Applying the basics of motion graphics in an explainer video
2024
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motion design
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video
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workshop
This assignment was originally part of a larger project, but it gave me the opportunity to seriously explore motion graphics for the first time.
The result was an explainer video in which I used motion graphics to explain storytelling in an accessible way. The video was created to support a workshop about storytelling as a tool within different media.
Incentive
The visual direction of the video was inspired by a visual identity I came across for an app centered around Dungeons & Dragons. I was particularly drawn to the way fantasy elements were combined with a contemporary and modern interface, as I felt this style would fit well within the context of storytelling.
I wanted to translate this style into my own design. I had been interested in experimenting with motion graphics for some time, and the opportunity to create a short animated informative video—also known as an explainer video—gave me a chance to apply and develop this new skill.
Target audience
The overarching assignment involved giving a workshop to second-year Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) students. The explainer video was shown as part of this workshop.
The assignment did not explicitly require us to consider a target audience, even though it implied a fairly specific one. Rather than overlooking this, I chose to make use of it and conduct a more focused approach. As a result, it gave me a clearer direction for both the form and content of the video. For example, I used a general but applicable definition of the subject and selected examples that would be recognizable and relevant to the students. In addition, the visual fantasy element was made a little more whimsical to create a more creativity-oriented theme, adhering to the creative nature of the students.
Development
Because I already had experience with related skills such as illustration and video editing, I was able to get to grips with the technical side of motion graphics relatively quickly.
I worked in Premiere Pro, which was a deliberate choice since my knowledge of After Effects had become somewhat rusty. Premiere Pro was sufficient for creating fundamental motion graphics using keyframes and simple animations. In addition to my own contribution in terms of motion design, the explainer video also features two graphic characters—the knight and the dragon—which were designed by two other group members involved in the project.
Relfection
Beyond the technical development, this project also helped me become more conscious of my design process. I learned how important it is to design not only from the perspective of a subject or visual style, but also from the perspective of the people the final product is intended for. The target audience played a particularly important role in guiding the development of the final product throughout the design process.
