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  • Writer's pictureJoe Root

What Skills Do Motion Graphics Designers Need?

Motion graphics are a way to give motion to a graphic design that might otherwise be static. They do this by animating it and moving it, sometimes without following any narrative. For an extra visual flair, you can make the bars in your graph rise. Motion graphics are the best. Do you want the logo of your website to turn around? Motion graphics are the best. Motion graphics design visualizing London Motion graphics are a way to set letters and shapes in motion. Design by Abigail Kim


Do you want to create animated characters that bring a fairy tale to life for children? It's not motion graphics. It's an entirely different type of animation.



Stop Motion graphics
Stop Motion graphics


In deciding whether you are dealing with animation or motion graphics, the key factor is whether there's a story. Motion graphics animation typically features animated shapes, objects, and text.


Why use motion graphics when you can get a static infographic for a fraction of the cost?


Kid Mindfreak - Motion graphics app design


Motion graphics can visually illustrate complex ideas. Consider motion graphics as a visual aid. Some ideas are difficult to explain, particularly if they are abstract and large. It only takes a few seconds to clear things up with motion graphics. You can see how password fields can vibrate and turn red when you enter the wrong password. It instantly signals that you need to try again.


A wide variety of viewers enjoy the visual appeal of motion graphics. Cartoons might seem too childish for formal business. Motion graphics can be used to convey mature themes in a cute and playful way. Whatever industry you are in, motion graphics can make your message more entertaining and engaging.


What is animation?


Animation is the broad umbrella that motion graphics falls within. Animation can be traced back over 100 years. (Want more information? You can find this amazing guide to animation.


This animation tells you what happens when you text while driving. Animation by SB.D


Animation can be any technique that makes static images or objects move. It could be hand-drawn cartoons (CGI), whiteboard animation software video, claymation, or motion graphics. These two types of animation are not mutually exclusive. Although most motion graphics are created using CGI, it is possible to create hand-drawn ones.


Content is what distinguishes motion graphics from other types (at least when it comes to marketing videos). Motion graphics often involve moving abstract objects, text, or other graphic design elements. It's also known as animation. However, motion graphics are a form of animation that brings a graph, infographic, and web design to life by using movement.


Animation as an art form, on the other hand, focuses more heavily on cinematic effects.


This is how it works: Motion graphics are video that uses graphics to illustrate a point. Your video that features a human character on an emotional journey will be more commonly called "animation."


A cartoon explaining how data can be saved in the Cloud. This animated shows, through funny storytelling, how data can be saved in the Cloud. Animation by Janos Nyujto.


What is the difference between animation and motion graphics?


Animation is used to tell stories. Anybody who has seen a Pixar movie knows that animation is a powerful storytelling medium. Although motion graphics are great for bringing statistical data to life and animation can bring characters to life through emotional narratives, creativity, or artistic expression.


Animation is more expensive. Motion graphics are often easier to make. It is a simpler form of animation. However, you will be investing more when you begin to look at photorealistic CGI or hand-drawn artworks, as well as stop-motion techniques.


What skills are required for motion graphics designers?


Motion graphics designers were asked to comment on their most important technical and non-technical skills.


3-D modeling


Joseph asserts that 2-D and calligraphy still have their place. Joseph says that motion graphics are primarily based on 3-D modeling. He explains that modeling programs allow for the understanding of 3-D space, lines connecting points, and polygons that are made up of those lines.


Animation perspective


Joseph says, "A good 3D designer understands motions" "Objects have the ability to move. The same goes for light sources. The camera, which shows the view of the public, can also move. The designer can choreograph complex movements and have them rearranged in multiple ways.


Organization


Andres states that both freelancers (and team members) need to have an organized system. Andres points out that the more complex your projects are, the more essential it is to maintain a neat file with all of the necessary assets, dependencies, and layers.


Avola states, "Organization and multitasking are key attributes we look at in new motion designers." "You will have to manage many layers and different elements simultaneously. Or you will end up paying more.


Procedural animation


It can take a lot of time to create motion graphics. This is one of the greatest challenges. Procedural animation is one way to get around this.


Avola states, "There has been an awakening in the term 'procedural’ in recent years and this trend will explode over the next decade." "Through simple and complex algorithms, procedurally-generated, full animations can be created in a fraction of the time. Automation makes it easy to modify, adapt, and revise work.


Avola claims that motion design software uses scripts, expressions, coding more often to speed up the creative process. The use of procedural animation is a way for designers to apply predetermined mechanics to 3D objects. For example, if two objects collide in animated at a specific speed, the results will be predictable and can then be modeled accordingly.


Texturing and lighting effects


Joseph says, "The audience doesn’t see the model. They see shapes and the images." He stresses that 3D graphics need to look photorealistic. "Surfaces are reflective, shiny, and transparent. Transparent, translucent, rough, and refractive. They can simulate textures and display moving images. They have unlimited potential.


Understanding big-picture context


Joseph says, "A good designer is able to predict what their designs will end up being used for." He stresses that there are many possible destinations for motion graphic designers, including video, multimedia, and game design. Every application is different and requires a different approach. "Understand all the applications and how you can plan for them."


Adaptability


Avola says plans can change and so do goals and project scope. This means that skilled motion designers should be prepared to adjust their original vision in order to meet client feedback. "Keep your head down and accept the inevitable.


Timing


Avola says that timing is one of the most difficult and important skills of a motion graphic designer. "Motion design can be a very story-driven tool. The best stories are those that have a natural flow or rhythm."


Even if the graphic is well-designed and detailed, it isn’t going to be as effective if its pacing is inconsistent or doesn’t match other elements like sound. Motion designers and animators who are the best learn to adapt and integrate rhythm and pacing in their work.

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