Unreal Engine, Creative Communities, and Career Growth with Cart & Horse

Detroit’s motion design community, the evolution of real-time rendering, and how Unreal Engine is changing the game.

What happens when a small group of motion designers in Detroit evolves into a powerhouse of collaboration and innovation? The crew from Cart & Horse sat down with Joey on the School of Motion Podcast to share their journey—from navigating a tight-knit creative community to pioneering new workflows in Unreal Engine.

They’ve worked on groundbreaking projects at Vector Form, explored cutting-edge real-time rendering and virtual production techniques, and built a business out of their passion for motion design. If you’re curious about how technology is shifting industry expectations and how collaboration can fuel creativity, this episode is packed with insights.

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💥 Key Takeaways from the Episode 💥

1. Detroit’s Motion Design Scene Is Booming

Detroit’s creative community has exploded, shifting from a small group of designers to a thriving, supportive network. Collaboration beats competition here, and it’s opening up serious career opportunities beyond LA.

2. Unreal Engine Levels the Playing Field

With Unreal Engine, high-end rendering is no longer just for big studios. Smaller teams can now create stunning visuals without expensive render farms—making high-quality work more accessible than ever.

3. Real-Time Tools Make Work Faster (and More Fun)

Waiting on renders? That’s old news. Real-time tools let teams tweak projects live with clients and creative directors, slashing turnaround times and making the entire process more dynamic.

4. Switching from Cinema 4D to Unreal Takes a Mindset Shift

Unreal isn’t just a plug-and-play replacement for Cinema 4D—it’s a whole new way of working. Once you crack the modular workflow, though, the speed and flexibility are game-changing.

5. Virtual Production Is No Longer Just for Hollywood

Big-budget virtual production is getting more accessible. Even smaller studios outside major markets can tap into Unreal Engine to create high-quality client work without breaking the bank.

6. Knowledge-Sharing Is a Career Superpower

Cart & Horse grew their business by learning from others and paying it forward. Sharing insights and staying plugged into the creative community is key to staying ahead in the industry.

7. Taking Risks Can Pay Off

Sometimes, getting laid off is the best thing that can happen to your career. Cart & Horse turned a setback into an opportunity by embracing real-time tools and carving out a niche in motion design.