Unlock 5 Amazing Motion Graphics Secrets for Killer Explainer Videos!

Pixel art of motion graphics elements flying onto a screen with play buttons and charts.  Motion Graphics
Unlock 5 Amazing Motion Graphics Secrets for Killer Explainer Videos! 3

Unlock 5 Amazing Motion Graphics Secrets for Killer Explainer Videos!

Hey there, future motion design wizard!

Ever watched an explainer video that just *clicked*?

You know, the kind that makes a complex idea feel as simple as tying your shoes?

Chances are, it wasn’t just great narration; it was probably packed with some seriously slick motion graphics.

And guess what?

You can create that magic too!

Whether you’re looking to wow clients, educate your audience, or just flex your creative muscles, diving into motion graphics for explainer videos is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

It’s like giving your ideas a superpower, making them leap off the screen and stick in people’s minds.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Motion graphics? That sounds super complicated and expensive!”

And sure, it can be if you’re aiming for a Hollywood blockbuster.

But for explainer videos, it’s totally within reach for beginners, and the payoff is huge!

Think about it: in a world saturated with content, how do you make your message stand out?

You make it move!

You make it visually engaging!

You use the power of motion graphics to tell a story in a way that static images or even talking heads simply can’t.

It’s not just about pretty animations; it’s about clarity, retention, and making an unforgettable impact.

So, if you’re ready to transform your explainer videos from “meh” to “marvelous,” buckle up!

I’m going to take you on a journey through the wonderful world of motion graphics, breaking down everything you need to know to get started.

No prior experience? No problem!

We’re starting from square one, and by the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and confidence to create your own stunning animated masterpieces.

Let’s make some pixels dance!


Table of Contents


What Exactly ARE Motion Graphics for Explainer Videos?

Alright, let’s kick things off with a fundamental question: what in the world are motion graphics, especially when we talk about them in the context of explainer videos?

Simply put, motion graphics are animated graphic design.

It’s graphic design, but with the added dimension of time and movement.

Imagine all those cool infographics, text, shapes, and images you see on websites or in presentations.

Now, make them move, morph, and tell a story over time.

That’s motion graphics!

It’s not full-blown character animation, like a Pixar movie (though it can sometimes involve simple characters).

Instead, it focuses on bringing static design elements to life to convey information, ideas, or emotions.

Think about it like this: if static graphic design is a beautiful painting, then motion graphics is a captivating ballet.

Each element has its part, moves with purpose, and contributes to a larger narrative.

In the world of explainer videos, motion graphics are the secret sauce that makes complex concepts digestible and engaging.

Instead of just showing text on a screen, you can have text fly in, highlight key phrases, or morph into relevant icons.

Instead of a static diagram, you can animate the flow of information, showing processes step-by-step.

This dynamic visual storytelling helps maintain viewer interest, simplifies intricate topics, and ultimately, helps your audience remember your message.

From animated logos and kinetic typography (that’s fancy talk for moving text) to animated charts and illustrations, motion graphics are incredibly versatile.

They can be sleek and minimalistic or vibrant and whimsical, depending on your brand and the message you’re trying to convey.

The beauty of it is that it bridges the gap between traditional graphic design and full animation, offering a powerful, accessible way to create compelling visual narratives.

It’s not just about making things look pretty; it’s about using movement to enhance understanding and make your content truly unforgettable.


Why Bother with Motion Graphics for Your Explainer Videos?

Okay, so now you know what motion graphics are.

But why should you invest your precious time and effort into learning them for your explainer videos?

Let me tell you, the benefits are *huge*!

1. They Grab Attention Like a Pro

In today’s scroll-happy world, you have mere seconds to hook your audience.

Static images or plain text just don’t cut it anymore.

Motion graphics immediately grab the eye with their dynamic nature.

Movement is inherently captivating to the human brain.

It’s like the difference between seeing a photograph of a flowing river and actually watching the river flow.

Which one holds your attention longer?

Exactly!

2. They Simplify the Complex

This is where motion graphics truly shine for explainer videos.

Have a really complicated product, service, or concept to explain?

Motion graphics can break down intricate processes into easy-to-understand, bite-sized animations.

You can visually show cause and effect, illustrate data flow, or even animate abstract ideas that would be impossible to convey with just words or still images.

It’s like turning a dense textbook chapter into a fun, interactive infographic.

