Often times, the terms “motion graphics” and “animation” are used interchangeably. For most people outside of the video production industry, being an animator and a motion graphics designer are the same thing, but are they really?
To be fair, motion graphics are a type of animation, because by definition, to animate means to give life to something and animation is the umbrella term that is used for the entire field of moving imagery. This includes all kinds of video services such as claymation, stop motion, cartoons, motion graphics, and more.
Today, both motion graphics and animation are commonly used by marketers who wish to optimize their content marketing mix. After all, any good video production agency will agree that these are great ways to grab your audience’s attention and captivate them. But the question arises – should you use motion graphics or animation? Which would be more suitable for your audience and your business objectives?
Below, we take a closer look at the two so you can decide which one would be a better option for your marketing requirements.
Motion Graphics
As the name suggests, motion graphics is basically giving life to graphic design. Instead of having static, lifeless graphic designs, you animate the designs, thus turning them into motion graphics. Usually, motion graphics does not follow a set narrative, meaning that there is generally no story around it. For this reason, they are commonly referred to as animated infographics.
For example, if you have a business logo on your website that can spin around, that is motion graphics. Another example would be graphs in your presentation that rise up or down.
Motion graphics as video production services are great because they are multi-sensory stimulating and easy to absorb. They are information-driven, which makes them perfect for conveying data, statistics, and capabilities. They add a refreshing and unique appeal to business presentations and pitches and make them much more engaging.
So, if you have to convey plenty of data, a complex idea, company structure, or even a product, motion graphics provide you with a way to make these much easier to understand, not to mention actionable. They are great for adding contexts such as stats, names, services and product specs. Regardless of which business industry you are in, motion graphics from a good video production agency will always make your message much more engaging and entertaining.
3D Motion graphics
3D motion graphics are also available, and as you can imagine, they are an enhanced, more engaging versions of 2D motion graphics. From a designer’s perspective, 3D motion graphics require higher technical skill from as they are much more complex. This means that for high-quality 3D motion graphics, you should only go to a trusted and experienced video production company.
The great thing about 3D motion graphics is that with 3D rendering, it is highly immersive and captivating. For example, viewers will be able to see a product or design as if it were right there in front of them. They can also see what it looks like inside and out, while also seeing how the actual product will work on completion. 3D motion graphics involves the use of cutting-edge technology, which is great if you wish to position yourself as a progressive company that is a pioneer in state-of-the-art technology and processes. As a result, your audience are also much more likely to value the products and service that you offer.
Animation
As mentioned before, any process that makes static images come to life and move is animation. This includes hand-drawn cartoons, claymation, stop motion, CGI or motion graphics. While most motion graphics are done with CGI, they are not mutually exclusive. Theoretically, hand-drawn motion graphics are possible as well.
Considering content marketing alone, what separates motion graphics from other types of animation is usually the content itself. Motion graphics generally involve abstract objects, text and other design elements, put in motion, without any specific narrative. So, in video production, motion graphics usually involve animating graph, infographic or web designs to life and bringing them to life so as to make them more engaging.
If you are considering having a video made, contact Melty Cone today and let us know - we are here to help! Melty Cone is a full-service video production company and video marketing agency in New York City providing video production services for NYC, NY, New Jersey, NJ, Philadelphia, Connecticut, Los Angeles, LA, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, San Jose, San Francisco, SF, Texas, Austin, Columbus, Denver, Seattle, Washington DC, Charlotte, Fort Worth, California, Boston, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Florida, Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Antonio, Oklahoma, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Portland, Arlington, Oakland, Jersey City, Long Beach, Anaheim, Naperville, Berkeley, Alexandria, Cambridge, Ft Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Detroit, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Riverside, St Louis, Pittsburgh, and worldwide!
