Motion graphics and Animation are two prevalent video content types. They are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between them. Motion graphics are static images brought to life with motion, while Animation is the process of creating a moving image.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between motion graphics and Animation in more detail so you can decide which one is right for your next project!

Motion Graphics vs Animation

What is Motion Graphics?

Motion graphics are digital images created to look like they are in motion. This is done by adding special effects, transitions, and other animation techniques. Motion graphics can be used for various purposes, including commercials, explainer videos, title sequences, etc.

Moreover, motion graphics can be created with various software programs, including After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Motion graphics are often used in conjunction with live-action videos or other types of Animation.

You can often see motion graphics used in commercials such as those from the brands Nike. More examples of Motion Graphics include:

  • The opening title sequence of the TV show Dexter
  • Motion graphic explainer videos
  • The Lytro camera commercial

Styles of Motion Graphics

There are a few different styles of motion graphics that you can use and learn, including:

  1. Flat: This style uses basic shapes and colors with little to no gradients or shadows.
  2. Minimalist: This style uses simple Motion Graphics with clean lines and a limited color palette.
  3. Data-Driven: This style of Motion Graphics is based on data visualizations. It uses charts, graphs, and other data-driven visuals to tell a story.
  4. Geometric: This style uses geometric shapes to create Motion Graphics. It is often used for abstract visuals or to make a specific mood.
  5. Realistic: This style uses Motion Graphics that look like they could be real-life objects.
  6. Isometric: The Isometric style uses Motion Graphics that look like they are three-dimensional but are flat.

What is Animation?

On the other hand, Animation is the process of creating a moving image. This can be done with traditional animation techniques, such as hand-drawn or stop-motion Animation, or with digital software programs, such as Procreate, After Effects, or Maya.

Animation is often used for the same purposes as motion graphics, such as commercials, explainer videos, title sequences, etc. However, Animation can also be used for entertainment, such as feature films, television shows, and video games.

Most probably, you have already seen animation videos through different channels such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. But here are some examples of animations that you might not have realized were animated:

  • The Simpsons
  • South Park
  • Rick and Morty
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender

Styles of Animation

There are a few different styles of Animation, including:

  1. Traditional: This style uses hand-drawn or stop-motion techniques.
  2. Cel: This style uses a series of images (cells) that are put together to create the illusion of movement.
  3. Digital: This style uses computer software to create the moving image.
  4. Vector: This style uses mathematical coordinates to create the moving image.
  5. 3D: This style creates a three-dimensional image that can be rotated and viewed from different angles. You can learn more about 3D Animation through procreate 3D classes.
  6. Chibi: This style uses super deformed characters with large heads and small bodies.

Aside from the styles of Animation, there are also different types of Animation that you can create.

Types of Animation

There are a few different types of Animation, including:

  1. Frame-by-frame: This type of Animation is created by drawing each frame individually.
  2. Cut-out: This type of Animation is created by cutting out paper or cardboard shapes and then filming them as they move.
  3. Puppet: This type of Animation is created by moving around puppets or dolls.
  4. Stop-motion: This type of Animation is created by taking a series of photos of an object and moving each time slightly.
  5. Computer-generated: This type of Animation is created with the help of computer software.

If you are interested in learning more about Animation, you can always enroll in a Procreate class where you’ll explore the software program and learn how to create your animations!

Comparison: Which is Right to Use?

When to Use Motion Graphics

After knowing the difference between Motion Graphics vs. Animation, it’s now time to decide which is better to use. First, here are the things you should consider if you want to use Motion Graphics.

Create a primarily text-based video

Motion graphics are a great way to add visuals to a primarily text-based video. This can help make the information more engaging and easier to understand.

Create a video with a lot of data

If you want to create a video with a lot of data, Motion graphics is a great choice. This can help make complex information more digestible and visually appealing.

Add special effects or transitions to live-action footage or other types of Animation

You may use Motion Graphics to add special effects or transitions to live-action footage or other types of Animation. This can help make your video more dynamic and visually attractive. For example, you could use Motion graphics to create a title sequence for your video.

Now that you know when to use Motion Graphics let’s move on and discuss when it’s best to use Animation.

Create a video in a flat, minimalist, geometric, or realistic style

Moreover, Motion graphics are well-suited for videos in a flat, minimalist, geometric, or natural style. Meaning, that if your video doesn’t require too much detail, Motion graphics may be the way to go.

When to Use Animation

Aside from the things we have discussed above, it is also essential that you know where Animation can be used.

Create a primarily image-based video

Animation is a great way to add visuals to a mostly image-based video. This can help make the information more engaging and easier to understand.

Add movement to static images or graphics:

It would be best if you opted to use Animation to add movement to static images or graphics. This can help make your video more dynamic and visually attractive.

Create a video in a traditional, cel, or digital style

Motion Graphics vs Animation

Animation is well-suited for videos in a conventional, cel, or digital manner. Moreover, you can also use Animation to create a three-dimensional image that can be rotated and viewed from different angles. If you need more guidance on Animation, you can learn how to animate on procreate by enrolling in classes.

Create a video in a chibi style

Lastly, Animation is also well-suited for videos in a chibi style. This is because Animation can help create super deformed characters that have large heads and small bodies. You can see chibi-style artwork in a lot of Japanese anime and manga.

FAQs

Q: What is an example of motion graphics?

A: Artists use Motion Graphics to add special effects or transitions to live-action footage or other types of Animation. For example, the opening sequence of the television show Dexter is a well-known example of motion graphics.

Q: What is an example of Animation?

A: Animation is a process of creating a moving image. A well-known example of Animation is the Disney movie Frozen.

Q: What are the different types of Animation?

A: There are a few different types of Animation, including traditional, cel, digital, vector, and three-dimensional (or “CGI”).

Q: What is the difference between motion graphics and Animation?

A: Motion graphics are static images brought to life with motion, while Animation is the process of creating a moving image.

Q: Which one should I use for my next project?

A: When deciding which one to use for your next project, consider the purpose of the video and the style you want to create. Motion graphics may be the right choice if you want to create a text-based video with special effects. However, if you want to create a primarily image-based video, then Animation may be the better option.

Conclusion

Motion graphics and Animation are both popular video content types that can be used for various purposes. So, when deciding which one to use for your next project, consider the sense of the video and the style you want to create. From there, you can choose whether to use Motion graphics or Animation. We hope this helps!