Kate Mrozowski
Exploring Animation & Motion Graphics
What has your ten-year journey been like with animation and motion graphics?
Kate Mrozowski: All in all, I have one of the best jobs in the world as a motion graphics freelance artist. I have made a lot of friends who taught me so much about motion. So many people in the motion industry are willing to help each other and that’s how I learned most of the skills I have now.
Could you please take us through your journey that led to becoming a professional artist–related education, inspirations, projects, and milestones?
Kate Mrozowski: I graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design with a Master’s in Graphic Design and didn’t have any formal training in motion graphics. My first Graphic Design job was for Odgis & Company. Janet Odgis, the owner, gave me a lot of freedom to explore different disciplines; that’s when I started learning Cinema 4D and Flash. I was so in love with animation, I decided to concentrate more on that field.
I moved to Los Angeles and got an internship with Chris Do at his motion company,Blind.This catapulted my motion career. I made a lot of great friends who connected me with more jobs. For the past 12 years, I have worked on main titles for film and television; graphics for The NFL Network; social media animation for Lime Scooter; motion graphics for events, and animated logos for web and social.
What’s your method to ensure you pay attention to details and what impact does this have on the final result?
Kate Mrozowski: I live by the organization–from organized file structures to organized workflow. It ensures I am most efficient and that things do not fall through the cracks. We are all humans and make mistakes but, once I notice them, I quickly fix them because of the clean and organized files I am working with
Which have been your most significant projects, collaborations, and clients so far?
Kate: Recently, I was hired by On Board Experiential to help them with an Event called ‘It’s Her Shot’ sponsored by Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods. This was a basketball event where middle school and high school girls could come and show off their skills; have pickup games and meet other girls in their community who are killing it in basketball. I created graphics for its Instagram Stories and Posts, Animated Gif Stickers, and also graphics for the recap video.
As an animation and motion graphics artist, what are the key elements you pay attention to and why do you choose to focus on them specifically?
Kate: I believe the most important elements of animation are good design, storytelling, and the principles of animation. You don’t need fancy effects or technologies. I always start with establishing the design, making sure it follows brand guidelines, and then layout storyboard frames before animating. Further, I use the animation principles of ease in and out, anticipation, and follow through to finesse the animations.
Could you please elaborate on your style of being casual with an exceptional eye for detail?
Kate Mrozowski: I am approachable and easy-going. If I am working with a pre-existing design team, I easily integrate to maintain a good flow and communication. While being easy-going, I still pay close attention to details so we get the best end product.
“I believe the most important elements of animation are good design, storytelling, and the principles of animation.”
Could you point out one or two significant lessons you learned through practical experiences?
Kate Mrozowski: Always save your work and version up! There is nothing worse than when your system crashes and you lose your current file or when you open your file and it is corrupted. We don’t want to be spending more time than necessary. In addition to that, communication is extremely important. If I have questions, I ask them, whether I’m worried that they’re stupid questions or not. It’s better to ask than to guess wrong.
What’s your advice to those starting in motion graphics or animation?
Kate Mrozowski: Explore many different technologies and industries, then niche down. You don’t want to get pigeon-holed too early on and then not have enough experience to switch fields. There are so many different uses and applications for animation now from UX and web to film and television; from advertising to social media marketing and VFX too. It’s constantly expanding.