3. Boost Information Retention

People remember what they see and hear much better than what they just read.

When you combine clear narration with engaging motion graphics, you create a powerful one-two punch for memory retention.

Visuals help cement the information in the viewer’s mind, making your message stick long after the video ends.

Think back to school: weren’t the lessons with diagrams and visual aids always easier to recall?

It’s the same principle!

4. Enhance Brand Identity and Professionalism

High-quality motion graphics make your brand look polished, modern, and professional.

They allow for consistent branding through custom colors, fonts, and animation styles.

This level of attention to detail tells your audience that you’re serious about your message and that you value quality.

It’s like showing up to an important meeting in a perfectly tailored suit versus a crumpled t-shirt – first impressions matter!

5. Versatility Across Platforms

Once you’ve created an awesome explainer video with motion graphics, you can use it everywhere!

On your website, social media, email campaigns, presentations, trade shows… the possibilities are endless.

It’s a highly shareable and adaptable form of content that works across various digital channels, helping you reach a wider audience and maximize your impact.

So, as you can see, learning motion graphics for explainer videos isn’t just a cool skill; it’s a strategic advantage in today’s visual world.

It transforms your message into an experience, ensuring your audience not only understands but also *remembers* what you have to say.

Ready to jump in?


Getting Started: Your First Steps into Motion Graphics

Okay, you’re convinced! You’re ready to dive into the exciting world of motion graphics.

But where do you even begin?

It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, like looking at a huge, blank canvas.

But trust me, it’s just about taking those first few steps.

1. Understand the Basics of Animation (It’s Not Just for Cartoons!)

Before you even open a software program, it helps to understand the fundamental principles that make animation look good.

Things like “squash and stretch,” “anticipation,” and “follow through” aren’t just for Bugs Bunny.

They apply to how a simple square moves across the screen too!

Understanding these principles will give your motion graphics a more natural, appealing, and professional look.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to become a Disney animator overnight, but a basic grasp will elevate your work significantly.

Think of it as learning basic grammar before writing a novel.

2. Get Inspired (But Don’t Copy!)

One of the best ways to learn is by observing.

Start paying close attention to the motion graphics in explainer videos you admire.

What do you like about them?

How do they convey information?

Notice the transitions, the timing, the style.

Websites like Vimeo’s “Staff Picks” or Behance are treasure troves of amazing motion design work.

Collect examples that resonate with you, and try to break down *why* they work.

This isn’t about copying; it’s about building a visual vocabulary and understanding what’s possible.

3. Start Small and Simple

Your first motion graphics project doesn’t need to be a viral sensation.

In fact, it shouldn’t be!

Start with simple exercises: animate a logo, create a kinetic typography animation with just a few words, or make a basic animated chart.

Focus on mastering one or two techniques at a time rather than trying to do everything at once.

Think of it like learning to cook: you start with scrambled eggs, not a five-course meal!

4. Learn the Lingo

As with any new skill, there’s a bit of jargon involved.

Don’t be intimidated!

Terms like “keyframes,” “easing,” “pre-comps,” and “render” will become second nature to you.

A quick Google search or a dedicated beginner’s tutorial will help you get familiar with these terms, making your learning process much smoother.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Learning motion graphics takes time and practice.

There will be moments of frustration, trust me.

You’ll mess up, things won’t look right, and you’ll probably want to throw your computer out the window (don’t!).

But every pro you see started exactly where you are now.

Embrace the learning curve, celebrate small victories, and remember that consistency is key.

Stick with it, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!

Ready to choose your weapon (aka software)?


The Essential Software for Motion Graphics Success

Alright, time to get down to business!

You can’t make pixels dance without the right tools, right?

Choosing the right software for motion graphics is a bit like choosing your paintbrush.

There are many options, but a few stand out as industry standards and beginner-friendly powerhouses.

Here are the top contenders you’ll want to consider:

1. Adobe After Effects: The Undisputed King of Motion Graphics

If you’re serious about motion graphics, **Adobe After Effects** is pretty much indispensable.

It’s the industry standard for a reason.

Think of it as Photoshop for video and animation.

You can do almost anything in After Effects: animate text, create complex shape animations, build entire scenes, add visual effects, and integrate seamlessly with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator.

Pros: Incredibly powerful and versatile, massive community and endless tutorials, excellent integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners, subscription-based (Adobe Creative Cloud), can be resource-intensive on older computers.

