Levelled Up in Motion: Kristina Belotskaya.

For the fourth instalment of our Levelled Up in Motion series, we’re catching up with Kristina Belotskaya, a Shillington motion graduate whose creative journey began with blogging and playful experimentation in Photoshop. What started as a passion for making GIFs and custom graphics evolved into a full-fledged design career and now, Kristina’s levelling up her skillset through motion.

In this interview, she shares how curiosity continues to fuel her process, what it was like diving into motion design for the first time, and how Shillington’s Motion for Graphic Designers course helped her bring her ideas (literally) to life.

It's great to have you back, Kristina! Let's get started with rewinding a little… What first drew you into the world of design?

What first drew me into the world of design was blogging in high school. I wanted to post images of myself with angel wings and make custom GIFs for my blog, so I got Photoshop and just started experimenting. I didn’t fully understand what I was doing at first, but I absolutely loved the process of figuring it out. It was so fun! That same curiosity is still what drives me today.

Can you remember any early influences or moments that shaped your creative direction?

One of the earliest moments that shaped my creative direction was when I was really young. I remember being completely obsessed with making my own birthday cards as a child. I would cut out different shapes, decorate them with drawings, create collages, and even make little salt dough figures to go with them. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was basically a designer at age 7 :) That early love for making something personal, playful, and expressive really laid the foundation for how I approach design today.

What was the turning point that made design your career path, not just a passion?

The turning point for me was when my friends started a non-profit and asked me to design a logo for them. They knew I loved doodling, making small illustrations, and playing around in Procreate and they wanted something different and fun, so they thought of me. It ended up being my first professional logo project, and I had so much fun working on it. I realised I was happiest when I was designing. Even on tough days, I would lose track of time when I was creating and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue graphic design as a career.

Why did you choose to return to study and why motion, specifically?

I decided to go back to study because I wanted to level up my skills in something I’ve always found fascinating but was a bit intimidated by (After Effects can look super overwhelming the first time you open it). I’ve always enjoyed making GIFs and short animations; it’s so much fun bringing images to life. The motion design course at Shillington felt like the perfect fit for me. Plus, I wanted to stay competitive and stand out by adding motion skills to my toolkit.

What made you choose Shillington’s Motion for Graphic Designers course over other upskilling options?

I had taken the Shillington graphic design course before and absolutely loved the experience, especially their teaching style and the sense of community it created. So when they launched a motion design course, I had to jump on it. I was a little nervous at first about the online format since I usually prefer in-person classes, but it ended up being a great experience. The structure was super clear, the instructors were caring and encouraging, and you still got that classroom vibe through Zoom.

How did you find balancing the course with your existing professional and personal commitments?

I had to be really intentional with my time since I was juggling freelancing, personal commitments, and the course. To manage everything, I created a schedule that carved out dedicated time for all my projects. I treated the course pretty much like another job, blocking off time in my calendar for motion work. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed organized and asked for help when I needed it. Also, our instructors were amazing! They were always available and incredibly supportive. Their guidance made a huge difference in helping me stay on track.

What surprised you most about the learning experience?

What surprised me most was how quickly I went from zero After Effects knowledge to creating full animations, 2.5D motion, and even a brand showreel! I came in curious and excited to learn, and by the end of the course, I was confidently using motion in my client work. It was really rewarding to see how much I grew in such a short time.

Has your perspective on motion design shifted since starting the course?

It has definitely shifted since starting the course. It’s not that I didn’t appreciate motion design before, but now I understand just how much goes into it and how much harder it is than I thought. Even the simplest animation involves so much behind-the-scenes work: developing a concept, scamping, sketching, designing, and refining. I have a whole new level of respect for the process and the craft.

Which moment in your Motion Major Project are you particularly proud of and why?

It’s not one specific moment, but what I’m most proud of is the overall process of translating my initial scamps and sketches into a full motion piece with music, transitions, and pacing that worked as a cohesive showreel. Seeing it all come together felt really meaningful because it showed how much I had grown throughout the course. I went from rough ideas on paper to a finished piece that reflects my voice and skills as a motion designer. That journey is what I’m most proud of.

And looking 5 years ahead, how do you imagine motion shaping your future career?

Looking five years ahead, I imagine motion will be a natural part of my work as a graphic designer. Motion is already essential across many areas of visual communication, from branding and data visualisation to social media posts and title sequences. With AI starting to enter the space, I believe motion will become the new normal for how we design and communicate ideas.

Inspired by Kristina’s journey? Shillington’s Motion for Graphic Designers course is designed to help creatives like you bring static designs to life, no previous motion experience required. You’ll learn industry-standard tools like After Effects, master the art of storytelling through movement, and graduate with a motion showreel that showcases your new skills.

Whether you’re a designer looking to stay competitive or simply curious about motion, now’s the perfect time to level up. Our next Motion course kicks off in January 2026, and spots are limited.

👉 Explore the Motion course and apply today.