Ever wondered how animated videos work? Ever heard the term motion graphics? If not., it's Okay!
Let me walk-you through these terms and provide you some vital insights into this creative field and the know-how to build your motion graphics career with these pro-tips.
Let’s get started!
Motion graphics is the technique that brings life to the images with movements. Not only do motion graphics look cool but they are also an exciting way of communication. The blend of animation, voice-overs, story-telling content makes it an effective marketing content.
Video marketing is redefining the definition of content marketing and becoming a favorite among marketers. 87% of the marketers said that video has helped in increasing the traffic to their website. With the help of a video, you can explain a 1500 word article in just 15 seconds. A 2015 Facebook study says that even video views under 10 seconds effectively build awareness and drive purchase intent.
Let's explore some more about motion graphics and why it has become the best choice for brands.
What is Motion Graphics, and why does a brand need it?
The term 'motion graphics' is not new. The leading brands across the industries have been using it for decades because of their effective way of conveying the brand message.
Ever heard of Doordarshan? Ok yeah probably only 90s kids would have actually seen it during their childhood. But I am pretty sure that even the millennials and Gen Z kids would have gotten a glimpse of it while watching 'Ramayana' with their families during the lockdown.
Did you perhaps get a fine look at its logo? Yes, the round faded circles making a logo with Doordarshan written in the center. A fine example of motion graphics.
And for those who still have no clue about what I am talking about, you might be using emojis or gifs in daily life while working on your laptop or mobile. Well, they are also an example of motion graphics.
In simple words, we can describe motion graphics as the creation of the animated graphic design. It is a type of animation but with text, graphics, colors, and movements. It is a creative way to communicate a complex idea to the audience quickly and easily.
Motion graphics is the amalgam of illustration, animation, photography, and typography that brings out a visually striking content that connects with the audience and makes a brand more appealing.
What makes Motion Graphics a better choice for brands?
Engaging
Videos are always an effective way to engage and communicate with the viewer. Motion graphics give life to a static picture, hence making it more attractive and impactful. A Social video generates 12 times the shares than text and images combined.
Easy to interpret
Motion graphics make content more fascinating and easy to understand with beautiful animation, music, and powerful narrative and don't require much from the viewers. 90% of the information that goes to our brain is visuals, and that's why motion graphics are a sure-shot way to connect with the audience.
Cost-effective
Rather than shooting a video with real people, which, of course, will cost them more, brands can use their graphic motion team and get the job done more cost-effectively. And once you create an explainer video, you can use it at various digital platforms, relevant presentations, and emails.
Editing and updation
Motion graphic videos are more comfortable to edit and update than the video with real-life people.
Quick communication
Sectors like banking and insurance, SaaS are using motion graphics in their ads to tell about their services clearly and effectively in a short time and in an exciting way.
What does a Motion Graphics artist do?
Motion graphic artists create artwork for websites, televisions, and films. It can be a commercial, a trailer, a movie clip, or a title sequence.
A motion graphic artist's primary goal is the information presented through graphics and animated texts often accompanied by voice-overs. The gist is -they design drawings that are in motion.
By animating graphics and creating visual effects, motion graphic artists can visually appeal visuals, stunning video assets, and content and make the commercials, websites, or a trailer visually striking. This way, it gives a sophisticated feel to the visual branding.
7 Skills a Motion Graphics artists should have
Being a graphic motion artist was a niche skill once. But the last few years have seen enormous changes in the trends change in the directions, and there has been an immense demand for skilled motion artists. Let’s see what vital skills a graphic motion artist needs to push his work on another level.
Graphic design skills
Motion design artists virtually bring visual features to life through animation, and Graphic design is perhaps one of the most crucial motion graphic skills. So you should know not only how to make the elements move but also how to create them.
Basic knowledge of traditional art
Having a basic understanding of conventional art can help you put your ideas on paper, which is more accessible than putting them on a computer. This way, you can do a quick brainstorming of different ideas.
Animation
A motion graphic artist should have a good understanding of animation. After all, he is supposed to bring 2D elements to life through movement.
3-D Design skills
3D elements are the base of motion graphics as they make the information more accessible and understandable. Thus makes brands use it more. Don't limit yourself to just 2D motion design; expand your knowledge into 3D as it will open up more opportunities for you.
Typography and Color theory
Typography is an essential factor in motion graphics and plays an important role. Wrong use of fonts can cost you. So familiarity with the typography will be a plus point.
Colors and fonts bring life to the designs. Being a motion graphic artist, you should know color theory and its colors and color combinations to catch the audience's attention.
Never heard about Typography? Well, have a look at this video clip and you'll know what I am talking about.
Creativity and originality
Creativity is the most required skill of an artist. A motion artist's job is to bring life to a graphic and tell a story effectively so that the audience finds it appealing.
Don't follow the trend or modify what's already there. Create your signature style. Make your work unique. That only will make it memorable.
Technical skills
All of the work in motion graphics gets done on computers, so you must have the technical knowledge to work on servers and systems. And be able to adapt to the numerous programs, operating systems, and virtual servers.
Top 5 reasons to choose Motion Graphics as a career
Extensive demand
You can see motion graphics in commercials, explainer videos, logos, YouTube videos, brand promotion, billboards, and almost everywhere on a digital platform.
From a big brand to midsize business, everyone wants to reach their brands to click with their respective audiences. Banking, insurance, gaming, movies, almost every industry uses motion graphics artists' services and thus holds vast opportunities for you.
Creative work field
Motion graphics artists' job is all about creativity. How to bring a simple idea into motion design and make it attractive enough to catch the audience's attention, engage, and captivate them. As a motion graphic artist, you will need to turn a simple idea of a client so that the audience finds it appealing enough.
High salary option
A motion graphic artist with experience less than a year can earn up to Rs. 2,0,8000.
Experience of 1 to 9 years can get you something between Rs. 3,50,000 to Rs. 6,45,000 and artists with 10+ years of experience can make up to Rs. 8,85,000.
A fresher can get a good start in the motion graphics industry, however, you should possess the required skills.
Growing and updating industry
With the new trends coming and the launch of new software and tools, this industry keeps updating and growing. There has been a drastic rise in the number of jobs for motion graphics with the growing popularity of this field. In the coming future, we can see an adaptation of artificial intelligence and virtual motion graphic artists.
Learn and work at your comfort
While a degree gives you a good start in the field, many great graphic artists have learned independently. Read books, watch tutorials, practice on practice on tools at home . With a passion for design, you will learn a great deal on your own.
A motion graphics designer job comes with so many perks. If you don't want to work in-house, you can also go for freelancing and work according to your schedule and comfort.
Last Words
I believe that you now understand what motion graphics is all about, its future, and what job opportunities it holds for you. If you dream of becoming a motion graphic artist, you need to have the required skills and hands-on experience.
Seeing today's scenario where 'maintaining social distancing' and 'work from home' are the new normal, a motion graphics career can become a boon for you. Work as a freelancer or in-house artist; you can work from the comfort of your home. So there is a silver lining for motion graphics artists especially during the pandemic.
There are many tutorials, motion graphic courses, and online certifications available on the internet about motion graphics. Start learning and practicing before looking for a motion graphics designer job. A bright future awaits you.
Good Luck!!