My Take: If you commit to learning one software, make it After Effects.

It’s where most professional motion graphics artists live, and mastering it opens up a world of possibilities for your explainer videos.

2. Adobe Premiere Pro: Your Video Editing Sidekick

While not a dedicated motion graphics program, **Adobe Premiere Pro** is crucial for editing your explainer videos together.

You’ll often create your animated elements in After Effects, then bring them into Premiere Pro to assemble the full video, add music, voiceovers, and final touches.

It also has some basic motion graphics capabilities for simple text animations or transitions.

Pros: Industry-standard video editor, great for assembling your final video, decent for simple animations, excellent integration with After Effects.

Cons: Not designed for complex motion graphics from scratch.

My Take: You’ll likely need both After Effects and Premiere Pro eventually.

They work hand-in-hand to create professional explainer videos.

3. Illustrator and Photoshop: Your Design Powerhouses

Before you even animate, you need assets!

**Adobe Illustrator** is perfect for creating scalable vector graphics (like icons, illustrations, and logos) that look crisp at any size, which is essential for motion graphics.

**Adobe Photoshop** is great for raster images, photo manipulation, and creating textures if your style requires it.

These two are often used to design the visual elements that you’ll then bring into After Effects to animate.

Pros: Essential for creating high-quality visual assets, industry standards for graphic design.

Cons: Not for animation directly.

My Take: Consider these your foundational design tools.

Even if you’re not an illustrator, knowing how to use them for basic asset creation is a huge advantage.

Other Notable Mentions:

  • DaVinci Resolve: A powerful, free video editing suite that also includes Fairlight for audio and Fusion for VFX/motion graphics. The Fusion page is complex but highly capable. Great if you’re on a budget!
  • Blender: A free and open-source 3D creation suite, but it can also be used for 2D animation and motion graphics. It has a steeper learning curve than After Effects for 2D work but offers incredible possibilities, especially if you venture into 3D.
  • Canva / PowToon / Vyond: These are online, template-based tools that allow for very quick and easy animated videos. They are great for super simple explainers, but they offer limited creative control and aren’t true motion graphics software.

Recommendation: Start with Adobe After Effects and pair it with Premiere Pro.

Utilize Illustrator for your design assets.

There are tons of tutorials available for these, which makes the learning process much smoother.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the free options like DaVinci Resolve once you get a feel for the basics!Explore Adobe Creative CloudDownload DaVinci Resolve (Free!)Get Blender (Free!)


The Core Principles of Mind-Blowing Motion Graphics

So, you’ve got your software. Now what?

It’s not just about pushing buttons and making things move randomly.

Great motion graphics, especially for explainer videos, follow certain principles that make them effective, engaging, and professional.

Think of these as the fundamental laws of animation physics.

Mastering these will elevate your work from amateur to “aha!”

1. Timing and Spacing: The Rhythm of Movement

This is probably the most crucial principle.

Timing refers to how long an action takes, and spacing refers to how quickly or slowly an object moves between frames.

  • Fast timing for snappy, energetic movements.
  • Slow timing for smooth, deliberate, or dramatic actions.

Incorrect timing makes animations feel robotic or unnatural.

Combined with spacing (which often involves “easing” – more on that next), it creates a sense of weight, personality, and impact.

Imagine a ball falling: it speeds up as it drops (more spacing between frames) and slows down before it stops (less spacing).

This is timing and spacing in action.

2. Easing: Making Movement Feel Natural and Smooth

This is the secret sauce that makes motion graphics feel professional and organic.

Instead of a linear motion (which looks very artificial), easing refers to gradually accelerating or decelerating an object’s movement.

  • Ease In: The object starts slow and speeds up.
  • Ease Out: The object starts fast and slows down.
  • Ease In & Out: The object starts slow, speeds up in the middle, and then slows down at the end.

Most animation software has built-in easing options or graph editors (often called “speed graphs” or “value graphs”) that let you fine-tune this.

Always, always, *always* use easing.

It’s the difference between a clunky PowerPoint animation and a sleek, modern motion design.

3. Anticipation and Follow Through: The Human Touch

These principles add realism and personality, even to abstract shapes.

  • Anticipation: A slight movement in the opposite direction before the main action.

    Think of a person winding up before throwing a punch, or a text box slightly shrinking before expanding.

