Designing High-End Motions & Animations: 4 Facts to Know

Motion graphics come in different forms and they provide entertainment. They can also be used in different industries for marketing purposes. There are many things involved in motion graphics. Here are four facts you should know before venturing into the business of designing high-end motions and animations.

1. Motion Graphics Require Proper Technology

Graphic designers in Singapore use the latest software, and most tools are found in design and layout applications. If you want to bring your message and creations to the world, motion graphics Singapore may just be your answer. You will learn a lot of things about motion graphics including visual effects, cartoon animation, and animated videos. To achieve this, you need to use the right tools and possess certain skills. 

You’ll need time tools since most tasks involving motion graphic design are time-based. The layout must be readable, and it needs to be controlled over time. With control tools, the graphic artist can manipulate the time elements of a moving project. 

The timing allows the designers to incorporate audio to match the motions represented by the video aspect. Filters and layers can also help make flawlessly crisp work. 3-D modeling and 2-D art play a crucial role in motion graphics, although 3-D will play an even greater role in the future.  

 A good designer must understand the essence of motion and timelines. Light and objects can move, so the designer times these complex movements. Additionally, you need to possess a high degree of organization if you want to succeed as a freelancer or team member when designing high-end motions. You need to keep a smart file comprising organized assets, layers, and other elements. 

Multi-tasking is another critical attribute you should have if you want to succeed as a motion designer. You will be managing different elements and layers simultaneously. Therefore, you should keep your files tidy and be prepared to retrieve them at the same time. Creating motion graphics can be time-intensive, and one way of addressing this challenge is procedural animation. 

Simple and complex algorithms that are procedurally generated can enhance the creation of full animations in a fraction of the time it would typically take. Motion design software also helps make use of expressions, scripts, and coding to save time. 

Texturing and lighting effects make 3D graphics appear photo-realistic. There are unlimited options you can explore to stimulate your textures. You also need to understand the big picture when you design different things. For instance, you should know what the designs are going to be used for. 

You must understand all the applications and know how to use them in your designs. If you are a motion designer, you must be adaptable and ready to change your original designs to accommodate the needs of the client. 

2. Create a Script

When you design a motion graphic, you should write a script that depicts a particular story. Motion graphics are usually short, and they range between 30 seconds and three minutes, but they should tell a story. Your script must outline the story's direction. To write your story, you must know your target audience and how you want them to feel. Each animation must have a purpose, and you must be clear about what you want it to contribute to the lives of your target audience. 

You must define your message and explain how you expect it to influence the behavior or attitude of the target audience. Put yourself in their shoes and try to feel the same way as your audience. You should always be flexible and make necessary changes before making the final animation.

When you create your script, keep it simple. Remember that clarity is key, so you should avoid cramming a lot of information in a short clip. With motion graphics, you have numerous ways of telling your story, unlike static infographics. The advantage of motion graphics is that you get sound, movement, and other tools that can help you convey your message. As you create your story, you can use the following components to communicate different parts. 

• Kinetic text: If you are dealing with a situation like a trade show, sound might not be required, so text-only storytelling will be appropriate. This method helps engage people because they'll need to pay keen attention to what they read.
• Voiceover: This method allows you to give your brand a voice. Voiceover is commonly used to accompany on-screen animation. However, you should avoid over-scripting. Don't use voiceover on the information you can show on the screen with the aid of animated data visualization. 
• Visuals only: This method is not commonly used, but it allows you to create compelling graphic motion only without text.
• Kinetic and voiceover: A combination of voiceover and visualization works well if you have something to clarify or label on the screen. 

Once you write your graphic script, make sure you get approval from the clients before beginning the design. It can be frustrating to go back after having already embarked on the next phase. 

The storyboard is the next phase where you should visualize the script and start seeing the final product taking shape. Start the storyboarding exercise with brainstorming involving the production team and members of your design team. You need to draw out the frames and see how they will appear in the final product. 

3. Animate Your Final Design 

The animation phase is when you put everything together. If you have properly done your job and followed every step, you must have a clear idea of the final product when you start animating. You must consider the following things when you start to animate your final design. 

• Animation style: The way your script transitions from one stage to the other influences how your story unfolds. If the story moves in phases, it keeps the audience captivated since they can easily follow everything. Make sure you don't confuse your audience with the style you pick. 
• Timing: pacing can make or break your animation. If the graphic motion is too fast, people may fail to receive what you intend to communicate. On the other hand, if the motion is too slow, you may lose the audience’s attention. Maintain a pace that will keep people interested in your graphic motion. 
• Music: This can captivate the interests of the audience, set the mood, and drive your narrative. You can also use music to set the tone of the story so it can have an impact on the target audience. 
• Sound effects: You can let other characters speak in your graphic motion. Sound effects can add value to your animation if they are carefully designed. However, make sure they do not distract the audience. If you do your homework, you will get a result that can make you feel proud of your design. 

If you encounter challenges in animating your final design, don't hesitate to ask for help from professionals. It is a good idea to design something that will appeal to the interests of the target audience. If your design is poor, you may fail to achieve your goals, and this would be a waste of time and resources. Take your time and do everything stage by stage.  

4. Different Functions of Motion Graphics

Animation is increasingly gaining popularity not only on television or in movies but in other forms of media, especially social media and various online platforms. It has spread to include many fields including marketing. Motion graphics are also used interchangeably with animation in different fields. 

Before the advancement of computer technology, motion graphics was viewed as a time-consuming and expensive process. It was mainly used in the production of film and television programs and was beyond the reach of many people. However, the advent of computers has made motion graphics accessible to everyone. This has made it a good medium through which to communicate different messages to people. 

Motion graphics play a crucial role in marketing in this digital age. It can be used to convey information about products and services to different people. Advertisements created using this method are very effective since they can capture the attention of the viewers. They also tell stories about various products and services. 

Additionally, websites and social media platforms utilize motion graphics. Animations are used for online advertisement, and they attract many viewers. If you use motion graphics on your website, you can significantly increase your online presence. 

Motion graphics are also used in the presentation of figures and other information that may be difficult to understand. When graphics are utilized, they make the presentation interesting. Motion graphics are used in the education sector to convey messages about different subjects. This will make the message more appealing. 

Motion graphics are commonly used for entertainment, marketing purposes, and web designing. They make presentations more exciting by conveying facts and figures that might be boring, in a fun and interesting way. Designing high-end motions and animations involves many things. These facts can give you insight into different things you may need to know about motion graphics.