Motion Graphics

The very term motion graphics seems very self explanatory, graphical communication that incorporates movement over time, but it encompasses a multitude of different areas of design. Film, digital video, moving type, traditional cel and stop-motion animation and 3d elements can all be used individually or together by a designer to create motion graphics. The use of a time frame allows a designer to potentially convey a lot more than is in a single image, and can take a viewer on a visual journey using a narrative.  It is difficult to turn on your television today without coming into contact with motion graphics in some form, be it advertisement spots or introductory program sequences.

Does this signal the death of print? Not just yet, however the boundaries of graphic design and communication are pulling away from the printed page and embracing new technologies and the moving image. No longer the domain of large companies with huge budgets and production teams making footage for the big screen and television, motion graphics are now a viable and affordable option for anyone wanting to promote their business in a different way and excite their clients using rich broadcast quality visuals and presentation. More accessible high quality DV cameras and applications such as Adobe's After Effects, Premier, and Apple's Final Cut allow designers to explore this area without the need for separate editing and post production departments, allowing work to be fully created in house, with special effects added and editing done on the desktop. Looking to slick television title sequences, opening film credits, dvd menus or music videos will give an idea of what is currently possible.

With this new media, high quality video can be shot and treated, edited and mixed with animated elements, 3d, typography and special effects to create engaging and visually resonant footage. With these techniques, a business can not only add narrative and energy to their promotional material, but place their message in a multitude of areas alongside their print or web campaign. Consider creating titles for a trade show, dvd menus, sending dvd video alongside existing brochures, or spicing up a corporate sales presentation. Why settle for a poor Powerpoint presentation or drab display boards when you can capture your clients imagination with well designed and slick motion graphics?

Technology is rapidly evolving and providing access to increasingly cheaper display devices, be it mobile or in the home. With internet bandwidth increasing exponentially, rich, high definition streaming video content will become a serious option for those who wish to add real impact to their web presence. With Macromedia's Flash application already making streaming audio and animation possible over the internet, it can be safely assumed that designers will start to push the boundaries of multimedia web content with high resolution video and motion graphics.

Looking further to the future, with integrative technologies merging television, the internet and communication, well produced motion and video will be an unavoidable area for those who wish to be promoted and noticed.

If you would like more information about this topic or you are interested in using motion graphics with your business then please get in touch. If you have any feedback or suggestions for a possible topic for an article or would like something made exclusively for you please contact us.