10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN 4 WEEKS
In this extreme sport version of an online Motion Design course I’ll explain every step of an optimised Motion Graphic Design Process.
In 54 lessons and 19 breakdown videos you will learn how to:
✅ Lead Motion Design projects of any scale
✅ Know what clients and agencies expect at each stage of a project
✅ Create, break down and respond to briefs
✅ Master the finances of freelance: estimates, quotes, proposals, and invoices
✅ Anticipate and overcome cost objections
✅ Create treatments, concept decks, and presentations that clients love
✅ Perfectly plan, structure, and manage projects
✅ Plow through pre-production: Styleframes, Scripts, Storyboards, Animatic
✅ And breeze through production: Previs, Roughcut & Proofing
✅ Juggle and respond to feedback
In a matter of weeks you’ll gain the knowledge to absolutely transform your professional life and all your future projects.
Knowledge that took me a decade, hundreds of projects, lots of mistakes, luck & help to figure out.
Get the skills to work flawlessly with clients and agencies.
(Even if you’ve never done it before.)
COURSE STRUCTURE 🗺️
PART 1:
CORE THEORY
A hefty dose of knowledge about Client Service, Project Management, Creative and Art Direction.
Part one of the course includes:
📚 5 Chapters
👨🏫 54 succinct Lessons
📖 200-page e-Book
🚩 Common issues and how to solve them
🔗 References, assets, and further reading
The chapters represent the phases of a comprehensive Motion Graphic Design project. All visualised & explained through the magic of ✨ Animation ✨.
Lemme break it down for you.
CHAPTER 1:
BRIEF & RESPONSE
Breaking down client briefs
Responding to briefs
Estimating & quoting projects
Overcoming cost objections
Preventing scope creep
Creating Project Plans
CHAPTER 2:
MANAGEMENT
Organising shit (files, feedback, etc.)
Job naming & numbering
Folder structuring
Tracking time, deliveries & feedback
Creating online project hubs
Avoiding cold sweats
CHAPTER 3:
CREATIVE
Neuroscience of ideas
Ideation tools & techniques
Developing concepts
Treatments / pitch decks / presentations
Developing story & flow
Storyboards, Styleframes & Animatics
CHAPTER 4:
PRODUCTION
Workflow from pre-production to final
Previs and Roughcut
Delivering proofs
Responding to feedback
The feedback filtering effect
Final deliveries
CHAPTER 5:
AFTERGLOW
Final deliveries
Invoicing
Debriefing
Chasing payments
Getting more work
Publishing & promoting your work
PART 2:
CASE STUDY
NORR are about to release their flagship smartwatch carved from genuine Icelandic volcanic rock. Now they just need some Motion Design magic to launch it...
It's an impossibly big brief, tight budget, and ridonculous requirements. And you’ve got front row tickets to the whole spectacle. From brief to delivery.
TRIAL BY FIRE 🔥
The theory is about to get real. The NORR case study shows you exactly how to apply the theory in the chaotic tempest of a client project.
See how the process stands up to assets that are never supplied, ever changing directions, shortened deadlines, and day-of-deadline changes.
Part two of the course contains:
📼 19 Breakdown Videos
🧬 13 Concept & Process documents
🔎 40+ Client Proofs
🎁 17 Documents & Templates for use in your own projects
The case study gives you 100% insight into the NORR project. Yes, that includes mistakes and embarrassment.
FINANCES
All the hard numbers. The estimate, quote and invoice are created before your eyes.
CALLS
Listen in on calls with the client. Negotiations, fledgling friendships and all.
FEEDBACK
Join me in suffering from feedback and changes throughout the project.
THOUGHT PROCESS
Enter my brain-office and see the gears turn as we come up with solutions and ideas.
CLIENT PROOFS
Ugly duckling to beautiful swan. All stages of the project are there to point and laugh at.
TRIAL & ERROR
This isn’t just the sunny side. Even pros make mistakes and their pain is your gain.
The case study contains 5 hours of painfully honest breakdown videos.
Oh, and you also get over 21 hours of time-lapses from the NORR project.
(From about 500 hours of recorded footage)
MEET THE STUDENTS 🎓
This class falls into freaky genius category for me. I was impressed by the core theory section, but the case study really tied the conceptual stuff together and took it to an insane level. Man, I can’t thank you enough for this masterpiece. It’s unlike any other motion course I’ve ever seen.
