Staying youthful energises creativity: motion designer on Alberto Segado Conde on graphics, music and staying young.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I'm originally from a very small city in southern Spain that offered limited creative opportunities. This pushed me to eventually relocate to London, where I currently work as a freelance motion designer. My journey into motion graphics began at university where I studied TV and media production. After graduating, I was seeking a way to apply my skills and spotted an opportunity in infographics.

What inspired you to pursue motion graphics after you finished your studies?

A colleague suggested I learn infographics as a viable career to earn money using my design skills. So I went straight to the bookstore, purchased the Adobe After Effects 7.0 learning guides and software, and began teaching myself motion graphics through the tutorials. As I started animating and manipulating graphics in motion, I realised the immense creative potential. I could bring static designs to life through movement, transitions, effects and more and I was hooked by the possibilities of motion graphics and saw it was a great fit for my talents.

In your opinion, how has the role and prevalence of motion graphics evolved over time?

Today we engage with screens on phones, computers, and devices for huge portions of our day. The more animation, motion, and dynamism that brands can utilise, the better it is for capturing audience attention and interest. Motion graphics are exponentially more critical now in digital content, ads, campaigns, to create visual interest. The animation draws viewers in on an emotional level that static graphics cannot always achieve. So motion is essential in the modern digital media landscape.

Have any emerging technologies or tools on the horizon caught your eye for the future of motion graphics?

I believe AI will completely disrupt motion graphics and open new creative possibilities that we can't yet imagine. It will transform how we experience visuals, stories, and information through screens and devices. While part of me is hesitant about how AI may impact the artistic process, I think it will enable whole new experiences through human-computer interfaces, 3D holograms, and innovations we haven't conceived. So AI has tremendous potential for motion graphics.

Can you share insights from your experience working in creative studios and agencies over your career?

Early on when I first relocated to London, I worked full-time at a large advertising agency which gave me an understanding of the corporate structure and creative process. 

As a freelancer now, I've worked with a diverse range of independent studios and agencies — from small boutique shops to global brands. The benefit of freelancing is choosing projects, so I can opt for gigs with more artistic freedom or the scale and security of established agencies. Each experience has taught me new skills.

When conceptualising a music video or tour visuals, what is your creative process for translating the music into compelling motion graphics?

With my background as a musician, I have a natural connection to music that informs my visual work. Often I let the pace, emotion, and structure of the music guide the flow of the motion graphics. Starting with the soundtrack allows me to tap into the feeling and rhythm which sets the tone for the visual direction. I'll sketch sequences and cuts timed to the audio beats and cadence. Music provides the energy that I can then amplify through well-synced graphics.

For more emotional, cinematic projects, how does your approach differ?

On evocative, provocative projects I lean heavily on the audio and soundtrack to immerse myself in the desired emotion before illustrating it visually. I'll listen closely to whether the music is sombre, melancholic, romantic, tense, playful - whatever the tone, I'll then consider visuals to match and heighten that feeling. The music informs the motion graphics needed to connect the audience to the underlying sentiment. So I start with audio immersion rather than visuals.

Were there any sources of creative inspiration from your youth that still influence your work today?

It's crucial to stay young at heart — to keep your inner child alive in your work. As creative people, we have that sense of wonder that drives innovation. I don't want to lose the playful, imaginative spirit of my childhood because it keeps my visuals feeling fresh. So maintaining that whimsical approach through the years inspires me to continually push boundaries. Staying youthful energises creativity.

In your perspective, why are motion graphics so critical for brands and content creators in today's media landscape?

We interact with screens and devices more than ever before in human history. For brands aiming to connect with modern audiences, motion graphics are infinitely more effective than static logos at capturing attention. Motion allows brands to create an immersive identity and relationship with consumers. The animation and dynamism tell a story and elicit emotion that engages audiences on a deeper, visceral level than is possible with print graphics alone.

As technology progresses, how do you envision motion graphics evolving in the next decade?

I think we'll see even more specialised roles and niches emerging. Large agencies will still dominate big branding campaigns. But smaller boutique studios will become more critical for specialised, creative projects with smaller budgets but bigger artistic freedom. The broad ecosystem will segment further as audience needs diversify.

What advice would you offer someone just starting out in learning motion graphics today?

Stay hungry and curious — constantly push yourself to improve and learn new techniques. In today's online world with platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, tutorials and knowledge are so accessible. But you have to be self-driven. Motion graphics require a lot of devotion and computer time, which can get frustrating. But keep patient and motivated despite the challenges.

Who has been integral in supporting your motion graphics career path?

My wife has been instrumental in my path — she gave me the push and confidence to pursue my motion graphics career abroad. When I was feeling creatively stifled in Spain, she encouraged me to try London for a month, which gave me the breakthrough I needed. Having her unwavering support as a creative means everything.

What final wisdom would you offer someone embarking on a motion graphics career today?

Never stop cultivating your skills — create and experiment relentlessly. Immerse yourself in the motion graphics community through online tutorials, courses, and colleagues. Don't let setbacks derail you — persist through the inevitable frustrations. Success takes time and dedication. Stay driven by your passion for the craft.

Thanks Alberto!