Pivoting from Ads to Apps: My Transition from Marketing to Product as a Motion Designer
A Dream of Animation
When I first told my family almost 10 years ago that I wanted to pursue a career in animation, I envisioned a straightforward path—one that led to Burbank, where I would work for a major film company. I imagined myself in the bustling studios of Hollywood, bringing stories to life on the big screen. But life has a way of steering you in directions you never planned.
I was fortunate to have been accepted into the 3D Digital Design program at Rochester Institute of Technology. It was there, in the basement-level animation lab, that I started to truly explore the many facets of the medium. While many of my peers were drawn to the glitz and glamour of VFX and game design, I found myself captivated by the meticulous artistry of photorealistic CGI. Then I stumbled into Adobe After Effects, where I began experimenting with kinetic typography and illustrated graphics to create short reels. It was considered a niche area at the time, but it spoke to me in a way nothing else did.
Under the mentorship of a professor who saw potential in my work, I ventured into a less-trodden path—CGI for marketing and advertising. By the end of my junior year, I landed my first industry job as a CGI artist at a major consumer goods company. I packed my bags and moved to New York City, feeling like I was living the dream. I spent my days creating lifelike renders of products that millions of people used daily, and learned things on the job that no classroom could teach me.
It wasn’t until I was asked to contribute to a TV commercial, blending CGI with motion design, that I realized I was onto something bigger. Why limit myself to one art form when I could use both to create eye-catching content? I had assumed CGI alone would be my ticket to success, but suddenly, my career path veered toward the fast-evolving world of performance marketing.
A Right Turn: Motion Design Meets Marketing
The marketing industry became my playground—a space where I could blend art with strategy. With the rise of social media, digital billboards, and streaming platforms, brands were fighting for attention in a crowded digital world. It was a perfect place to experiment with new ideas and video content, helping brands stand out in mere seconds.
My career quickly accelerated. Soon, I was leading creative teams, implementing motion design strategies for both small startups and global brands. My work was featured across digital platforms, reaching millions. By the time I was 23, I had even snagged a Hermes Creative Award. But over time, despite the thrill of tight deadlines and high-stakes projects, I felt a growing restlessness. I wanted to create something more meaningful than just helping sell products.
That restlessness turned into curiosity when I started working on side projects involving product design. At a fintech startup, I collaborated with designers across the product team, using motion design to enhance the digital experience. I wondered, could we bridge the gap between the excitement of an ad and the user experience once the app was downloaded? I didn’t have all the answers then, but I knew I had found a new passion: using motion design to elevate digital products.
Taking the Leap
The decision to pivot was daunting. I had built a career in marketing with valuable connections and a strong portfolio, but the pull toward product design was undeniable. I spent a full year discussing the change with my boss, future product colleagues, friends, and family. Their support gave me the courage to officially make the move. My advice to anyone in a similar situation: lean on your community during times of uncertainty.
The transition came with challenges. I had to learn new tools and adapt to different workflows. Imposter syndrome crept in, especially when I compared myself to others with years of experience in product design. Going back to school while learning on the job felt like the best solution. Thankfully, remote learning options made it possible to enhance my education while continuing to work.
Despite the obstacles, each challenge brought new opportunities for growth. My new team welcomed me with open arms, and I continue to learn from them every day. Today, I contribute to experiences that people interact with daily, finding fulfillment that goes beyond the satisfaction of a job well done. I’m shaping how people experience the digital world, one interaction at a time.
Embracing the Journey
Looking back, my journey has taught me the importance of following your passion, even when it leads you into the unknown. Motion design, once a tool for promotion, has become a vehicle for creating seamless, engaging user experiences. To anyone considering a career change, my advice is simple: embrace the uncertainty. Your unique perspective, shaped by every twist and turn, will guide you. Every step of the way is part of the story you're creating—one that's truly your own.
