Motion graphics are animated graphics that include typography, illustration, images and video in motion, often accompanied by music, narration and sound effects. Motion graphics are used to promote brands and causes, and help explain products, services or complex subject matters. They are also often used for program teasers to engage the viewer with the program’s content.

Producing a motion graphics animation involves four primary steps: planning, designing, animating, and exporting. The planning phase consists of determining the function [title graphic, explanatory animation, interstitial or endtag], developing a concept, and establishing a style guide for your animation. The design phase includes: writing a script; creating a storyboard, a visual outline of the animation as it unfolds scene by scene; and creating an animatic, an enhanced storyboard that shows motion and timing. The animation phase includes creating media elements, compositing and animating those elements and enhancing the elements with behaviors and filters. The final phase, export, distributes your program to different venues.

Design Plan for Your Motion Graphics Animation

Tips For Creating Motion Graphics
• Know why you are using animation as a medium. What is your objective? Who is your target audience?
• Plan out your work by brainstorming ideas, storyboarding or sketching.
• Start static and animate layers to build the explanation.
• Make it flow; consider pacing, sequencing, structure and rhythm.
• Establish a naming structure for the layers in your animation to help with project organization.
• Use a consistent topography and color palette style throughout the entire animation.
• Maintain clarity; keep your animation simple and clear to the viewer.
• Give the project constraints. Set project timeline, animation length, software, and minimum content requirements.
• Go for it! Experiment with different animation techniques to help create a motion graphic animation that achieves your objective.

Written by Kate Lee, Smith College Senior Media Producer