I was having a conversation with someone recently, I hadn't met them before and they asked me what I did for a living. I told them and described a little about what that involves and the type of work that we create and who our clients are. It quickly became apparent that there was some confusion and I was asked what's 'motion graphics'? And I struggled to clearly answer that question, which is alarming in itself as that's part of what we do. So I thought I need to improve my own definition, which in turn led me to share it! So if you are also wondering what motion graphics is, maybe this might help. 

Definition of motion graphics

Think art and graphic design and then make it move, motion graphics uses a combination of different creative elements, like text, photos, illustrations, logos, shapes etc and assembles, or animates them in a way that tells a story, makes a point or just adds interest to a video. But it's also more than that, as its limits are simply the imagination of the designer or the artist. We see motion graphics online and on tv all the time, we're used to them being there, but take them away and suddenly it feels stark or a bit like watching a good film without the sound design; you only notice it when it's not there.

Motion graphics can be used on it's own to create a 'video' or it can be used as part of a video to add real value and creativity. It's a highly powerful tool that is being used increasingly throughout the broadcast and corporate video production industries. Perhaps due to the availability of powerful hardware and software and the increasing number of people involved in the production of motion graphics. Although it can be as simple as adding movement to a photograph or as complex as a 3d animation of an object. 

Well I'm sure that probably only adds to the confusion and if you got this far in reading this then that's impressive. Of course you could always take a look at our motion showreel… Next time I shall be better prepared with a more convincing response! I might add that the unfortunate person I was chatting to shortly after found their eyes glazing over and made their excuses to leave, that happens.