Yoyo! Welcome to my 4th blog! Last week I shared some insights on how I approach the workflow of motion graphics. If you haven’t read it yet, go check it out here. Well, today I would like to talk about the
main differences between motion design and animation. You have probably heard these two terms used in the world of motion design, but what do they really mean? Understanding the differences between motion design and animation is important for designers and the general public alike, especially if they want to specialize in a particular area or produce high-quality work.
Let’s begin by covering motion design first. Motion design is a form of digital communication that combines graphic design and animation to create visual narratives. It typically involves creating animations and visual effects for a certain project, be it a movie or an advertising campaign. Motion designers like myself work with typography, color, various software like adobe after effects, and other design principles in order to shape information-rich visual design to tell a story.
Animation, on the other hand, is the process of creating the illusion of movement and change by rapidly displaying a sequence of static images. Nowadays, animation is used in entertainment-related realms including TV, social media platforms, and sometimes even video games. Animation designers' workflow may include keyframing, rigging, the use of 2D and 3D models, and other animation techniques to bring objects and characters to life.
Now both motion design and animation use software like Adobe After Effects to create their respective projects. They can be used together to create interactive experiences that engage and inform the audience. For example, an explainer video might use animation to demonstrate a complex concept, while incorporating motion design to highlight key points and keep the viewer’s attention. Motion design and animation are also often used in TV commercials. They use motion design to showcase product features and benefits, while also incorporating animation to make the ad more entertaining and memorable.
Overall, the distinction between animation and motion design can be a complex and nuanced topic, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the differences and how the two can work together to achieve creative goals. I really hope that my blog made it clearer when defining motion design and animation. My next blog is on the way so make sure to come back! Enjoy whatever you do and have a great week!
