Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: After Effects • Typography Animation • Visual Effects

Graph Editor

Term from Motion Graphics industry explained for recruiters

A Graph Editor is a visual tool that motion graphics artists and animators use to fine-tune and control the movement of animations. Think of it like a chart that shows how something moves over time, where artists can adjust the speed, smoothness, and style of movements. It's similar to adjusting the volume levels on a music mixer, but instead of sound, it controls things like position, rotation, or size of animated elements. This tool is essential in software like After Effects and Maya, helping artists create more natural and professional-looking animations.

Examples in Resumes

Created smooth character animations using Graph Editor techniques in After Effects

Optimized motion graphics timing with advanced Graph Editor controls

Developed complex animation sequences utilizing Graph Editor and Animation Curves

Typical job title: "Motion Graphics Artists"

Also try searching for:

Motion Designer Animator Animation Artist Motion Graphics Designer Visual Effects Artist Animation Specialist Motion Graphics Specialist

Where to Find Motion Graphics Artists

Online Communities

Learning Resources

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you use the Graph Editor to create natural-looking animations?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain how they adjust curves to create smooth acceleration and deceleration, mention the importance of easing, and describe how they use the Graph Editor to reflect real-world physics in their animations.

Q: Can you describe a complex animation problem you solved using the Graph Editor?

Expected Answer: They should provide specific examples of challenging projects where they used the Graph Editor to achieve precise timing and movement, possibly involving multiple objects or complex transitions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the different curve types in the Graph Editor and when do you use them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the difference between linear, ease in/out, and custom curves, and describe appropriate situations to use each type.

Q: How do you use the Graph Editor to fix timing issues in animations?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they adjust keyframes and curves to improve animation timing, including techniques for synchronizing multiple elements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic purpose of the Graph Editor?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a tool for controlling animation timing and movement, making animations smoother and more professional-looking.

Q: Can you explain the difference between linear and easy ease keyframes?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic animation principles, explaining that linear creates robotic movement while easy ease creates more natural movement.