This goes way beyond education that plainly focuses on the technical side. It single-handedly taught me more about being a Motion Designer than 2 years of official education. The course helps the areas that Motion Designers lack; the actual directing of the piece, and keeping clients happy (which no one ever talks about).
Most courses I’ve taken focus on button pushing and mouse clicking. It wasn’t until I got into the industry that I started learning about pitches, contract negotiations, etc. For someone getting their start in freelancing, or a seasoned vet going off on their own, the information you provided is gold!
MEET THE TEACH 🤓
Greetings! I’m Daniel Danielsson.
I started my very first Design & Animation company in 2010. The reel featured me getting hit by a car (VideoCopilot tutorial style), the world exploding (twice) and my friend’s skull imploding. I sincerely hope no one ever finds it.
Since then I’ve worked with industry heavyweights like The Mill, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Leo Burnett, and I'm now Creative Director at Savage & Civil.
In 2016 I started spreading the love for Motion Design through my YouTube channel. Now I have over 57,000 glorious subscribers there that I neglect on the regular. Sorry.
If you know my channel, you know my vibe. The Process of Motion has the same flow, lame jokes and bad language. But the knowledge is from a whole other dimension.
See you there.
IS IT FOR YOU? 👀
If you have even the slightest design or animation skills, there are clients out there who desperately need you. And with an ounce of oomph this course will have you blowing their minds in no time. I've specifically made the course for:
FREELANCERS
Same ol' studio life getting boring? This course will turn you into a Titan. Go anywhere, lead any project, and make producers tremble with delight.
CAREER CRUSHERS
You’ve got a decent job, but that’s not enough. You want more responsibility and more pay. Maybe the word “Director” would look nice in your title?
SOLO STUDIOS
The rat-race just isn’t worth winning. Why spend your life in the stress of a studio? You’d rather earn your cheese from the comfort of your own home (or the beach).
This course will help you get the most out of your own skills, your projects, and your clients. Guaranteed. But it's no silver bullet, you will have to bring your own oomph.
JOIN THE COURSE NOW
HAVE CAKE, EAT IT TOO 🍰
Choose your version of the course below, pick your payment method and boom! Instant access to all the lessons.
You'll have 30 days to explore the whole course. If you don't absolutely love it, just email me and I'll send you a full refund. Politely with no questions asked. 🤫
BARE-BONES
BASIC
No fuss, just knowledge. If you’re self-motivated and don’t give a toss about 3D, but still want to work with clients in Motion, this is for you.
- 54 Lessons on the Motion Design Process
- 200-page E-Book version of the lessons
- References, assets, and further reading
- Certificate of Completion
- Lifetime Access
- 19 Breakdown Videos
- 13 Concept and Process documents
- 40+ Client Proofs
- Client Brief Guide
- Self-critique Guide
- Final Delivery QC Checklist
- Quote & Terms (Google Sheets)
- Project Plan (Google Sheets)
- Treatment / Concept Deck (Google Slides)
- Visual Script (Google Docs)
- Storyboard (Google Slides)
- Feedback Tracker (Google Sheets)
- Deliveries Tracker (Google Sheets)
- VT Countdown Clock Asset (After Effects)
- Folder Structure Preset
- 17 Cinema 4D original scene files
- 100+ high-quality Textures
- 67GB+ Turbulence FD and X-Particles volcanic fluid sims
- 5 World Machine procedural landscape scenes
- 90GB+ CG Renders as layered EXR sequences
- Full After Effects compositing files
PART 1:
CORE THEORY
PART 2:
NORR CASE STUDY
GUIDES:
ASSETS, TEMPLATES AND TRACKERS:
PART 3:
SOURCE FILES
BONUS:
21+ hours of time-lapses from the NORR project (from 500+ hours of footage)
DEDICATED
DESIGNER
All of the knowledge, examples, breakdowns and templates. If you’re interested in professional 3D and Motion Design, this is the one for you.
