Tips for Easy Motion Design

Creating a motion design video is not an easy task. It involves such specialists as motion designers, actors, illustrators, product managers, and developers. Thus, to get a great motion video, you will need lots of time, experts, and resources. But the good news is that all these stages are easy to complete on your own.

• Motion Design: What is it? How to Get Started

If you want to add animation to your presentation, email content, or website, you don’t need to complete graphic design courses or buy expensive programs. All that is needed is to read our article attentively and learn about scripts, storyboards, animation types, voice-overs, and subtitles.

1. Write a Good Script

We understand that you want to start using free animation tools as quickly as possible but let us break the motion design into seven stages. Missing even one of them can lead to bad results.

First of all, you should have a good script. As a rule, it is a text for the voice-over which describes the product, introduces the audience to the changes, or motivates them to take action. A good script is clear, thought-provoking, and has the right rhythm.

2. Create a Storyboard

One of the best free motion design tips we can give you is to create a storyboard before proceeding with motion design. It allows defining the number of sets, characters, text on the images, transitions, and other elements. The first version should be drawn in pencil for adding changes quickly. When it is approved, you can illustrate it in the selected style. The graphics of your sketches should be simple and basic: stick figures and shapes are the best options. Draw the storyboard on index cards, so you can switch places for creating the most dynamic sequence. Add notes to the reverse side of the card, so you don’t forget anything.

3. The Animation Part

You can find detailed coverage of this stage on wikiHow but those of you who don’t have much time can get familiar with the summary below. You should first learn about different types of animation: 2D, 3D, stop motion, or cell animation. The last one is mainly used for creating cartoons where every cell or sheet is hand-drawn and then photographed on a special camera.

Stop motion uses elements that can be moved into the necessary position. For example, paper toys, shadow puppets, sand art, and so on. Every movement should be photographed as well. 2D and 3D animation use computer software like Adobe Animate, 3D Studio Max, or Maya. The biggest disadvantage of this method is that each program differs, so you should first study its tutorials and guidelines.

4. Record the Voice-over

When the script and storyboard are made and the animation type is chosen, you need to record the voices. They can be used to voice the characters or narrate a story. Voices give videos rhythm and supply with useful information, so this stage is very important. As a rule, the voice-over is recorded before the animation is drawn to give animation designers the right time markers.

To simplify the process, you can use Fastreel or similar programs. It allows editing videos and adjusting online templates right through the browser. You can add music and voice to the video or GIF, as well as mute the video if necessary.

5. The Right Background Music

While some think that music is not an important stage of the process and can be skipped, we recommend considering it seriously. When the video doesn’t have background music, it seems that something is missing. However, it can be difficult to find the right track among millions of files on the Internet. First of all, it should be royalty-free music. You don’t want to be involved in a legal proceeding for using someone’s music without permission. Here are a few tips for choosing the right track:

• It should awaken certain emotions and set the right tone. Think how you want the audience to feel after watching the video – sad, thoughtful, motivated?
• Know the buyer persona by analyzing the target audience. For example, children like funny music, teenagers – rock, adults – ballads.
• Purchase the music or use royalty-free sites. Before inserting the music into your video, make sure that its creator doesn’t mind.
• Choose between several tracks. Download different music, apply it to your video in turn and pick which suits you the most.

6. Add Subtitles

Even though it is only up to you to decide whether to add subtitles to the video or not, statistics prove that this instrument is essential. 80% of videos on YouTube and Instagram are watched without a sound! Subtitles can also be useful if the video is broadcasted on trade shows or the company’s building. To add subtitles, use free animation instruments. The process won’t take long.

7. Make the Last Edits

After creating illustrations, adding music, and using a professional video editor, you need to put the project aside and take some time to rest. Then return to the design and look at it with fresh eyes. Put everything together, shorten the file, and make other changes that can improve the product. Don’t forget to make your website upgrade as well. Especially if it looks outdated and doesn’t match the motion design.

Wrap-up

Even if you don’t have specific skills and rarely follow the trends in motion design, it is possible to create great animated content for any occasion. To achieve outstanding results, we recommend not only following the tips above but using website and presentation templates, analyzing competitors, and concentrating on your strong sides. Good luck!