Motion Graphic Design: Your Ultimate Guide

Motion graphic design is everywhere, to the point that you might not even notice it. Yet it’s probably one of the most common forms of communication you consume. Although the craft has evolved with advances in technology, motion graphic design is a storytelling technique artists have used for decades.  

Today you’ll learn the basics of how motion graphics are used, how to create them and tips on launching your motion graphics career. You’ll also get links to some excellent graphics classes. 

Motion Graphics 101

The simplest definition of motion graphics is graphics with movement or animated graphic design. Their purpose is to communicate and add depth to an idea within various types of content, from ads to full-length movies.

Before the mid-20th century, graphic design focused on static graphics. The elements of text, images, design, sound and animation existed, but hadn’t yet merged into what we know today. 

What Is Motion Graphics? 

Generally, motion graphics bring stylized text and imagery together with design elements, and put it all into motion with animation. In some cases, it may rely on either text or images, rather than using both.   

You might see motion graphic design as part of a cartoon or animated film, but the movie itself is not motion graphic design. The difference is that, while the movie is a full-blown visual story, with a plot, characters and setting, motion graphics incorporate text and symbols and provide information (like the opening or closing credits).   

When you start learning to create motion graphics, you’ll begin by getting to know animation programs, such as After Effects and Blender. You’ll also want to understand animation principles for motion design.   

Motion Graphics Usages

Originally, motion graphic design grew out of film credits. Creators in the 1950s developed techniques that brought movement to the text. Going beyond simply listing the names of directors, actors and crew, this animation graphic design used bold lines and color to set a tone for the movie and excite audiences.  

With the advent of digital technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, movie credits are just one place we see motion graphic design. People in every industry create graphic animation for:

• Television and streaming show opening credits
• Memorable, targeted advertising
• Enhancing data with infographics 
• Storytelling in broadcast and journalism  
• Social media memes and videos
• Improving the user experience online
• Enlivening in-store retail and hospitality services

Motion Graphics in Action

The appearance and methods of motion graphic production change like other trends, and all the faster now with rapidly advancing technology. You can get a feel for early motion graphic design, and see how it evolves over time, with some classic examples. 

Motion Graphic Production Over the Decades

In 1955, The Seven Year Itch opened with a rectangle made up of smaller rectangles in reds, pinks, corals, and neutrals. The smaller rectangles moved around and appeared to open to reveal the names of stars and filmmakers. The accompanying music is playful and flighty, hinting at upcoming scenes.     

Beginning in the 1980s, a series of public service announcements (PSAs) called The More You Know were broadcast on NBC. At the end of the PSA, a star shoots across the screen, its trail underlining the words “The More You Know,” and the colorful NBC logo appearing underneath. 

The 2010s brought the fantasy series Game of Thrones, and with it a whole new kind of motion graphic design. You seem to glide through a vast, growing landscape of terrain, castles and cities, while names of locations and actors appear on the screen or on the landscape itself. Coupled with an exciting melody and pounding drums, this opening prepares viewers for the next epic episode.     

6 Steps for Creating Motion Graphics 

If you don’t have a lot of digital animation experience, motion graphic design is a good place to learn. The images tend to be simpler than those in shows and movies; you won’t need to worry about realistic backgrounds and complex facial expressions. 

1. Develop a Storyboard

Your workflow will go more smoothly with a coherent plan. Before you can start the actual animation, you’ll want to create a motion graphics storyboard to follow during the process. In some cases, you might receive a storyboard from a client. Either way, know how to use your storyboard as a starting point for motion graphic design. 

2. Animate Object Movement Within the Scene

Select the focal points and most important colors and characters to be animated. Too much movement could distract viewers from the most important elements, so focus on animating objects that prioritize the main message. 

3. Generate Background Effects

Show that a person is walking or a car is moving with a changing background. Flowing lines can suggest wind or hilly terrain. The background effects could also be abstract and meant to make foreground objects pop in the scene. 

4. Incorporate Flickering and Wiggling Motions Effortlessly

You can incorporate movement while objects stay in one place with flickering shapes and wiggling lines. For example, imply “blinking” with an object that quickly disappears and reappears. Or make a character look nervous by making their mouth or legs wiggle. 

5. Enhance Existing Videos With Motion Graphics

You don’t always have to start from scratch with motion graphic design. Perhaps you’ve made a video guide for a new product you’re selling. Add motion graphics over your live-action video, using arrows to point things out, moving lines to indicate directions of movement and simple characters to keep it fun.  

6. Craft Visual Effects

Another way to enhance existing videos is visual effects. One of these is motion blur, which is simply blurring pieces of a photo or video. This blurring can create a sense of movement as well as smooth out harder-looking images. 

Launch Your Motion Graphics Career

Motion graphic design is so pervasive–you can work in just about any field or industry with this skill. Whether you’re into marketing and explainer videos or want to work in movies or television, your motion graphics 

If this sounds like the direction for you, you’ll likely need a bachelor's degree. It may be possible to find work with an associate's degree or less, though you’ll want to have experience and a solid portfolio. Spend time learning motion graphics basics and the top industry programs, and continue your education with online tutorials and challenging projects.

Skillshare is a leading resource for learning motion graphics design. Use the links provided here as a launching point to explore styles and methods, and find your niche in this exciting art form!  

Written By

Katie Mitchell

Katie lives in Michigan with her husband, kids and pets. She enjoys cooking, travel and live music.

Share

• 
• 
• 
•