  • Follow Through: The secondary action that occurs after the main action.

    A character’s hair swinging after they stop running, or a graphic briefly overshooting its final position before settling back.

These subtle movements make your motion graphics feel more alive and less rigid.

4. Visual Hierarchy: Guiding the Viewer’s Eye

Good motion graphics direct the viewer’s attention purposefully.

Use size, color, contrast, and motion to highlight the most important elements at any given moment.

What do you want the viewer to look at first?

What information is secondary?

Think about how elements enter and exit the screen, ensuring that the primary message is always clear and not lost in a jumble of competing animations.

5. Storytelling and Purpose: Every Movement Matters

This is perhaps the most important for explainer videos.

Every animation, every transition, every movement should serve a purpose.

Is it clarifying a point?

Is it leading the eye to the next piece of information?

Is it emphasizing a key word?

Motion graphics should enhance the narrative, not just be decorative.

If an animation doesn’t add to the understanding or engagement, consider cutting it.

Think of yourself as a visual storyteller; your animations are the words on the page.

Mastering these principles takes practice, but once they click, your motion graphics for explainer videos will transform from good to genuinely great.

They’re the secret ingredients that make your work look professional and, more importantly, *effective*.


Crafting Your First Motion Graphics Explainer Video: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve got the theory down, you’ve picked your software, and you’re buzzing with inspiration.

Now, let’s talk about the practical steps to actually *make* your first motion graphics explainer video.

It’s a process, and like baking a cake, skipping steps usually leads to a messy outcome.

So, let’s break it down:

1. Define Your Message and Audience (The “Why”)

Before you even open After Effects, ask yourself:

  • What’s the single most important message I want to convey?
  • Who is my audience, and what do they already know (or not know)?
  • What problem does my product/service/idea solve?
  • What action do I want viewers to take after watching?

A clear message is the backbone of any good explainer video.

Without it, your motion graphics will just be pretty pictures without purpose.

It’s like trying to navigate without a map – you’ll just wander around aimlessly!

2. Scriptwriting (The Words that Drive the Motion)

Write a concise, engaging script.

This is crucial because your visuals will support these words.

Keep sentences short and punchy.

Read it aloud to check the flow and timing.

A good rule of thumb is about 150-160 words per minute for an explainer video, but don’t obsess over the word count too much at this stage.

Focus on clarity and conciseness.

Remember, the best motion graphics for explainer videos complement, not distract from, the narration.

3. Storyboarding and Animatic (Visualizing the Flow)

This is where your script starts to become visual!

  • Storyboard: Draw rough sketches for each key moment or scene in your script.

    Think of it like a comic strip of your video.


    What motion graphics will accompany each line of narration?


    You don’t need to be an artist; stick figures are fine!


    The goal is to plan the visual flow.

  • Animatic: If you’re feeling fancy, you can create a simple animatic.

    This is essentially your storyboard images synced with your recorded script (or a rough voiceover).


    It helps you check the timing and pacing before you dive into full animation, saving you a ton of time later on.

This stage is your blueprint for the motion graphics. Don’t skip it!

4. Asset Creation (Gather Your Building Blocks)

Based on your storyboard, start creating or gathering your visual assets.

This includes:

  • Illustrations (created in Illustrator, or downloaded from stock sites)
  • Icons
  • Logos
  • Background elements
  • Any photos or videos you plan to integrate

Make sure they are high-resolution and suitable for animation.

Organize them neatly in folders – a messy project file is a nightmare!

5. Animation Production (Making It Move!)

This is the fun part where you bring your motion graphics to life in After Effects (or your chosen software).

  • Import your assets.
  • Animate each scene according to your storyboard, focusing on the principles of timing, easing, and clarity.
  • Don’t try to animate everything at once; tackle it scene by scene or even element by element within a scene.
  • Layer your animations, building complexity gradually.
  • Always keep your message in mind – are these animations helping to explain the concept?

6. Voiceover, Music, and Sound Effects (Adding the Audio Punch)

Audio is half the experience of any video!

  • Voiceover: Record a professional-sounding voiceover (or hire someone). Clear audio is non-negotiable for explainer videos.
  • Music: Choose background music that complements the tone of your video. It should enhance, not distract. Look for royalty-free music.
  • Sound Effects: Subtle sound effects (like whooshes, clicks, or pops) can dramatically enhance your motion graphics and make them feel more impactful and polished. Use them sparingly and purposefully!

