Motion graphics is getting traction as of lately in the world of commercial video. So, what is a motion graphic? Simply put, it leverages graphics that create the illusion of motion. At the moment, motion graphics are the most efficient way to convey information or data in a condensed manner.
Companies worldwide started using motion graphics to fuel their marketing efforts for several reasons:
- It makes information more accessible and digestible;
- It communicates any type of data or information in a fun and engaging way;
- It can benefit from different design methods to create a unique motion graphic video and completely align it with a brand;
Motion graphics can inspire conversations, reinforce brand recognition, and enable businesses to reach people worldwide. However, creating a high-quality motion graphics video is a complicated task. It encompasses various processes ranging from scriptwriting and storyboard development to animation, voice-over recording, sound effects, and music.
To bring motion graphics closer to you, we interviewed Alex Safavinia, CEO & Creative Director at Kasra Design. Kasra Design is a renowned video production company specializing in explainer video production, and motion graphics.
With over 700 highly successful commercial videos and a decade of experience, this award-winning studio has become a go-to studio for businesses of all sizes. The company was also even featured on Motionographer.com twice.
Without further ado, let’s jump into our interview with Alex.
1) Let’s start with a question that many might have. How can we differentiate motion graphics from other types of animation? Aren’t they all just animation?
The difference between these two concepts is subtle, but it still makes them unique in the world of commercial video. A commercial animation often features a character and is story-led. It is used to evoke emotions and enable viewers to empathize with your message.
On the other hand, motion graphics are used to convey information or data without leveraging characters (in most cases) and story in a traditional way.
2) What is the process of making a motion graphics based video?
Over the past decade, we have refined our workflow and optimized the process of making a motion graphics based video. To lay the foundation for every motion graphics video, we start with scriptwriting and mind mapping. Once we have a mind map and script, we create objects and a style sheet.
This enables us to jump to storyboard development. We like to handle voice-over recording before the animation stage. After the animation stage, which takes most of the production time, we add sound effects and music.
3) As a creative director, do you get creativity blocks? (How do you overcome that?)
Creativity block is nothing unusual in this line of work. It doesn’t happen often, but it can strike from time to time. At the studio, I don’t work alone. Every project is a team effort, and I often brainstorm ideas with my co-workers to find inspiration.
Going back to project brief and client goals can often help overcome this challenge as well. Finally, I often look at what other animators and illustrators did. It helps me stay tuned with current developments and find inspiration.
4) What industries are more suitable to use motion graphics?
Motion graphics are great at conveying information and data in an easy-to-digest way while capturing the viewers’ attention. These characteristics make motion graphics videos stellar for companies from cryptocurrency, high tech, IT, and fintech industries.
5) Where to look for inspiration if one decides to make motion graphics?
If you decided to make a motion graphics video, there are many places online that can help you look for inspiration. For instance, motionographer.com, motiongraphicscollective.com, and theinspirationgrid.com are all great websites. You can visit them daily to discover new motion graphics videos and look for inspiration for your project.
6) Where are the best places to learn motion graphics today?
Creating a commercial motion graphics video requires a diverse skill-set and knowledge. Fortunately, there are several excellent online resources you can use to learn and master these skills. The noteworthy ones include schoolofmotion.com, gnomon.edu, vfs.edu, motiondesign.school, and mographmentor.com.
Each one of these resources offers something unique. Hopefully, you will find a program that corresponds with your personal preferences and how much time you devote to learning.
7) How much does a motion graphics video usually cost?
Every commercial motion graphics video is unique, meaning that it requires a unique video production service. It applies to the style and scope of the service. All these factors affect the cost of motion graphics video production. It’s tough to talk numbers here, but for the sake of your readers, let’s say that the price can go from a couple of thousands to tens of thousands of US dollars.
8) What are the factors that drive the price?
When it comes to specific factors, I have to say that the project brief and client goals are the starting factors that drive the price. The complexity of the topic, data & information, voice-over requirements, sound effect and music, video lengths, expected turnaround time, and the complexity and style of animation are all the factors that make the price equation.
Translation and voice-over recording in a foreign language is also a factor. Each of these factors is unique for a project, making it hard to specify the project cost without knowing the details.
9) How important is the use of sound effects in motion design?
Sound effects are what adds to the authenticity of motion graphics videos. Sound design is the foundation of motion graphics. I would say that they are very important in motion design. The sound is what makes motion graphics videos exciting and engaging to watch.
Every sound concept has its role and can be used to achieve a different goal. It is often used to direct the viewer’s attention to critical movements and essential information.
10) Do you collaborate with any sound studio, or does your team do it in-house?
We have a full-fledged team of animators and illustrators in-house. It enables us to fully control the creative, design, and animation processes and guarantee turnaround time and video quality. However, we collaborate with established voice-over artists and sound studios to provide top-quality motion graphics videos to our clients.
Conclusion
Motion graphics development is an inspiring field to be engaged in. Thanks to our guest Alex Safavinia with more than a decade of experience in this field, you are now more familiar with the basics of motion graphics videos and what it takes to create them for business purposes. You also have access to learning resources and websites where you can seek inspiration for your motion graphics commercial video projects.
