Motion graphics is an evergreen
industry. Because of the software it’s created with is getting cheaper and more
accessible, so is the eagerness of artists to create even greater pieces of
work.
From TV commercials to
the movie introduction, quality motion graphics can be seen just about
anywhere.
If you're a beginner that's ready to
jump into the world of motion graphics, here are some nuggets of helpful
information to have you creating your best work yet.
While this tip may be more helpful for Motion Graphics professionals, if you’re just
starting out this is something you still need to keep in mind. Clients may not
always be the easiest people to work with, and many times they won’t really
know or care what goes into creating great motion graphics work.
After all, if they did they could be
doing it themselves. But they still have a vision or an idea for what they want
displayed to the world. It’s up to you to bring their idea to life in the best
possible way.
Knowing exactly what the client wants
will ensure you won’t have to do any revisions, and you can get the project
done in the shortest amount of time. So you need to have that interview with
the client.
What ideas do they have? How much
creative freedom are they allowing you? It’s important to keep in mind that
while clients know what they want, it doesn’t always translate well to motion
graphics.
That’s why it’s up to you, the artist,
to suggest ideas you know would work better with this unique medium. The client
won’t always take your advice, but it’s important that you present your own
ideas.
Having good flow for your project, either
its easy piece of title or a complex project requirements that tells a story,
is very important for the viewer to understand what's going on.
Don’t just throw in a flashy effect because it
looks cool. Instead, think about how each new cut transitions into the next,
how you're guiding the viewer's attention, and if the viewer will be able to
follow along.
Having a proper style throughout the entire
project is important for keeping the viewer engaged. You don’t want to have a
different colour pallet for each cut or a completely different font style for
the next set of text.
This will make your shot feel fragmented
and difficult to understand. Talk with your client clearly about the style you
want to create for the project or decide for yourself.
In many cases, it's favourable to bring
a few examples to your client beforehand to help them visualize the styles
you’d like to create. Oftentimes, these examples don’t need to be more than
quick sketches with some color where appropriate, but they can go a long way to
show your client the ideas you have inside your head for each shot.
Use
2D Effects
To
Save Time 3D has become an integral part of motion graphics, but that doesn’t
mean you will need to incorporate it into every project you work on.
Sure, you can create some amazing
effects with the powerful dynamic systems most 3D applications include, but
this can take a significant amount of time to create and render.
If you’re on a tight schedule try to find
places where you can exclude these flashy 3D effects, a visual
effects (VFX) application
like After Effects can very easily create convincing 2D effects that can look
just as good, and be completed in a much shorter amount of time.
Of course, that’s not to say you
shouldn’t ever use 3D effects. In fact, they can be vital for the success of a
shot, but they aren’t always needed for every project.
Make
It Clear
This tip is closely related to style
deciding. When you have your style set, you need to make sure what you're
presenting to the viewer is perfectly clear.
No matter the project, even if it’s a
simple logo animation or a complex story that's being told through motion
graphics, you need to maintain clarity.
Clarity in your work is much more
important than flashy effects. If what you’re presenting to the viewer isn’t
clear, then no amount of interesting effects can fix it.
In fact, simplicity in
your work is often the best route to take. Sure, applications like After
Effects can create amazing VFX, but that doesn’t mean they need to be
implemented into every project. A motion graphics piece that is simple and
clear to the viewer will leave a lasting impression.
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