During the past decade, a new type of video production made its way to the mainstream, known as motion graphics. The term “motion graphics” has become universally accepted as a legitimate artform and profession that coexists with animation and visual effects, producing an encompassing term now known as motion design. As the name suggests, motion graphics are computer generated graphics that are animated. Some examples would be animated text, logos, and abstract shapes. While the history of motion graphics is often disputed, the artform has certainly become a staple in today’s digital design.
Motion graphics and visual effects are often combined to provide function and enforcement. You will find motion graphics used in nearly everything you watch, from opening title sequences in movies, to the small animated name plates shown at the bottom of the screen during interviews on television. When someone is on-screen in a video, motion graphics can help reinforce the narrative with a visual representation of their spoken words. Shorter attention spans in today’s society mean motion graphics provide a fantastic solution to building and maintaining viewership.
As motion design technology advances, it becomes easier to focus on the craft instead of the tools. The tools of old were too encumbering and often required much more technical knowledge than creative. Even though the tools have improved, it is still assumed that you have a creative mindset to effectively use these tools. Nowadays with the inclusion of motion graphics and tech advancements, it’s important to have a well-rounded understanding of everything in motion design, considering visual effects, animation, and motion graphics are so often used together. Present day examples of this combination can be found in movies and live broadcast. During sports broadcasting, motion graphics and visual effects can be seen in all of the three dimensional transitions between scenes, or on the field when displaying markers from any plays. The three-dimensional transitions often have animated graphic elements such as abstract shapes in the background, and combined with it are animated logos and visual effects such as particles and flares.
With motion design becoming such an important inclusion in advertisements, movies, and web videos, it should always be considered when deciding on visual elements in your production. If a purpose is served and time is saved, you have decided on what is considerably effective motion design. Gone are the days of certain guidelines for on-screen graphics. With today’s creative tools being more accessible than ever, it is imperative that diversity flourishes in motion design and on-screen elements. The mainstream movement in motion design has been accomplishing just that. Times are always changing in the video production industry, and especially in the post-production field. Have you considered becoming better acquainted with the movement and improvement in motion design? If you are not keeping up with the ever changing nature of video production, it will end up running away from you.
Tony Cribari
Producer / VFX Designer
Tony is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Technical College, with extensive knowledge in Motion Graphics, Visual Effects, and Compositing. His skills also include working with video, 3D, and audio.