Diagonal Media at CoMotion: Lighting the Way for the Next Generation of Motion Designers

This year, DGNL had the privilege of attending CoMotion, the world’s largest student-run motion design conference hosted annually at SCAD Savannah. With this year's theme, "Light the Way," CoMotion brought together over 20 top studios and companies for two days of portfolio reviews, panels, talks, and networking — all focused on guiding students through the challenges of breaking into the motion design industry.

For the second year in a row, DGNL was proud to participate, represented by Sydney Otieno and Desmond Du, who conducted over 20 portfolio reviews and shared their expertise on professional panels.

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Supporting Students and Reviewing Portfolios

One of the most exciting parts of CoMotion is seeing how much students grow from year to year. “Seeing familiar faces and how much their work has grown is proof that constructive feedback and persistence pays off,” said Sydney.

As we went through reviews, one of the biggest things we emphasized was the importance of diversifying your work and collaborating across mediums. As more content moves to video and screen formats, motion design has become the new graphic design.

We encouraged students to experiment with different styles and mediums — whether that’s mixing animation with live action, adding 3D elements, or collaborating with filmmakers and sound designers. Not only does this make portfolios stand out to potential employers, but it also shows how students’ skills can translate across industries.

Another key piece of advice: present yourself confidently. Even if your work is excellent, how you communicate and show up in a room is just as important as what’s on your website.

To support students further, DGNL shared a Virtual Interview Success Guide, along with branded stickers and Sharpies, to help students feel more prepared for interviews and networking conversations.

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The Art of Freelance: Navigating a Changing Industry

DGNL’s Desmond Du also spoke on the "Art of Freelance" panel alongside industry professionals, sharing real-world advice on how to thrive as a freelancer — including how coworking with friends can keep you motivated when working solo, and why hiring a personal accountant is essential for managing finances as an independent creative.

Reflecting on the role relationships play in the industry, Desmond shared:

"Freelancing isn’t just about your skills, but it’s also about who knows your work and trusts you to deliver. Investing time and attention in building genuine relationships with your peers–collaborating on projects, sharing opportunities, staying in touch, or being someone dependable can directly impact your career. The connections you make now can lead to job offers, referrals, and long-term professional support, just as they did for me."

His own story is a perfect example:

"When I finished my MFA in 2023, I put out a quick Instagram story saying I was available for freelance work. Sydney, whom I first met at SCAD Hong Kong back in 2016, saw it and reached out with an opportunity at DGNL. She vouched for me, I delivered on the project, and that freelance job eventually led to a full-time role."

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Panels & Talks: Insights from Industry Leaders

Beyond portfolio reviews, DGNL attended several standout sessions, including:

• Keynote by Carlos El Asmar (Founder of Motionographer) — sharing his inspiring journey and reflections on creative resilience.
• "Behind the Scenes" — where professionals broke down real project workflows and highlighted the critical role of good producers.
• "Passing the Torch" — emphasizing mentorship and the importance of giving back to the motion design community.

Advice for Students: Freelance as a First Step

A recurring theme in conversations with students was concern about landing a job after graduation, especially in light of recent studio closures and industry shifts. DGNL encouraged students to think about freelancing as a strong entry point into the industry.

As Sydney noted, "Many agencies, including ours, rely on freelancers when full-time roles aren't available. Freelancers who are reliable, communicate well, and can handle projects independently are often the glue that keeps things moving."

Freelancing can offer a way to build experience, create portfolio pieces, and establish relationships that can lead to long-term opportunities.

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Final Takeaway: Community, Mentorship, and Relationships Matter

CoMotion was a powerful reminder that while the motion design industry is competitive, community and relationships make a real difference. As Desmond reflected,

"Building a reputation doesn’t start after graduation — it starts now. The people you’re sitting next to in class today may be your collaborators and champions in the future."

DGNL is proud to be part of this community and is already looking forward to returning to CoMotion next year to help light the way for the next generation of motion designers.

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