What Are Motion Graphics? Guide for Creative Professionals

If you want to take your content to the next level, motion graphics can be a great technique to adopt. But what are motion graphics? And how can you create motion graphics that make your content more engaging? Here’s everything you need to know. 

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What Are Motion Graphics?

Motion graphics are combinations of design elements, such as shapes, text, and images that move by way of animation techniques. The result is visually dynamic content that you can incorporate into everything from television advertisements to dynamic social media posts.

History of Motion Graphics

You can trace motion graphics back to the 1950s, when graphic designers pioneered colorful motion graphics in films like “North by Northwest” and “The Seven Year Itch.”

Over the next few decades, motion graphics became increasingly sophisticated and engaging. But the next major leap forward came in the early 1980s, when designers began creating digital graphics. Many directors would showcase new motion graphics technology in the opening credits of their movies and TV shows. 

Today, motion graphics are used across a vast assortment of mediums, including digital advertising, social media, and TV shows. Modern technologies have made them far more accessible and affordable, meaning you no longer need a Hollywood budget to bring your content to life. 

Role of Motion Graphics in Storytelling

Motion graphics simplify complex ideas and make otherwise abstract concepts visually engaging. They bridge the gap between graphic design and animation, using visual cues to guide viewers through information. You can incorporate motion graphics into a wide range of content to elevate dialogue and imagery, creating a truly immersive experience. 

Key Elements of Motion Graphics

Motion graphics combine several different elements, including the following: 

Typography

Typography is often a central component in motion graphics, as it conveys important information quickly. Choosing the right font, style, size, and animation can dramatically affect how viewers perceive the provided message. You can choose to incorporate more subtle movements, like fades in or out, or elaborate effects, like spinning or bouncing. 

Shapes and Icons

You can transform simple shapes into captivating visuals that convey emotions or ideas. Icons are particularly useful in infographic animations or explainer videos as they provide a universal way to communicate ideas. 

Transitions and Effects

Transitions and effects are the glue that holds your motion graphics together. Harsh cuts between scenes or elements can make viewers feel jolted, taking them out of the content. Transitions like fades, zooms, and wipes make the visuals more engaging, while effects like blur or distortion can add personality and style (all in moderation, of course). 

Color and Texture

Color and texture set the mood for your content. A simple color change can influence how viewers feel about what they’re watching. A bright, saturated color scheme conveys energy and excitement, while softer colors or textured backgrounds can add depth and sophistication. 

Sound Design

Sound is often added to motion graphics as a finishing touch. A well-designed soundtrack or sound effects can add layers of emotion and pace, guiding viewers’ attention and helping them focus on key moments within your content. 

Learn more: What Makes a Perfect Melody on a Connected TV Ad?

Types of Motion Graphics

Some of the most popular forms of motion graphics include the following:

Infographic Animations

Infographics can transform complex information into easy-to-digest content, helping viewers grasp statistics or processes via things like animated charts and icons. 

Logo Animations

Animating your logo by way of a simple fade-in or a complex movement can add a dynamic element to your brand. This might be a good option if your brand is looking to drive awareness and make your content memorable. 

Explainer Videos

Explainer videos use motion graphics to break down complicated ideas, products, or processes into clear and engaging visuals. They’re often used in marketing to introduce products or explain features, making information more accessible to viewers. 

Title Sequences

Motion graphics are frequently used in title sequences for films, shows, and presentations. They set the mood and capture your audience’s attention before the main content begins. 

Social Media Graphics

With a short, attention-grabbing format, social media motion graphics are designed to engage viewers quickly. These can include animated posts, ads, and platform-specific content, like Instagram Stories. 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Basic Motion Graphics

Here’s how to create your own basic motion graphics in six simple steps: 

Step 1: Start With a Clear Concept or Script

Every motion graphic should start with a concept or script. Identify the message you want to convey and outline the visuals, text, and tone you need to make it happen. 

Step 2: Design Visual Elements and Choose a Color Scheme

Create or source visuals and text for your animation. Design a cohesive look that matches the theme of your project and select a complementary color scheme that aligns with your message or brand voice. A simple color change can influence how your audience feels about your content. 

Step 3: Use Keyframes to Animate Movement

Keyframes are markers that define the start and end points of an animation. Place them to control how each element moves and create a sense of motion over time. This step, in particular, can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be, depending on the effect you’re aiming for. 

Step 4: Add Transitions and Effects for Smooth Flow

To make the animation fluid, add transitions and effects between scenes or objects. These could include fades, slides, or other creative effects to create a polished finished product and maintain viewer engagement. 

Step 5: Sync Audio Elements With Visuals

If you’re using sound, make sure it matches your established visuals. You need important effects or the climax of your background music to align with key moments in your animation. Mismatched visuals and audio can make your content less impactful and cause the audience to perceive your brand as unprofessional or disorganized. 

Step 6: Review, Refine, and Export

Review your motion graphics to ensure they look and sound just like you want them to, then export the project in a format that best suits your intended platform or audience. 

Best Practices for Effective Motion Graphics

Avoid cluttering your motion graphics with too much detail. Each element should have a purpose and contribute to the message. Well-timed animations are key to engaging viewers. Adjusting the speed and rhythm can make your graphics more enjoyable and engaging. You should also make sure your graphics are accessible to a wide range of audiences. Avoid text that’s hard to read, and keep your color contrasts within accessible ranges. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Motion Graphics

When creating motion graphics, make sure to avoid doing the following:

• Overusing Effects: Too many effects can distract from the main message 
• Ignoring Audio: Sync sound to your motion graphics to create a more immersive experience 
• Neglecting Brand Consistency: Maintain a consistent style, color scheme, and tone to reinforce your brand identity

Creating motion graphics can be a fun experience, and using them in your video creative can drive engagement — but it’s possible to go overboard. With that in mind, you should always use motion graphics professionals to ensure your video content is on-brand, accessible, and digestible. 

Producing High-Quality Videos at Scale

If you’re creating motion graphics for professional purposes, you need to be able to produce them at scale without compromising quality. That’s easier said than done, especially if you are handling everything in-house. But the good news is that there are better options.

QuickFrame offers a user-friendly video production platform that connects you with a community of makers with different skill sets. By working with QuickFrame, your project can be matched to talented motion graphic designers who are ready to help you scale up your content and video production process. 

Contact us today to get started.

Motion Graphics Design: Final Thoughts

Motion graphics offer an exciting way to elevate visual storytelling. The strategies outlined above will help you create motion graphics that impress your target audience while supporting your short and long-term brand-building goals.