Integrate these audio elements in Premiere Pro (or After Effects if your project is simple) and sync them with your motion graphics.

7. Final Export and Review (The Grand Finale)

Once everything is synced and polished, it’s time to export your masterpiece!

Choose the appropriate video format and settings for your intended platform (e.g., YouTube, website, social media).

Then, and this is crucial, watch your video multiple times, preferably on different devices.

Show it to fresh eyes if possible.

Check for:

  • Clarity of message
  • Smoothness of animations
  • Audio levels and sync
  • Any typos or visual glitches

Making your first motion graphics explainer video is a journey, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one.

Each step builds upon the last, and by following this process, you’ll create something truly impactful.


Beyond the Basics: Advanced Motion Graphics Techniques to Master

Once you’ve got the foundational principles and software down for your motion graphics, you might start itching to take your explainer videos to the next level.

Here are some advanced techniques that will make your work truly stand out, making your motion graphics for explainer videos even more dynamic and engaging.

1. Expressions (After Effects’ Secret Weapon)

Oh, expressions!

These are little bits of JavaScript code you can write directly into After Effects to automate animations, create complex relationships between properties, and add randomness without endless keyframing.

For example, you can use an expression to make a shape bounce continuously, or to link the rotation of one object to the position of another.

It sounds intimidating, but even learning a few basic expressions like `loopOut()` or `wiggle()` can save you hours of work and open up new creative possibilities.

It’s like having a little robot assistant do the repetitive animation tasks for you!

2. Scripting and Plugins (Supercharge Your Workflow)

Beyond built-in expressions, After Effects has a thriving ecosystem of scripts and plugins.

These are third-party tools that add new functionalities or automate complex tasks.

For example, “Ease and Wizz” provides more refined easing curves, “Duik Bassel” is a popular character rigging tool, and “Joysticks ‘n Sliders” makes animating character heads a breeze.

While some are paid, many free scripts can significantly speed up your workflow and enable effects that would be incredibly difficult to achieve manually.

Think of them as power-ups for your motion graphics game!

3. Character Animation (Bringing Personalities to Life)

While motion graphics often focus on abstract shapes and text, incorporating simple character animation can bring a whole new level of storytelling to your explainer videos.

This doesn’t mean becoming a master character animator overnight.

Tools like After Effects’ Puppet Pin tool, or third-party plugins (like Duik Bassel mentioned above) make it much easier to rig and animate simple 2D characters.

Even basic walk cycles or gestures can add a human touch and make your explanations more relatable.

4. 3D Elements and Camera Movement

After Effects isn’t just for 2D!

You can bring 3D elements (from programs like Cinema 4D Lite, which comes with After Effects, or Blender) into your compositions.

Adding depth with 3D layers, creating camera movements (like dollies or pans) within your scene, and experimenting with shadows and lighting can give your motion graphics a much more sophisticated and immersive feel.

It’s like adding an extra dimension to your storytelling.

5. Compositing and Visual Effects

This involves combining different visual elements from separate sources into a single image, often to create the illusion that all those elements are part of the same scene.

For motion graphics, this might mean integrating live-action footage with animated elements, adding glows, blurs, or particle effects, or using blending modes to create unique visual styles.

It’s how you make everything look like it belongs together and create truly cinematic results.

6. Audio Reactivity (Making Graphics Dance to the Beat)

Want to make your motion graphics feel even more alive?

Learn to link animations to audio!

In After Effects, you can convert audio waveforms into keyframes, allowing properties (like scale, position, or opacity) to react directly to the beat or volume of your music or voiceover.

This creates incredibly dynamic and engaging visuals that feel perfectly synced, adding another layer of polish to your explainer videos.

Exploring these advanced techniques will not only broaden your creative horizons but also significantly enhance the quality and impact of your motion graphics for explainer videos.

Don’t try to learn them all at once, but pick one that excites you and dive in!


Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Motion Graphics for Explainer Videos

As you embark on your motion graphics journey for explainer videos, you’ll inevitably hit a few bumps.

That’s totally normal!

But by being aware of common mistakes, you can sidestep many frustrations and produce higher-quality work faster.

Here are some pitfalls I’ve seen countless times (and probably fallen into myself!):

1. Over-Animating Everything (The “Too Much Movement” Trap)

It’s tempting, especially when you first learn what motion graphics can do, to make *everything* move.

