My Motion Graphics Setup (and Why I Chose Each Piece)

People often ask about my setup. What machine I use, why I chose it, and whether any of it actually makes a difference to the work. So I thought I would write it all down in one place.

This is not a “perfect desk” or a list of the most expensive gear. It is a setup that has evolved around motion graphics, VFX, and day to day client work, with a strong focus on comfort, efficiency, and not fighting your tools.

The Computer: Mac Mini (M4)

Specs

• Mac Mini M4

• 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU

• 32GB unified memory

• 2TB SSD

I moved to the Mac Mini after years on a fairly powerful custom built PC that I originally made for VR gaming. While it did the job performance wise, it was big, noisy, and constantly growing more cables for every extra attachment.

The Mac Mini won me over mainly because of how much power it packs into such a small footprint. It is quiet, compact, and disappears into the desk, which I really value when spending long days in After Effects.

The downsides (and fixes)

The main issue is ports. To solve that, I use a dedicated Mac Mini dock that adds HDMI, USB A, USB C, SD and TF card slots, audio, and an internal SSD enclosure. I also 3D printed a top mounted power button, because Apple decided to put the power button underneath the machine, which is not ideal in daily use.

Display: One Ultrawide, No Second Screen

Huawei MateView GT 34 inch Ultrawide (3440 x 1440)

I used to run a second screen, a Wacom 16, but over time I realised I was not really using it as a drawing tablet. It became more of a place to dump files and panels. Once I switched to an ultrawide monitor, I stopped feeling like I needed a second screen. For After Effects especially, screen space is incredibly important. Timelines, effect stacks, graphs, and viewers all add up quickly, and having them on one continuous canvas works far better for me.

Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard

Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

Using non Apple keyboards with a Mac always ends up being slightly confusing. The numeric keypad was a must. It is useful for 3D software shortcuts, editing workflows, and surprisingly often for things like invoices, taxes, and general maths.

Mouse

Logitech MX Anywhere 2S

I went through a long phase of buying mouse after mouse. Some were too loud, some did not feel right, and others simply stopped working. I picked up the MX Anywhere 2S on sale without thinking too much about it, and I have never hesitated to keep it. The battery life is excellent, the scroll wheel mode switch gets used more than I expected, and I used to rely heavily on the ability to switch between multiple devices. I also keep an Apple Magic Mouse nearby purely for sideways scrolling when I need it.

Desk and Storage

Like many people, I went with the IKEA Alex drawers and countertop setup.

I bought a 3.5 metre countertop and cut it into two sections. A 2.5 metre desk that I use daily, and a 1 metre desk that my wife uses when she joins me in the office. When she is not there, it becomes a small craft table.

The drawers were originally white, but I painted them a chalky charcoal. Slightly annoyingly, IKEA now sells darker versions as well as better drawer and cupboard options.

I also added Gridfinity storage, all 3D printed, to organise stationery, cables, and small tools. Desk organisation is one of those things that quietly saves time every single day.

Future upgrade

I would like to move to a sit stand desk system eventually. I used one quite often in a previous role and found it especially useful when you are not locked into an edit and are constantly moving between renders and file transfers.

Chair and Ergonomics

This is the least glamorous part of the setup. I currently use a fairly generic office chair. It does the job in terms of adjustability and support, but it is bright blue, which I am not a fan of, and my wife regularly steals it. At 6 foot 4, desk ergonomics have always been a challenge. I often sit cross legged, which is why one of our non office chairs sometimes ends up being more comfortable for me, even if it is technically worse for posture. I also fidget a lot and take regular walk around breaks, which probably helps balance things out. A better chair is high on the upgrade list.

Audio, Calls, and Lighting

Headphones and Sound

Most of the time I use Sony WH CH720N noise cancelling headphones. They are lightweight, comfortable, and the battery lasts a long time. My monitor has a built in soundbar, and the Mac Mini speaker is surprisingly decent for its size. That said, proper desk speakers are something I would like to add in the future.

Mic and Camera

• Headset mic for casual calls

• Razer Seiren Mini as a backup

• Calls are often taken on my iPad

• For video, I use my iPhone via AirPlay, a Canon 500D, or an Insta360 Mini on a small desk tripod

It is not a polished streaming setup, but it is flexible and works when needed.

Lighting

This is very much a window and vibes situation, plus a classic angle poise lamp. I used to run LED strip lighting behind the desk, but with my current setup I am not keen on sacrificing a USB port just for ambient light.

Software and Workflow

Daily drivers

• After Effects, always

• Photoshop and Illustrator, often

• DaVinci Resolve for editing, preferred over Premiere

Non obvious workflow improvements

Because I am tall, even adjustable monitor stands never quite go high enough. I built my own screen riser using part of an old IKEA Billy bookcase, some vinyl wrap, and custom 3D printed legs. I have also 3D printed a headphone stand, an iPhone dock, and modular hard drive storage. Small things, but they keep the desk clear and functional.

File Management and Backups

My Mac Mini dock contains an 8TB SSD, which is where I actively work. The Mac Mini internal 2TB drive is kept mostly free for applications and the After Effects cache.

Once a project is finished:

1. It is archived to an external 8TB drive

2. Drives are clearly labelled and documented

3. Projects are backed up to Dropbox

It is not flashy, but it is reliable, and reliability matters.

Lessons Learned

Biggest mistake: Building a setup bit by bit without a clear plan. That is often unavoidable, but having a rough vision helps avoid wasted purchases.

What people over optimise: Aesthetics. A desk does not need to be photogenic. It needs to be comfortable and functional.

What people under invest in: Organisation. Knowing where things are saves time every single day.

If I rebuilt tomorrow: I would upgrade a few things, like the chair or speakers. But the core setup would stay largely the same. The most important thing is that I can work quickly and efficiently.