Animation technique utilizing digital art, often in video format, to create visual effects and tell stories or convey information.
Motion graphics, a captivating blend of graphic design and animation, has become a staple in various forms of media today. This dynamic art form, which combines the movement and animation of graphics, has roots that can be traced back to the 1800s.
Origins of Motion Graphics
The origins of motion graphics animation are deeply intertwined with the evolution of traditional animation and early experimental film techniques. The foundations were laid with devices like flip books and the zoetrope, which produced the illusion of movement through sequential drawings.
Early animation concepts date back to the 1800s, with the zoetrope, a precursor to the modern-day animation device, invented in the 1830s. Fast forward to the early 1900s, and traditional animation fully emerged, notably with Émile Cohl's 1908 film Fantasmagorie, considered the first fully animated film featuring hand-drawn frames.
The term "motion graphics" was first coined in 1960 by John Whitney, a pioneer in computer-assisted motion graphics. He co-founded Motion Graphics, Inc. to produce motion picture and TV title sequences through analog computer technology.
Significant Contributors
Several artists and inventors have contributed to the development of motion graphics over the decades. Émile Cohl, a French cartoonist, is credited with creating the first fully hand-drawn animated film. John Whitney, known for his work in mechanical and computer-controlled animation, coined the term "motion graphics."
Saul Bass, another significant contributor, is renowned for pioneering graphic design and motion in film titles, especially the Vertigo sequence with John Whitney. Walter Ruttman, a German cinematographer, is credited with creating the first known film that used moving graphics.
Modern Trends and Uses
Today, motion graphics is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to live-action video production. Adobe After Effects is a popular motion graphics software used for creating animated videos. Trends in motion graphics include gradients, various typography, incorporating grains, using transitions, glitch effects, and combining traditional 2D and live-action footage.
Motion graphics are widely used in various industries, such as movies, TV, educational content, sales and marketing videos, and explainer videos. They are also used in events like concerts to create a desired mood. Animated infographics can be tailored depending on the extent of available data, making them effective for storytelling and communication.
The Future of Motion Graphics
Motion graphics have proven to be an effective tool for engaging audiences, with more than 92% of shoppers being influenced to make their final purchase decision through online videos. They make content more engaging, especially for social media platforms. Moreover, motion graphics can be made without sound, making them accessible for viewers who watch videos on mute or in public places.
Businesses can create a positive image of their brand through an effective animated video. Motion graphics ultimately amalgamate the movement and animation of the graphics to create a unique narrative style of storytelling, resulting in higher ROI and increased brand awareness.
[1] "The Evolution of Motion Graphics." Motion Array, 13 June 2019, www.motionarray.com/articles/the-evolution-of-motion-graphics. [2] "The History of Motion Graphics." Motion Array, 13 June 2019, www.motionarray.com/articles/the-history-of-motion-graphics.
- Motion graphics, along with influencing movies and television, also plays a significant role in the realm of education-and-self-development, providing dynamic visuals for educational content and explainer videos.
- In the world of entertainment, contemporary motion graphics trends involve the integration of technology, such as the use of glitch effects and combinations of 2D animation with live-action footage.
- The integration of motion graphics in various forms of media extends to general-news presentations, sports broadcasts, and even entertainment events, enhancing audience engagement and brand awareness.
