Motion Design” comes from the English term “Motion Graphics Design”. It means: “to give life to graphic elements by animating them”. Its role is to design and produce graphic productions that incorporate video, 2D or 3D animation or special effects, using software such as After Effects, Photoshop, Cinema 4D, etc. Motion design is present in all our media, namely, television, the Internet, billboards and even in companies. In this article we will explain the key steps of motion design.
The stages of motion design by MJM
It all starts with the briefing. This step is important in terms of customer interactions in order to identify the customer’s needs and desires.
The scenario
Once the brief has been analysed, the scenario design and voice-over phase follows. This step allows the motion designer to build his graphic environment gradually. He projects himself by defining the details of the narrative aspect of the project. To ensure that the scenario is suitable for the client, it is important to conduct exchanges with the client.
Towards the end of this phase, everyone will have an exact idea of the content of the video. Once the script has been validated, the motion designer can continue writing the voice-over.
Storyboarding
Then we move on to storyboarding. This phase is considered the first graphic stage of the project. The storyboard consists of multiple different images in chronological order.
In a simpler way, the storyboard is the paper version of the final video. It therefore contains all the information necessary for the production of the video, such as the graphic style, voiceover, etc…
The modeling
As for the modeling phase, it essentially concerns the digital creation of the graphic elements. Indeed, these are drawn on the storyboard so that they can be adapted for the animation phase.
During this stage, the motion designer is supposed to prepare these elements. He uses graphic production software such as Photoshop, Illustrator or other.
The animation
Once the previous steps have been validated, we move on to the animation phase. During this stage, the motion designer uses video post-production software to animate the images and bring them to life. The choice between 2D and 3D is made according to the complexity of the video, the difficulties encountered and the desired rendering.
The sound and the finalization of the video
Then comes the stage of sound illustration, which is undoubtedly a crucial stage in audiovisual production. Indeed, it allows to create the sound universe and to bring out the desired atmosphere from the video.
To finalize the video, the motion designer integrates the voice-over, the music and the sound design. Once these three elements are assembled, the motion design video is exported in a usable format.
And here is a general overview of all the steps of the motion design process. However, if you want to master motion design, we strongly recommend that you take a course. Mainly in a school of audiovisual professions. Our advice is to choose MJM, a school that offers high level training.
