Introduction to Motion Graphics

 

What is motion graphics?

Motion graphics is animation, but with text as a major component. Basically, it’s an animated graphic design. Motion graphics are a means to interact with the viewer and add depth to the story. Together with music and effective copy, they can deliver us a message. Graphic design is used to produce ads, title sequences for movies, videos, and to share information.

Fluid, Bouncy Animation Style

They usually are a very fluid, bouncy animation style. When you’re working with a story, you want to keep the viewer captivated visually so they don’t just zone out and just listen to the narrator. To do this, motion graphics artists often make attractive transitions and dynamic movement between text and/or between graphic images.

Apps to create Motion Graphics

There are different kinds of applications when it comes to motion graphics, there are 3D and 2D motion graphics, be it modeling or using vectors to create the objects. Here is some application that are used to create motion graphics in 2D and 3D.

  • Adobe After Effects

https://theblogimages.adobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/1_HeroImage-2.png

Adobe After Effects is one of the many industry standard softwares to use when it comes to creating motion graphics in 2d and 3d. It is also a digital visual effect, motion graphics, and compositing application used in the post-production process of film making, video games and television production.

  • Autodesk Maya

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gjp8MQ1BxoA/maxresdefault.jpg

Maya has a hefty toolset for modeling, animation, lighting, and effects, and also has a fully integrated 3D motion graphic toolset. Ever since the new MASH Plugin has been introduced, it is easier and enjoyable for graphic designers and motion graphic designers to create 3D motion graphics.

  • Cinema4d

https://softwareshop.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/R21_Cinema4D_Software_Screenshot_RGB_%C2%A9_YanGe_VFX.jpg

Much like Maya, Cinema 4D is an all-purpose 3D software made by Maxon. Maxon is located in Germany. Cinema 4D has been around for a long time providing the software to mature into a well rounded stable program. Cinema 4D is very popular for its Motion Graphics module called MoGraph. 

Cinema 4D also called C4D is used extensively in the Product Visualization, Architectural, Medical, Advertising, Film & TV, and Game industries.

 

Examples of motion graphics:

Typography style motion graphics

3D style motion graphics

Vector style motion graphics