TOP 5 Motion Design Project Ideas For 2024!

You were probably just searching google for ideas on what motion design project to create next. If you've run out of ideas, in this article I (an experienced animator of 7+ years) will provide you with some innovative motion design project ideas to help you elevate your skills and captivate your audience.

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‍5 Best Motion Graphic Ideas For Beginners

With the rise of social media and video content, motion design has become an essential part of any marketing or branding strategy. Coming up with unique and creative motion design project ideas can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore 5 motion design project ideas that are sure to inspire you and take your skills to the next level. All of these ideas are from the motion design subreddit known as r/motiondesign. Check it out for more creative inspiration on your next project!

Modern Ad For A 3D Generated Object

You can use a combination of After Effects alongside 3D models created in either Blender or Cinema 4D to create something similar, but with your own style. Pay close attention to the smooth animations, color switches and effects the creator has used. Try to re-create something similar in your own version. That's what makes Apple's MacBook & iPhone advertisements so appealing and engaging.

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Humorous/Engaging After Effects Timeline Video

Check out what this creator has done with a screen recording of his timeline in After Effects.

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15FPS Lyric Video Style

This 15FPS Lyric Video Style is a new video trend that showcases the lyrics of a song in a visually engaging manner. The videos made by this artist typically features synchronized lyrics that appear on the screen in time with the music. He used a variety of fonts, text styles, and colorful backgrounds to create a unique visual aesthetic that complements the overall theme of the song. However, due to the lower frame rate, the animation and movement is slightly choppy or jerky.

Character Animation

This is a great example of a character animation motion design project made in After Effects. To create something similar on your own, you'll need to a character from scratch or using pre-made assets. Also note that the animation uses complex movements when the character is walking, which will take some time to manually animate.

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Learn To Animate Fluids In Motion Using After Effects

What a helpful skill to have! The ability to realistically simulate the flow of liquids based on external motion can be used in a range of After Effects Projects.

How To Start With Creating A Motion Design Project

Creating a motion design project will obviously start with the an engaging idea that you come up with. Then you have to combine your idea with animation techniques and design principles to produce the final product. Below are some steps to get you started

• Start by understanding the purpose of the motion design. Is it for a logo animation, explainer video, UI animation, or social media content?
• Develop a concept and create a storyboard. Sketch out the key scenes to visualize the motion flow, elements, and transitions.

Script and Storyboard

• Write a script if your project includes narration or text. It will guide the flow of the animation.
• Create a storyboard to outline each scene's visuals, transitions, and timing. This helps you plan the animation sequence and identify keyframes.

Design the Visual Elements

• Design the assets needed for the project. These could be illustrations, typography, logos, icons, or any visual elements.
• Use design tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for vector and raster graphics. Ensure the assets are well-prepared for animation (clean lines, organized layers).

Animate the Visuals

• Import your visual elements into your animation software and start animating. Focus on keyframes, timing, easing, and transitions to bring your design to life.
• Use animation principles like anticipation, squash and stretch, and smooth transitions to add fluidity.

Add Sound Design (Optional)

• Incorporate sound effects, background music, or voice-overs to complement the animation. Sound can greatly enhance the overall impact and mood of the motion design.

Review and Refine

• Review the animation for smoothness, timing, and overall flow. Make adjustments where necessary.
• Refine the details, such as motion blur, easing, and layering effects to make the animation more polished.

Export the Final Project

• Choose the right export settings based on where the animation will be used (e.g., MP4 for web, GIF for social media, MOV for high-quality playback).
• Make sure to adjust the frame rate and resolution for the best quality.

Best Software Tools To Use for Motion Design

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Tips for Creating Motion Design Projects

• Master the Basics: Learn animation principles like timing, easing, and squash and stretch.
• Plan Transitions: Use creative transitions to smoothly move between scenes or elements.
• Add Depth with Layering: Work with multiple layers to create a sense of depth and dimension.
• Focus on Timing and Easing: Proper timing and easing make animations look natural and engaging.
• Incorporate Sound Design: Sound effects and background music can greatly enhance the animation.

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Final Thoughts On Mo-Graph Project Ideas

Motion design projects present a world of possibilities to explore and experiment with. Experimenting with different project ideas not only helps you grow your skills but also helps you build an impressive portfolio. By showcasing your expertise and creativity through a diverse range of motion design projects, you can attract potential clients and establish yourself as a reliable and skilled motion designer. With each project, you have the chance to grow your skills, unleash your creativity, and expand your portfolio. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced motion designer, don't be afraid to try new things and push your limits, as there's always something new to discover in the world of motion design.