Designing a Dynamic Future: The Intersection of Motion Graphics and UX/UI

Designing a Dynamic Future: The Intersection of Motion Graphics and UX/UI

In this article we learn about FX Barcelona Film School Alumna, Patricia Bermudo Aria's journey in design, where her diverse expertise in Motion Graphics and UX Design reflects her unwavering passion and boundless curiosity.

With a background in Design and Product Development, FX Barcelona Film School alumna, Patricia Bermudo Aria's career has revolved around various aspects of design, with a particular focus on Motion Graphics and UX Design in recent years. Fuelled by an unwavering passion and insatiable curiosity, Patricia has reached a professional level that fills her with pride. Join us as learn more about her journey and explore the ever-evolving world of design.


The Journey       

What's your current role and what does it involve?

I’m currently a UX/UI designer at a company focused on cybersecurity. My job is to ensure that the user has a good experience when using our applications. From understanding what the user needs, creating customer journeys, or designing UI elements and working on the Design System of the company.       

Where do you work, and what type of projects are they involved with?

I work for a cybersecurity company called NCC Group, based in the UK. The projects I am involved in are different applications for companies to detect vulnerabilities and threats. I am currently working on an application called 'View' which is designed for software vendors and software customers, providing a streamlined Escrow depositing and management process.       

When did you first realise you wanted to work in this industry?

To be honest, in my previous role I dedicated part of my time to interface design and it was something that caught my attention since then, although I was not entirely dedicated to this.

When I did my Master's Degree in Motion Graphics, I realised that it was something I could also integrate into UX/UI design and I was fascinated by the union of both fields.       

How did you get your first big break?

In order to get my big break, I have worked hard. Design is something that I am passionate about as a whole, so I haven’t stopped trying to learn, first with the Master's Degree and also with books, articles, etc.

Professional Work by Patricia for Greenpeace
Professional Work by Patricia for Greenpeace

Describe the journey you took into your current role?

When I finished my degree, I wanted to go to Zaragoza to finish my studies there and I got a degree in Industrial Design and Product Development. While studying I was lucky enough to start working as a graphic designer both at the University and in a restaurant chain in Zaragoza.

When I finished there, I got a job on the island in a company where I was the only designer, so I was dedicated to everything related to design, industrial design, graphic design and marketing, multimedia design, UX/UI design ...It was at that time that I became interested in animation and decided to study the master in Motion Graphics at FX Animation.  It was a very hard two years since I was working and studying at the same time. When I completed my studies I looked for a job where I could combine UX/UI design with animation, and I found it in the company where I am now.

Why did you choose to study at FX Barcelona Film School?

It was really a dream to study there. Ever since I saw a presentation of the school at an event called Animayo, I wanted to do be there. I have always loved the film industry and I wanted to take a step further in my career and go into the world of Motion Graphics.     

How does your education complement your work?

I believe that specific education and not only higher education, but also what you can learn from books and professional people who have lived and work in what you would like to work in, can give you a lot of growth professionally.

Specifically, my education in Motion Graphics has helped me to be able to integrate everything I learned in the UX/UI world, which makes me integrate more animations and bring more quality to my designs.

Professional Work by Patricia for Spotify

Day in the life       

Describe a typical day for you and your team?

I usually start the day by looking at the tickets I have in this sprint. Then we usually have a team meeting to find out what everyone is working on at the moment, led by the scrum master. Then as we work throughout the day we may have different types of meetings for questions that come up between the developers and designers.

What third-party and proprietary tools do you use on a daily basis?

The tool I use the most is a proprietary software created by my company. In addition, I use a selection of Adobe programs and Teams for communication and meetings.

What does your workflow look like?

I usually start the day by looking at the sprint. Then between meetings I usually go designing in Figma following an agile methodology called Scrum, which is organized by sprints. I usually have a shared file with the team, in which they leave me comments, suggestions and changes.       

Which departments and key people do you work closely with?

I work with the designers of course, and also I work closely with the project owner, project manager and developers.       

A few years ago there was no position like mine, my job is really a trend in itself. More and more the focus is on the user and not on the companies or the products themselves, and this is a great step for the future.    

One thing you’d never change about your job?

I wouldn’t change anything - I can create products that help improve people's lives, and that is what fulfils me the most.       

But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing changed is?

One of the things that I think should be improved is the concept that some people have of design itself. Many simplify it as something beautiful and don't delve deeper into the importance and functionality of design. Designing is not doing something pretty, it is creating something that helps the user and makes life easier.


Career Advice

Is formal education essential for someone aspiring to do your job?

In my opinion it’s something that helps you especially if you are looking to start a new career and you don’t already have a portfolio or work done. Being in a new role also warrants learning by sourcing out information or mentoring from professionals.     

Professional Work by Patricia for National Geographic

What tasks would you be typically asked to do as a junior artist?

Easy work or work that seniors don't want to do! To be honest, I think we have to learn how to help young artists to have a great experience in their first job placement.   

What skills do you look for when hiring an artist?

I’ve never been in such position but what I would look for is someone with curiosity and passion for the job.       

What skills seem to be missing all too often?

I think that soft skills are the most forgotten and I believe that sometimes it is more important to have a passion for what you do and if you don't know something, to learn it, rather than expecting to be an expert on something.

Describe your attitude towards your job?

I have always had an open attitude to continuing learning. Even when I think I know a lot about what I do, I always manage to learn something new, and I think that attitude of curiosity makes me improve every day.       

Where do you get your inspiration from and how do you implement it into your work?

I get my inspiration from other professionals in the sector. In particular, I really like to follow the work of Product Designer Cris Busquets. Also companies that are dedicated to training in it, as is the case of Figma.       

What mistakes do you see artists making when applying for jobs?

I don’t know for sure. I think they have to value themselves and ask for what they deserve. In many times you see artists, especially young ones, who accept job offers that are very poor and that they don't deserve.  

If you could give one piece of advice to artists starting out, what would it be?

Continue to learn while you seek employment. Continue to do projects to improve yourself even if you are not sharing it with an audience. It is also important to utilise social media, since many companies search for prospective hires through these platforms.       

If you could go back in time to when you first started out, what advice would you give yourself?

Always give something a try. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.


You can find more of Patricia's work on Vimeo and reach out to her via LinkedIn.