Using graphics in the video allows you to make it brighter, to attract the audience's attention. If you see a static frame in motion, it is graphic animation, which is no longer impressive in our time. But if the image comes to life and carries additional meaning – it is motion design. This tool allows you to create full-fledged videos and tell stories with a specific message in them.
History of occurrence
Animation is based on the principle of human visual perception inertia, which means that a fading image lingers on the retina for a couple of moments, and as a result, the brain perceives the rapid succession of images as continuous movement. Remember the bison on the rock paintings of our distant cave ancestors? Even then, people tried to convey movement in paint by drawing several limbs of animals. In the 17th century, mechanical devices appeared, with the help of which some kind of «slide show» was demonstrated. In the 19th century was invented thaumatrope – a paper disc with a double-sided image; as the disk rotated, the images merged into one and the illusion of movement arose. And then more complex devices were invented, the purpose of which was to imitate the movement of pictures, until the praxinoscope appeared – the film projector predecessor. And soon, as a result of people's attempts to convey the movement of an object, cinema appeared. In 1910, step-by-step animation was invented, and throughout the 20th century, it was actively developed as a tool for creators' self-expression. It was the heyday of experimentation. In the second half of the 20th century, the first 3D images, and computer graphics appeared, and research into virtual reality began. And by the 21st century, motion design as we know it has been crystallized.
Why do you need motion design
The main task is to make static dynamic so the information becomes more interesting to the viewer, and attracts and holds attention. It brings life to content and simplifies communication with the viewer. For this purpose, a set of tools such as color, shape, typography, music and, of course, movement are used. Thus, the main goal of motion design is to convey a certain message to the viewer in a concise and accessible form.
Motion design can turn any boring video with numbers, facts and terms into an object of genuine interest and convey its message to the viewer in a few seconds. The secret is that people pay attention to everything that moves – it is an ancient instinct.
Where motion design is used
This tool is widely used in many areas of art and advertising:
- in the cinema – titles, graphic elements, splash screens;
- in creating video clips – there are a lot of opportunities for experimentation and rethinking;
- in advertising – everywhere, to create vivid emotional videos;
- while creating video for any purpose, if necessary;
- in presentations – to increase the effect of involvement;
- in 3D-mapping – to create moving pictures of a laser show;
- in interactive design – to create intuitive user interfaces, it is used for many different elements.
Directions of motion design
There are several branches of motion design, and below we will talk about some of them.
- 2D motion design is an animation of a flat image, both vector and raster graphics, with the addition of various effects as needed.
- 3D motion design is an animation of 3D objects, imitation of physical elements. This type of motion design is more expensive due to its complexity.
Also, these two types of animation can be combined, complementing each other.
How to become a motion designer
The profession of motion designer is now in great demand and will remain so in the future. It allows you to successfully find a job and earn good money in such areas as cinema and advertising, and motion design skills will come in handy even for an Instagram blogger.
To become a motion designer, you must first learn graphic design: color theory, typography, and composition. It can be a paid study course or self-study. Composition is the basis of the frame. You must understand how the elements should be arranged, how they can be connected, and imagine the work result.
After studying composition and color, you can move on to studying animation. There is a lot of literature on this topic in libraries, bookstores and open sources on the Internet.
And finally, after that, you can move on to mastering the programs that any motion designer will need: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Cinema 4d. These programs will allow you to prepare vector images for further processing, mount video and, of course, animate.
Do not try to make full-fledged animations from the very beginning. «Getting your hand in» is best at copying experienced craftsmen. Try to repeat projects you enjoy, starting with the simplest and gradually increasing the difficulty. Over time, you will learn not only to repeat after someone but also to invent and implement your ideas and gain the ability to «see» animation just by looking at a static picture.
When you realize that you are already experienced enough, you can create a portfolio. To do this, we recommend using the work of graphic designers – of course, with their permission, usually in this case they do not refuse. Then the portfolio will look professional and will surely attract the attention of potential customers.
If you are not going to become a motion designer, but you need a bright animated video, please contact our LANET PRODUCTION studio. We offer not only motion design but a full range of video production services from creative ideas to post-production as well. We have a creative team that will gladly help you realize even the most incredible idea. Leave a request on the website or call the manager to find out the details of cooperation!
