HOW TO CREATE ENGAGING MOTION GRAPHICS IN FOUR STEPS-SYNECTICS LAB
What are motion graphics? At its simplest explanation, they are animated graphics that tell a story. It’s a broad explanation, with as many possibilities that you can think of (which is why we love them), so how do you create a compelling and engaging motion graphic? Oh lots of different ways. But throughout the years we’ve identified four key steps to creating motion graphics people want to watch and share. And here they are:
Step 1: Thoughtfully (key word here!) Write a Script
Something that continues to surprise us; 30-60 seconds is not very long (only about 65 words per 30 seconds!). While you might be tempted to cram in everything you can think of about your organization, simplicity and clarity are key. Ask yourself the following questions to help craft your story.
Who am I trying to reach?
What do I want them to learn? Remember? Do?
How do I want to make them feel?
A few tips: Be direct but not too literal, motion gives you multiple ways to tell your story, and you don’t have to say the same thing with each.
Unlike static infographics where you have visuals + copy to tell your story, motion graphics give you a variety of ways to get your point across.
Step 2: Storyboard While you Brainstorm the Visual Treatment
The storyboard phase brings together the script and visuals and you start to see the final product take shape. Our storyboarding sessions being with a brainstorm with members from design and production team. This approach works well for us as it brings the scriptwriter (the producer) and the designer (the storyboard sketch artist) together. During this stage, we tend to draw out frames on a whiteboard and review the final script together before we get started. Then we start sketching ideas to bring the script to life.
Step 3: Take the Storyboards into Design
As with any visual project you create, style and color communicates just as much as the story itself. Even within your brand guidelines, simple choices can make big effects on your audience. Once we have an idea of the storyboard with sketches, we begin translating our storyboards into actual designs. Everything at this stage is used in the final animation stages, so we take the time to get the details right. And, it helps if the person who is sketching the storyboards out, is also handling the design. During this stage, we usually write out the visual notes which are reviewed by our team, our partners, and passed along to the animation team for use in the final cut.
Step 4: Animate the Final Designs
The animation phase is when everything comes together. Our process ensures that each step builds upon the next so that by the time we start animating, everyone has a really good idea of what’s to come. Animation and other elements introduced at this phase are all as important as the script to help tell the story.
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http://www.columnfivemedia.com/how-to-create-engaging-motion-graphics-in-four-steps