- 54 Lessons on the Motion Design Process
- 200-page E-Book version of the lessons
- References, assets, and further reading
- Certificate of Completion
- Lifetime Access
- 19 Breakdown Videos
- 13 Concept and Process documents
- 40+ Client Proofs
- Client Brief Guide
- Self-critique Guide
- Final Delivery QC Checklist
- Quote & Terms (Google Sheets)
- Project Plan (Google Sheets)
- Treatment / Concept Deck (Google Slides)
- Visual Script (Google Docs)
- Storyboard (Google Slides)
- Feedback Tracker (Google Sheets)
- Deliveries Tracker (Google Sheets)
- VT Countdown Clock Asset (After Effects)
- Folder Structure Preset
- 17 Cinema 4D original scene files
- 100+ high-quality Textures
- 67GB+ Turbulence FD and X-Particles volcanic fluid sims
- 5 World Machine procedural landscape scenes
- 90GB+ CG Renders as layered EXR sequences
- Full After Effects compositing files
PART 1:
CORE THEORY
PART 2:
NORR CASE STUDY
GUIDES:
ASSETS, TEMPLATES AND TRACKERS:
PART 3:
SOURCE FILES
BONUS:
21+ hours of time-lapses from the NORR project (from 500+ hours of footage)
MASTER
MOTIONOGRAPHER
For the ultimate connoisseur. If you’re well into both Cinema 4D and spending money, this is the clear choice for you.
- 54 Lessons on the Motion Design Process
- 200-page E-Book version of the lessons
- References, assets, and further reading
- Certificate of Completion
- Lifetime Access
- 19 Breakdown Videos
- 13 Concept and Process documents
- 40+ Client Proofs
- Client Brief Guide
- Self-critique Guide
- Final Delivery QC Checklist
- Quote & Terms (Google Sheets)
- Project Plan (Google Sheets)
- Treatment / Concept Deck (Google Slides)
- Visual Script (Google Docs)
- Storyboard (Google Slides)
- Feedback Tracker (Google Sheets)
- Deliveries Tracker (Google Sheets)
- VT Countdown Clock Asset (After Effects)
- Folder Structure Preset
- 17 Cinema 4D original scene files
- 100+ high-quality Textures
- 67GB+ Turbulence FD and X-Particles volcanic fluid sims
- 5 World Machine procedural landscape scenes
- 90GB+ CG Renders as layered EXR sequences
- Full After Effects compositing files
PART 1:
CORE THEORY
PART 2:
NORR CASE STUDY
GUIDES:
ASSETS, TEMPLATES AND TRACKERS:
PART 3:
SOURCE FILES
BONUS:
21+ hours of time-lapses from the NORR project (from 500+ hours of footage)
A client reached out to me for a job and I’ve never done direct to client work while freelancing. I had no clue what I was doing so I bought the course and just followed it step by step. The client said they got 10 other quotes and they went with me because they were so impressed by the proposal. Spent $500 on the course which landed me a job for $52,000. Incredible course, huge thanks!!
The Process of Motion is an absolute gem of a course. It combines battle tested industry knowledge with a fanatically engaging and original presentation. It's a true delight to watch. Perfect for anyone beginning their Freelance journey, and immeasurably valuable for anyone already with a Freelance career that is looking to comprehensively tighten up their whole game.
This is truly the material that Motion Designers don’t know that they need. It is an essential step in furthering their career! It’s an original concept that deserves as much attention as it can get from those looking to accelerate their Motion Design wisdom as opposed to the ubiquitous technical classes available.
I used to be a chaotic designer. I try to keep organised, but in about a week I can’t find assets, feedback or e-mails, etc. This course taught me how to keep the shizzle organised and tackle the communication part with clients. Anyone that is a creative should take this course.
The Process of Motion can make a project a hundred times smoother and more efficient. This course is so detailed that I can’t compare it to any course I’ve taken before. This is a must before taking on any serious projects if you don’t want it to go to 💩. Honestly!
