2010 Motion Graphics Design Census

The unofficial, web-based Motion Graphics Design Census for 2010 is now available from their web site. It compiles over 5500 responses - distributed roughly evenly between the US and non-US - into a series of responses about age, software, and - primarily - income. Of course, it’s only a survey of those who responded rather than the industry as a whole. Also, not everyone responded to every question - for example, only 219 self-employed artists offered how much they charged per hour, and most of the charts are based just on US respondents. With those caveats, here’s what stuck out for us:

4 Ways Video Is Fundamentally Changing

If you’re interested in the business of video beyond just shooting and editing it, you might enjoy reading Shishir Mehrotra of Google’s recent article over on ClickZ. He notes “In my position at YouTube, I’ve observed this market over the last few years, and have taken note of the ways in which it is fundamentally changing.” His four main macro-changes are:

• Hyper-Fragmentation
• Great Content Can Come From Anywhere
• Advertisers Can Create Content That Users Love
• There Is No Online Video, Just Video

For many of you, the first two may fit into the “well, DUH” category; Shishir even notes the first one is “not a new story.” The last one is something we’ve been personally preaching for years: The sooner you blur the lines between broadcast and web video from the production side, the better, because the viewer already expects them to be of the same quality - just as they expected “local market” or cable TV to look as good as the major networks. That third one may come as a bit of a surprise to the cynical, but anyone who has seen videos like the Evian Roller Babies (and not to mention, its view counter) realize it’s becoming true. Regardless, it’s a good read, as well as something to pass onto your clients.

Apple + Tablet = New Video Distribution Outlet?

As a long-time Apple user (and - full disclosure - Apple stockholder), I’ve learned long ago to take Apple rumors with a grain of salt. However, combine patents (some going back to 2005), leaks from developers, and the rental of a big hall for a special event in late January, and you start to feel something might actually happen - although it’s certainly not a lock. Personally, I’m thrilled with the speculation that the rumored “iPad” iSlate iPad will be more about media than computing.

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