The Difference Between Animation and Motion Graphics

Lately, people are making the switch to different careers they’ve been dreaming about for years. If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, now is also an exciting time to expand your skill set into burgeoning industries.

Whether you’re looking to create marketing graphics or make a viral video that promotes you and your business, you might consider learning animation or motion graphics.

Your tastes and business needs will dictate which one you need to focus on, and to help you decide, we’ve broken down the difference between animation and motion graphics. 

What Is Animation?

Animation is a catchall phrase for anything that falls into the world of moving imagery, such as cartoons and anime. It has existed as long as film has, dating back over 100 years.

Animation is a process that lets static figures or pictures move, whether they’re hand-drawn 2D cartoons or 3D computer graphic images. Animation uses these images to tell a narrative that can be incredibly simple or extraordinarily complex.

Movies such as Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and Coraline fall into this category. Businesses can also use animation in commercials and presentations, on their websites, and for many other mediums to drive interest in their products and services. 

What Are Motion Graphics? 

Motion graphics are a subset of animation that adds movement to previously static graphic design without following a clear story line. Motion graphics animation usually features moving shapes, structures, or text.

If you want to make your logo zoom past the screen or make graphs in your business presentation come to life, you will use motion graphics.

Sometimes static text or images can make explaining abstract concepts difficult. Motion graphics provide visual cues to break down these concepts and keep viewers engaged. 

How These Can Help Your Business

Just knowing the differences between animation and motion graphics can give you a clearer picture when you’re describing your needs to a marketing expert or graphic designer.

You may not have the time to learn every facet of animation, but studying motion graphics independently can be helpful.

With this skill set, you can wow clients with dynamic presentations and infographics. You might even find that you have a passion for it and try and break into the industry or start your own graphic design business.