MOTION GRAPHICS ANIMATION: WHAT IT IS AND THE BEST TECHNIQUES

Lilia Chica
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January 2, 2024
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minutes

Motion graphics animation is a popular technique that allow designers to create stories and bring them to life in a unique way. Motion graphics examples are all the Disney and Pixar movies and shows we see. Pure magic, right?

Well, if you want to learn about the fabulous world of motion graphics, the different techniques and uses of motion graphics that exist, and a few tips to create motion graphics (yes, make the magic happen) in a simple way, please continue reading.

What is motion graphics animation

So, before we start with the good stuff, we must first understand the concept itself.  

Motion graphics are essentially a type of animation. They are a design style in which movement is applied to composition. In other words, we're talking about animated graphic design.  

This powerful tool within the audiovisual field  allows ideas to come to life, generating animated content through graphic design. This technique combines multiple disciplines such as photography, illustration, typography, music, videos, 3D, and more visually compelling moving compositions. 

To have a better idea, check this cool example out.    

WHAT ARE MOTION GRAPHICS ANIMATION USED FOR

Since technology started taking over, motion graphics has reached the most crucial era of its existence to date. This is why we see much more working space today for motion designers.    

Internet, television, cinema, mobile applications, and video games all come to life through motion graphics. As Steven Spielberg said, “well, luckily, with animation, fantasy is your friend.”  

Motion graphics animation  is a unique way to communicate emotionally with the viewer, and  add depth to the story. Also, it can give us a message by combining compelling music and copy together.  

Motion graphics are  used to create ads, television title sequences, explain a concept, and share a product that helps communicate their message. 

Motion graphics animation techniques

This audiovisual resource has a series of techniques. The most used methods, and therefore most popular, are the following:

  • Stop Motion  
  • Frame by frame animation  
  • Kinetic graphics and fonts - Kinetic Graphics  
  • Kinetic Typography  
  • Motion Tracking
  • VFX composition
  • Interpolation  

Easy steps to apply motion graphics animations

Here are 5 simple steps you must apply to ensure a successful motion graphic animation:

   1. Visualize the concept

Before you start a motion graphics project, you should consider various factors such as the project's objective, the graphic and animation style you will use, and how and where you will be publishing it. Ask yourself: what's the story you want to tell?  

If the project is for a client, make sure to have a previous meeting and ask all the right questions to understand their aims. Also, search for references and examples on the internet or review the projects you've done before. Always keep in mind the objective of the project and what the client wants and expects.

   2. Plan

Once you have a general idea of the project, it's time to structure it. The way to do this is by developing a script or storyboard.  

Yup! Grab a pen and paper and start writing and drawing! With the script or storyboard, you will know exactly which actions go in each scene in your story. You will be able to segment the scenes and determine how many there will be. Also, you will define if there will be characters or icons. Every detail counts! This will make the animation process much more manageable and organized.  

You should also define the format, determine where you'll publish this project and the target audience. Pro tip: The format shouldn't be changed during the entire process.

   3. Design and prepare your files

You will start designing each of the elements that will intervene in the animation to be able to insert them in the animation program that you choose and thus proceed to move them.  

Consider the references you researched beforehand, use After Effects and distribute according to the scenes in the storyboard, from the first to the last. Also, in this phase, you will select fonts and formats for kinetic animations and other resources.  

Designing for animation requires different organizations considering the segmentation of layers - design for the animation to optimize the entire process.

 

   4. Animate. Bring everything to life!

This is where the real magic happens! The animation process is the fun part. In this stage, take into account the animation style (scene transitions), timing (pace), music (set a tone to the story), and sound effects.  

Using video editing software, put together all the animated clips, sound with speech, voice-over, music, and sound effects (the special touch). You will also take advantage of the resources offered by the editing program to make transitions, video effects, color corrections, blurs, and other special effects.

   5. Export and you're ready to go!

Finally, you will export the complete video, with a resolution and format compatible with the use that will be given to the content. 

As a general rule, for the Internet and social networks, a horizontal Full-HD resolution is usually used, comprising 1920 x 1080 pixels, at 25 frames per second and in a 16: 9 screen (widescreen).  

However, each video will require a prior study to see which output format is the most suitable for its intended purpose. 

Programs to create motion graphics

There are several programs in which you can create motion graphics, but these are the most common:

  • Toon boom harmony
  • Cinema 4D (3D)
  • Autodesk maya (3D)
  • Adobe Animate cc
  • Adobe After Effects  

WHAT DOES A MOTION GRAPHICS DESIGNER DO?

A motion graphics designer usually starts with static graphic elements, such as logos, images, and typography. Their primary focus is to bring graphics to life through animation. A Motion graphics artist is often involved in video editing, integrating their animated graphics into larger video projects. Before starting the animation process, motion graphics designers often create storyboards to plan and visualize the sequence of animations. This helps in organizing the flow of information and ensuring that the final product meets the intended goals. In some cases, motion graphics designers may work with three-dimensional elements, creating 3D models and incorporating them into their animations. This adds depth and realism to the motion graphics. Motion graphics designers use various software tools, including Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, and others.

Looking for motion graphics services? You're in the right place

Lean Solutions Group provides you with a team of qualified professionals who will develop motion graphics animations that you’re looking for.  

We can help you make motion graphics so that you can tell your story in the most magical way. 

Contact us for more information on qualified professionals who offer quality motion graphics animation services!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lilia Chica is a bilingual (Spanish and English) specialist in corporate communications, with a degree in Communications and Journalism and a post-graduate degree in Communications Management. She has more than eight (8) years of experience with different communication functions, marketing, and organizational culture strategies. Committed, creative, highly adaptable, and results-oriented.

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