FULL CURRICULUM 📋
- INTRO / Brief – [FREE PREVIEW] (1:05)
- Parts of a Brief (5:04)
- Breaking down a Brief (2:22)
- When there is no Brief (2:40)
- Common Issues with Briefs (4:21)
- INTRO / Response to Brief – [FREE PREVIEW] (1:03)
- Elements of a Response (3:35)
- Estimating Time and Money (4:54)
- Giving a Quote (6:00)
- Dealing with Objections to Cost (3:30)
- The Project Plan (1:44)
- Common Issues when Responding to Briefs (0:46)
- Resources & reading
- INTRO / Creative – [FREE PREVIEW] (0:50)
- Ideation 1 / Neuroscience (2:53)
- Ideation 2 / The process of having ideas (3:00)
- Ideation 3 / Tools for thoughts (5:03)
- Ideation 4 / Top tips for terrific ideas (3:01)
- Evaluating ideas (2:55)
- Presenting Ideas (1:58)
- Treatment 1 / Intro to Treatments (2:26)
- Treatment 2 / Parts of a treatment (4:50)
- Treatment 3 / Top tips for tight treatments (2:33)
- Common Issues with Creative (3:39)
- INTRO / Story & Flow – [FREE PREVIEW] (1:04)
- Scripts for Motion (2:25)
- Developing Story (3:12)
- Intensity Arcs (7:09)
- The storyboard (3:33)
- The styleframes (1:55)
- The animatic (1:40)
- Common issues with Story & Flow (2:35)
- TUTORIAL / Creating Intensity Arcs (12:24)
- Resources & reading
- NORR Breakdown / ASSETS: Terrain - Part 1 (9:45)
- NORR Breakdown / Previs V1 (15:10)
- NORR Breakdown / Ragnarøkkr (11:41)
- NORR Breakdown / Previs V2 (10:00)
- NORR Breakdown / ASSETS: The Watch (9:52)
- NORR Breakdown / ASSETS: Terrain - Part 2 (6:04)
- NORR Breakdown / ASSETS: Clouds (2:39)
- NORR Breakdown / Roughcut V1 - Part 1 (42:57)
- NORR Breakdown / Roughcut V1 - Part 2 (27:03)
- NORR Breakdown / FINAL (14:21)
- NORR Breakdown / Stills (14:43)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 🙋
Have a question that’s not on here? Send me an email at [email protected]m and I'll get back to you asap.
What software do I need?
A web browser. That’s it. Whatever your weapon of choice: C4D, Blender, After Effects, Maya, Houdini, 3DS Max, Lightwave. The process is still the process. To get full use out of the NORR Source Files from the Master version you will need Cinema 4D, Turbulence FD, X-Particles, and Arnold Renderer.
Does the course teach Cinema 4D?
The course won't teach you any new Cinema 4D tricks. It’s about the whole creative & concept, client, and project management aspect of Motion. Not the button-pressing itself.
When does the course start?
I’m ready when you are. This is an on-demand course. As soon as you enroll you’ll get access to all the lessons and you'll be able to request access to the assets and templates. The NORR Source Files unlock 30 days after enrolment.
How long is the course?
Most people complete it within a month, but feel free to take it at your own pace. You could smash through it all in a workday if you don’t eat or take bathroom breaks, but I’m not sure that’s the best way to learn...
For how long can I access the course?
Until death do us part. You’ve got lifetime access. You can take as long as you like, come back as often as you want. Even after death, if you come back as a ghost, you’re welcome to keep watching the lectures and refreshing your memory.
What are the lectures like?
Some of the lectures are available as free previews in the full curriculum below. So you can have a look for yourself and see what you can expect.
Does the course work on a mobile or tablet device?
Oh heckers yea. This course is built with Teachable and is fully responsive. Androids, iPhones, Tablets, maybe even your 'smart' TV should be no problemo.
Can I really get a refund for any reason?
Yes, you can ask for a refund for literally any reason. Even if you just don’t like the fonts I use. Since the course launched in 2020 I’ve only had 18 refund requests (and all were given, no questions asked).
I’m not a motion designer, what will I get out of the course?
If you work with any type of moving pictures that involve clients this course will be useful to you. But especially if you work with animation, and especially 3D. That’s why I called it “Process of Motion” and not “Process of 3D Animation”.
I use Blender or some other freaky software, should I still get the course?
I would recommend the “Dedicated Designer” version of the course. It’s all about the process, and with a focus on working with clients and 3D. But nothing in there is specific to any 3D software.
How do the Assets and NORR source files get delivered?
Part of your course bundle will be a link to a Google Drive folder where you can request access. The NORR Source Files unlock 30 days after enrollment. It’s all split into folders and not just a single megachonk of a 170gb download, so you can browse, look at, and pick files to download.
How am I allowed to use the NORR source files? What’s the license?
The source files from the NORR case study are licensed as CC BY-NC. This means you can do whatever you want with them for personal use. Use them in everyday renders, personal projects, artwork and other cool shit. Just don't use it in client work, and don't share the files themselves. And, if possible, please credit Daniel Danielsson.
SPONSORS 🙌
I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to both PixelPlow and Arnold Renderer who have sponsored the making of this course.
Process of Motion Design Online Course by Daniel Danielsson
Still Motion Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company number 10175035. VAT Number GB 246 5639 80