The motion graphics scene in 2024 is as dynamic as ever, with top studios continuing to set the bar high in visual storytelling. We wrote an article recently about the top motion graphics studios in 2024. We highlighted the studios that are not just keeping up but leading the way in animation and motion design. Now we want to answer some of the questions everyone has been asking about the motion graphics industry. But first, let’s learn where motion graphics actually comes from.
Motion Graphics History
Motion graphics did not just appear on the scene one fine day like some sort of theatrical trick where a jack-in-the-box emerges with a flourish. It is a combination of art and technology that dates back to the 1950s when Saul Bass introduced animation in the movie titles, the most notable being The Man with the Golden Arm in 1955 and Norman McLaren who drew on film strips by hand in Begone Dull Care in the 1940s.
Imagine them as crazy inventors, working with films and fonts and at the same time convincing you that words can move. Moving into the 1960s, television embraced the motion concept and every channel had its spinning logos and flashing graphics as if they were full of energy. Flash forward to the 1980s and in comes the personal computer, not just to sit there, but to move pixels around and do things no one had ever imagined.
And now in 2024, we live in a world where motion graphics are as common as morning coffee. Motion design is used widely on Youtube, applications and in commercials.
We believe AI is set to revolutionize motion design and further the use of motion graphics in various fields since processes that earlier took hours will now only take minutes. It definitely opens up new creative areas.
You Asked, We Answered
Being around as a motion graphics company for over a decade, we noticed there are a lot of questions around motion graphics production. So, we gathered top questions asked online and answered them as detailed as we can. Hopefully these answers help you find the right direction in your motion graphics journey. Be it learning motion graphics or hiring a motion design studio to create one for your business. Let’s dive in:
1) What Are the Types of Motion Graphics?
There are different types of motion graphics and each type has its own taste that enhances the normal static content. Kinetic typography is when the text is active, it moves across the screen to get your attention. 2D animation is easy to create and can be used to enhance the looks of your videos.
On the other hand, 3D animation goes deeper into the dimensions, which means that it is much more realistic and provides the viewer with a much more lifelike experience. There are animated logos that create eye-catching brand materials and infographics which tell a story with data. Explainer videos are the best for explaining concepts in a short amount of time that may be hard to understand.
All these types of motion graphics add value to your content, not just in the sense of people seeing it, but in the sense of people remembering it.
2) Is Motion Graphics a VFX?
Motion graphics and visual effects (VFX) often get mixed up, but they’re quite different in both purpose and application. Motion graphics is all about animating graphic design elements like text, logos, and illustrations to convey information or add visual interest. You’ll see motion graphics used in things like explainer videos, title sequences, and animated infographics.
On the other hand, VFX involves manipulating or enhancing live-action footage to create realistic or fantastical scenes that would be difficult or impossible to capture on camera. Think of the otherworldly environments in blockbuster movies or the seamless integration of CGI creatures with real actors. These are the playgrounds of VFX.
3) How We Should Pick Motion Design Studios
When it comes to choosing the right motion design studio, the main idea is to find the one that will be able to translate your ideas into the motion design with the highest level of accuracy and creativity. First of all, it is necessary to look at their portfolio. Is their motion works done professionally enough? Every project should be done meticulously and every piece should be unique and well crafted.
Next, check their client testimonials. These can help you get a better understanding of how that particular studio operates. How it handles projects, deadlines and what clients they serve. Innovation is also important. You want a studio that is not just a part of the trends but a studio that sets the trends. Consistency matters too. Seek for consistency in producing nice work in different projects.
4) Is Motion Design Used in UX?
Yes, absolutely. Motion design is a key element in UX design and it’s usually used to add interactivity and excitement to the project. The UX designers’ goal is to make user interactions feel smooth, intuitive and more fun.
When you tap a button or navigate through an app, those subtle animations and transitions help guide you. They provide feedback and make your experience more entertaining. Motion design can be used in the form of rotating 3D object or VFX within the layout of a page. Instead of having boring and lifeless pages, you can use motion design to bring interfaces to life and make them not only functional but also fun to use. In fact, motion design is becoming a crucial part of creating user experiences that feel seamless and satisfying.
5) What is Motion Graphics vs. Animation?
Motion graphics and animation are very related but each serve a different purpose. Motion graphics is about moving design elements such as text, shapes, logos and so on. It is used to visually explain a message or idea in explainer videos or corporate commercials.
Animation, on the other hand, is a broader field that includes characters (2d or 3d) which you would see in kids cartoons, documentaries or animated feature films. So, while both involve movement, motion graphics is about making design elements move, whereas animation is about creating lifelike motion to tell a story.
6) Is CGI and Motion Graphics Same?
CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and motion graphics are quite similar, but they’re not exactly the same thing. CGI is like the master toolbox that can create anything from realistic dinosaurs to entire digital worlds which is primarily used in films, TV series and other large productions. It’s the go-to for generating complicated, realistic scenes and characters that look like they belong in the real world.
Motion graphics is more about moving design elements like text, shapes, and logos to communicate an idea or message which is often seen in Youtube ads or explainer videos. While CGI can be used within motion graphics, it’s just one piece of a bigger puzzle. So, while both involve creating visuals with a computer, CGI is mainly about crafting detailed, realistic imagery for big productions (e.g Hollywood films), and motion graphics focus on the movement of design elements to tell a story or convey a message (e.g a Nike commercial).
7) What’s the Difference Between CG and VFX?
Many people tend to use the terms ‘CG (Computer Graphics)’ and ‘VFX (Visual Effects)’ interchangeably but they are not the same in terms of function when it comes to creating those ‘wow’ moments on the big screen. CG is defined as anything that has been made on the computer, be it a high definition model of a spaceship or just a background. It’s the actual content that is created in the digital form such as characters, objects or environment. While VFX is about integrating these CG elements with live action footage to make it look as if it was all shot on location. Let’s compare CG to ingredients and VFX to the chef, who prepares the meal that you watch on the screen in a movie or a TV show. Thus, while CG is the generation of digital objects, VFX is the technique of putting these objects into the real world to give a realistic appearance of the unreal.
8) What Does a Motion Designer Do?
A motion designer is the person who takes an image and adds some amazing life to it and makes it move, spin or glow to wow the audience. They are the ones who create those smooth transitions that you see in the videos, ads, and websites where logos do not simply appear; they move.
Motion designers combine the artistic abilities with the technical knowledge and use different programs to create animations. Whether it is an animated infographic or a video intro, their role is to ensure that everything is as smooth and as aesthetic as possible. In a nutshell, they are the visual narrators who ensure that what you are going to see is not just a picture but a motion picture.
9) How Much Do Motion Graphics Project Cost Usually?
The price of a motion graphics project in 2024 can be rather diverse and depends on many factors. For a simple explainer video or a logo animation, you might be expected to pay between $2,000 and $5,000. For the more complex designs, with custom characters, detailed animations, or 3D objects, the price may start from $15,000 and above.
High-end projects, particularly those that involve a lot of design and longer duration, can easily be in the $25,000 to $80,000 bracket. The cost is the amount of time, imagination, and talent that you put into your project and the more complex the project is the more you will have to pay.
10) Are Motion Designers in Demand?
Motion designers are definitely in demand in 2024. As more businesses turn to video in their social media, online marketing and even virtual reality, they need people who can design compelling animations and graphics.
Brands are always seeking for new ways to capture the attention of their consumers, and motion graphics is a perfect way to do it. Whether you are a startup or a big corporation, you need content that moves for ads, websites or apps. So do not worry if you are a motion designer, there is a lot of work and many companies that are interested in hiring a professional like you.
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that employment opportunity for Special Effects Artists and Animators including the motion graphics designers would increase to about 8% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than average according to them.
11) How Long Does it Take to Learn Motion Graphics?
To learn motion graphics in 2024 you can expect to spend from several months to a couple of years, based on how much you want to improve. If you are a beginner, it may take you approximately six months to one year to be conversant with the basics if you are using tools such as Adobe After Effects.
You will require some time to get accustomed to the various styles and forms of writing. For the people who want to get more advanced in their animation or 3D skills, it may take a little longer. Let’s say two to three years of constant practice and learning. But do not worry, the learning process is actually a part of the fun and since there are a lot of online tutorials and lessons available, you can go at your own pace. The more you do it the more you will be able to do it in a short time.
12) What Software Motion Designers Use in 2024?
By 2024, Adobe After Effects continues to be a leading software for 2D motion graphics and compositing, and this is because of the many features it offers and the compatibility with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Cinema 4D is also widely used for 3D modeling and animation; it is often combined with After Effects with the help of the Cineware plugin. Another software that has been on the rise due to the availability of efficient tools and affordable price is Blender.
X-Particles is an advanced plugin that is very popular among the motion graphics artists working in Cinema 4D. When it comes to the rendering engines, there are a few which are most widely used and include Red Shift, Octane and Autodesk Arnold.
Houdini is used for more sophisticated simulations and visual effects by those who deal with procedural animation in film and television. These tools, along with others such as Maya for character animation and Toon Boom Harmony for 2D animation are the fundamentals of a motion designer’s toolset in 2024.
Do You Need Motion Graphics?
We have created many award-winning motion graphics for our clients over the past decade. We cover various types of motion graphics, from 2D to 3D and even collage animation. Get in touch with our team to schedule a call, review our portfolio, and receive a free consultation: