Mastering the Art of Crafting a Motion Graphics Reel

Take a masterclass in building your motion graphics reel to sell yourself in the right way.

Are you a motion graphics artist, film editor, colorist, or director of photography? Your reel is crucial in securing work opportunities. But building a killer reel is no easy task. It requires selecting the right shots, setting the perfect pace, and understanding how viewers interpret your work. Luckily, Carey Smith from Division05 has created an extensive masterclass that guides you through the process step-by-step.

While these videos are primarily aimed at motion graphics users, anyone building a reel can benefit from the valuable insights shared in this series!

In Part 1, Carey starts by inviting a volunteer to submit their current reel and portfolio footage for a professional makeover. It’s fascinating to see the transformation from where the reel began to its final form. To see the re-imagined reel, jump to 5:25 in Part 4 – the last video below.

Building a Winning Reel from Scratch

In Part 2, Carey explores different music tracks to find the perfect one for your reel. He analyzes the pros and cons of each track, considers the overall pace and feel, and identifies the breaks and builds.

In Part 3, Carey emphasizes the importance of making a strong first impression. He demonstrates how to create an opening title card that sets the stage for the rest of the reel. Carey’s attention to detail and thoughtful logo design process is truly inspiring. In the second half of Part 3, he dives into the editing process, explaining why it’s crucial to engage your audience right from the start.

Why put so much effort into the intro?… The point is the audience is meeting you for the first time, and it’s probably in the context of seeing a whole lot of other reels, and so you need to be able to differentiate yourself from all those other reels, otherwise no one is ever going to remember that you even exist. And the best way to do that is to communicate something about yourself that’s authentic. That who you are and what you have to offer is inherently different.

In the final part of the masterclass, Carey guides you on selecting the best footage to showcase and structuring your reel for maximum impact. He shares five excellent principles for building a reel that stands out:

If you’re impressed by Carey’s expertise, consider subscribing to his YouTube Channel or check out this previous PremiumBeat.com post on Understanding Composition.