1. 1. What are motion graphics?

Motion Graphics are essentially ‘graphics with movement’. The emergence of the technique in the mid-20th century transformed the discipline of graphic design, which until then had centered on static graphics. When talking about Motion graphic design, creatives are referring to the combination of text and design elements set to motion. Motion Graphics animation doesn’t mean a full-blown animated film, like a Disney film with defined characters, plot and narrative arc. Instead, it generally refers to shorter pieces of animation that entertain or impart information. 3D motion graphics, for example, are prominently used in adverts. Motion graphics grew in prominence during Hollywood’s post-war golden age, but it was the evolution of digital technology decades later which brought the discipline to a much wider audience of creators. Common examples include film and TV opening credits and advertising creative.  

2. 2. What are motion graphics used for?

• TV opening credits For quite some time, television miniseries have employed motion graphics to create their opening credits. Take a look at the most recent collection available on Netflix.
• Advertising creative Motion graphics have enabled advertisers to create bolder, more interactive creative for their clients.
• News broadcasting Motion graphics have empowered marketers to produce more daring and engaging visuals for their customers.
• Social media memes A lot of the memes found on Instagram utilize motion graphics to elicit laughter by blending images, text, and motion.
• Website UX design As an increasing portion of our everyday activities have transitioned to the digital realm, designers have dedicated their efforts to enhancing user experience through the utilization of motion graphics.
• Retail experiences With the digitization of menu boards and billboards in shopping centers, the once static and flat printed format became dynamic and vibrant through the incorporation of motion graphics.

3. 3. History of motion graphics

The beginnings of motion graphics can be traced back to the development of film credits. During the initial stages of cinema, directors crafted title credits to cater to the curiosity of emerging movie enthusiasts who sought to discover more about the actors featured in the films they watched. The surge in the popularity of motion graphics within the film industry truly gained momentum after World War Two.

4. 4. The digital age of motion graphics

With the continuous advancement of digital technology in recent times, aided by software like Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects, designers’ creative potential has been amplified.

5. 5. The Netflix-era of TV miniseries

As television gained widespread appeal, the makers of well-liked TV series incorporated cinematic motion graphics techniques. As TV expanded to compete with cinema, the distinction between them diminished. Especially notable are the 3D motion graphics that have produced some memorable title sequences.

6. 6. The advertising and social media age

The advent of the Internet, social media and digital advertising in the 2000s ushered in a new era of motion graphic design. Creative agencies began to employ talented designers to create short, animated (and often annotated) graphics to advertise their client’s products and services — often to break down complex processes into simple steps.

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