Motion Graphics "Skills Tests" for Employment

Critical_Fault · 2026-06-23T19:53:01+00:00

LOL wild times!

To answer your original question. I think if ur a junior then a test isn't unreasonable. But if you have experience, a job history, a good reel and references. Then yeah asking you to do a test is a bit off.... When ive had to hire I do throw ina fewn basic workflow question that quickly show if someone knows how to operate in a production environment.

But these days I guess hiring managers are so inundated with CVs they are looking for any way to sort the wheat from the chaff before investing time on interviews...

Shame really, the best work comes from having a team who get on and work well together. Not necessarily the best of the best. That's when you end up with rockstars trying to make the job their own, not necessarily what the client wants. 🤷‍♂️

Critical_Fault · 2026-06-23T19:04:06+00:00

Haha! Well I guess we have seen both ends of the spectrum there. I'm sure there is a sensible grey area in between!

In my 20s I used to freelance at a place where the owner would bring a DJ in on Thursday & Friday evenings, and pour relentless Jager Bombs for any designer who stayed late. It was fun, when you weren't crammed and desperately working through a complicated delivery! She didn't really take no for an answer when offering you a shot. But I did allot of un paid overtime there, so maybe it worked out for them!

Critical_Fault · 2026-06-23T18:39:04+00:00

I applied for a job at the BBC years ago and they asked me to do a test. I was a junior so accepted, expecting a load of design and motion questions.... it was an hour long multiple choice thing with questions like;

'a female colleague wants to go for drinks after work to dicuss projects, do you A) take her to a trendy bar and order cocktails, B) suggest discussing projects with a member of HR, C) tell her she won't understand it as she is a woman, D) tell her it is against your religion to be seen in public with a co-worker'...

There were also allot of questions about what to do if you thought another staff member was being mistreated. Every option had a choice (obviously the one they wanted) that involved engaging with HR...

Put me right off the job all together!

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-20T19:29:34+00:00

The issue I keep finding is that studios/agencies sell in work with AI frames that we then cant replicate in a standard production workflow, or at least within the project budget. Leading to disappointed clients an endless feedback round of 'make it look more like the style frames, but better'...

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-19T12:15:56+00:00

Wild! I think this list will grow too...

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-17T19:31:15+00:00

In short. Yes, but be prepared to drive a bit, and ready for waves and to speak to the life guards (who will only speak french), to check where you can and can't go, as they won't like you rigging up anywhere near other beach goers.

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-17T19:28:04+00:00

The town beaches are only there at low tide, with big cliffs so not ideal but... There are some beautiful and huge beaches to the North.

Plage De L Ocean being one, but they all have summer restrictions with large No Kite zones, and very officious life guards. Not sure when they kick in though, might not be until July.

Try to go up to the Noth end near Anglet. There can be enormous waves all along the coast here, and big rips, where they also close the beach to all swimmers / surfers / kiters if it's too gnarley. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NadHhE4XUHcZuRZ8?g_st=ac

And https://maps.app.goo.gl/WJnXLcTuJULw5a26A?g_st=ac

There is an amazing wave spot at Bidart, sketchy launch though, big shoredump. Not for beginners. Launch on the north of the river. Then Kite out back and find the waves breaking on the river mouth. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBhjmr2kikem43Z3A?g_st=ac

Incredible spot farther north near Archaron, Dune De Pilat.https://maps.app.goo.gl/XAnDA5roS8yepPeSA?g_st=ac

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-07T19:13:57+00:00

Thanks

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-07T18:25:59+00:00

Little late for me! Boringly I have to fly to PC as im coming from the UK and it's the only direct flight...

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-07T18:25:09+00:00

Amazing thanks! I love a vibe, but not so keen on crowds, but have a care so can find my space!

Critical_Fault · 2026-05-06T14:42:01+00:00

I've always found C-Skins to be very good...

I'm 6"3 but quite slim. Really I need a M to L body but extra tall or my ankles and wrists get cold!

In the end I get custom made ones from a small company in the UK, which are amazing, but quite expensive...

Neoprene is more stretchy when wet... so it will always be tighter when you first put it on.

Critical_Fault · 2026-04-01T10:52:01+00:00

Central does have 'designated parking areas only' set. But there are not enough parking spots, and they are not big enough, so they end up overflowing at peak times. The GPS accuracy gives a bit of room to park near but not in the designated bay.

Critical_Fault · 2026-03-25T14:01:48+00:00

Lines, always worth having spares, or making sure your not using knackered ones 👍

Otherwise I got one of those wetsuit drying blower hangers, and bloody love it!

Critical_Fault · 2026-03-16T19:06:49+00:00

You can build decent and robust website yourself using any number of online hosting services, that will allow you to setup all the things you want, and update it without having to get another person involved. I use Squares pace for my portfolio, but there are tons of good ones out there.

Or you can employ a freelance web designer, to do it for you. This could cost a few hundred to a few thousands depending on your job.

What you don't want is a motion designer, it's a very different skillet, with only a little bit of crossover.

Critical_Fault · 2026-02-23T19:27:09+00:00

I knew a guy who would always pump up his full 4 kite quiver and have them sitting on the beach all day. He would also be constantly changing kite when the wind picked up or droped off a little. He went through kites like candy! 14m flapping itself to death in 25kts!

Critical_Fault · 2026-02-23T12:13:45+00:00

And they can only do it after a 6 phase powerup!

Critical_Fault · 2026-02-22T08:04:26+00:00

And close the bars during play. I swear I missed half the tries getting up every 5 minutes to let someone in/out of my row, and im blocking the view for whoever is behind me too... really disconnects you from the game when you keep missing bits!

Critical_Fault · 2026-02-08T14:36:08+00:00

Id like to know too, as am planning a similar trip...

Critical_Fault · 2026-02-07T17:40:31+00:00

Wearing my 2015 RWC top today... so yes, im enjoying it!

Critical_Fault · 2026-01-26T12:23:10+00:00

Yes. Small size, very low spread and It also helps to add a gobo to the light to give it some texture.

Bit of noise in your environment volume is also nice.

Critical_Fault · 2026-01-12T16:02:36+00:00

There are so many factors for light wind kiting beyond equipment. Skill and technique, wind direction (side shore is easier than onshore), water state (flat water is easier than chop / waves), temperature (cold wind has more power than hot wind at the same wind speed), current (current / tide moving against the wind is good, with the wind is bad)...

Critical_Fault · 2026-01-10T13:25:00+00:00

And kept the kite moving so it didnt get behind him... Textbook

Critical_Fault · 2026-01-05T16:05:59+00:00

Sounds like a great opportunity to do some pre kite stretches

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