Presentation design: What additional video editing and animation software to learn???

M

MissO

New Member
Evening all.

Would really love a few opinions on this please.

I've been a Graphic Designer for a while... c.30 years. Have to say after redundancy during Covid I've lost my way a bit, I suddenly feel a bit left behind with my skillset (but I've just been sat in my room ready too many LinkedIn Ads!).
One of the areas I focus on is presentation design – partly as I've got to know Powerpoint well (but you know a lot of the software is so similar), but I do love the challenge of breaking info down to fit on a slide in its simplest form.

I've seen lots of job ads recently where video editing skills and animation skills are needed in addition to presentation software.
What is the most popular software to learn for this - is it Adobe Premiere/After Effects/Animate? Anything else with a quick learning curve?
I've sat and tried to learn the Adobe ones a few times, but its a different language and I loose my enthusiasm, or have to pause for a job and take 2 steps back when I pick up.
Anyway done any good online courses that don't cost the earth?

Thank you
 
It’s great that you’re open to expanding your skill set and adapting to the evolving demands in the design field.

I’ve noticed that many job ads like the ones you’ve described seem to expect a “jack of all trades”, requiring expertise across multiple disciplines like graphic design, video editing, animation, and presentation software. Versatility is a valuable asset, roles like these can sometimes undervalue the depth of specialisation and the time investment required to master each skill. Unless the pay being offered is quite high and reflective of the breadth of skills they’re asking for, it might be worth steering clear or focusing your energy on roles that align more closely with your strengths and passions.

It's also worth pointing out that a lot of these job ads are essentially looking for one person to do the work of 3-4 specialists. Realistically, a skilled video editor wouldn’t necessarily excel at animation, and vice versa, they're completely different disciplines. It’s a bit ridiculous to expect one person to master everything at a high level, which is why companies typically hire individuals for each specialisation. If they’re combining all these responsibilities into one role, the pay should reflect that and in many cases, it doesn’t.

That said, if you are keen to dive into video and animation, Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects are industry standards for video editing and motion graphics, respectively. If you’re looking for something with a gentler learning curve, software like Camtasia (for simpler video edits).
But likely looking for you to create PowerPoint presentations and basic video editing of the Christmas night out.

For affordable courses, platforms like Skillshare and Udemy often have well-reviewed tutorials on Premiere and After Effects. You could also try LinkedIn Learning, especially since you’ve been exploring LinkedIn, it might have some targeted courses aligned with your presentation and video interests.

Whatever you decide, don’t let the pressure of job ads define your path too much. Lean into the things you enjoy most, like simplifying information into clean, compelling designs, and build on that. Employers will always value someone who excels in their niche, even if they’re not a master of every tool out there.
 
Thank you for taking the time to reply... you have basically said what I tell myself on a good day. On bad days when I have spent far too long looking at theses ridiculous job specs on LinkedIn - I panic and think I've destroyed my career.
You are right, I need to remember my core skills.
I know Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop - you know all the stuff us folk that have worked for a while knew (I started with QuarkExpress!).
And I do think I have a niche... must focus on that.
I fell in to using Powerpoint and ended up having to use it really well to keep a job.
Will check out Camtasia - I have heard of that actually and may have tinkered at one point.

Anyways. I need to start pestering recruiters... or something.

Thank you for your support
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top