A little bit of movement here, a little bounce there, a spin, a wiggle, a flash…

Stop!

Too much animation can be distracting and overwhelming.

It clutters the screen and makes it harder for your audience to focus on the core message.

Remember: Every animation should serve a purpose.

If it doesn’t clarify, emphasize, or guide the eye, it might be better left static or removed entirely.

Subtlety is often more effective than spectacle for explainer videos.

2. Neglecting Timing and Easing (The “Robotic Animation” Syndrome)

This is a big one.

If your objects simply pop into existence and move linearly from point A to point B, your motion graphics will look stiff and amateurish.

Linear animation is the enemy of natural-looking movement.

Always apply easing (ease in, ease out, or both!) to your keyframes.

And pay close attention to timing – is the animation too fast, making it hard to read, or too slow, making the video drag?

Proper timing and easing are the hallmarks of professional motion graphics.

3. Poor Visual Hierarchy (Confusing the Viewer)

When multiple elements are animating on screen, it’s easy to lose track of what’s important.

If everything is equally flashy, nothing stands out.

Use size, color, opacity, and the *order* of animation to guide the viewer’s eye to the most critical information first.

Your motion graphics should clarify, not confuse.

Think about what you want the viewer to look at and understand at each precise moment.

4. Bad Audio (Killing Your Masterpiece)

I cannot stress this enough: bad audio will ruin even the most amazing motion graphics.

A poorly recorded voiceover, distracting background music, or mismatched sound effects will make your explainer video feel cheap and unprofessional.

Invest in a decent microphone, record in a quiet environment, and choose royalty-free music that truly complements your visuals and message.

Audio is just as important as the visuals for a successful explainer video.

5. Not Planning Ahead (Jumping Straight into Software)

You’re excited, I get it!

But diving straight into After Effects without a script or storyboard is a recipe for disaster (and wasted time).

You’ll end up with disjointed scenes, animations that don’t match the narration, and a ton of rework.

Spending time on defining your message, scripting, and storyboarding *before* animation saves you hours in the long run and ensures your motion graphics are purposeful and coherent.

It’s like trying to build a house without an architectural plan!

6. Ignoring File Organization (The Messy Project File)

As your projects grow, so do the number of assets, layers, and compositions.

If you don’t organize your project files from the start (using folders, clear naming conventions, and maybe even color-coding layers), you’ll quickly find yourself in a tangled mess.

This makes collaboration difficult, troubleshooting a nightmare, and future revisions a pain.

A clean project file is a happy project file!

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating polished, effective, and truly impactful motion graphics for explainer videos.

Learn from these common mistakes, and your learning curve will be much smoother!


Resources and Inspiration: Keep the Motion Flowing!

Learning motion graphics is an ongoing journey.

The field is constantly evolving, with new techniques, tools, and styles emerging all the time.

To keep your skills sharp and your creativity buzzing, you’ll need a steady stream of resources and inspiration.

Here are some of my top recommendations:

Online Learning Platforms (Structured Education)

These are fantastic for structured learning, offering courses from beginner to advanced levels.

  • Skillshare: Tons of classes on After Effects, animation principles, and specific motion graphics techniques. Many instructors are industry professionals.
  • Domestika / Coursera / Udemy: Similar to Skillshare, offering a wide range of courses. Look for highly-rated courses by experienced motion designers.
  • School of Motion: This is for when you’re ready to get serious. School of Motion offers highly intensive, professional-level courses taught by some of the best in the business. It’s an investment, but worth it if you’re aiming for a career in motion design.

YouTube Channels (Free & Fantastic!)

YouTube is a goldmine for free motion graphics tutorials.

Some of my favorites include:

  • Mt. Mograph: Joey Korenman (founder of School of Motion) has a fantastic channel with quick tips and insightful tutorials.
  • ECAbrams: Very detailed and clear tutorials on various After Effects techniques.
  • Ben Marriot: Excellent for practical workflow tips and creative ideas for motion graphics.
  • Adobe After Effects Official Channel: While sometimes more promotional, they do offer helpful feature overviews and tips.

Inspiration Hubs (Fuel for Your Creativity)

Sometimes you just need to see amazing work to get your own creative juices flowing.

  • Vimeo (Staff Picks / Motion Graphics Tag): A constant source of high-quality animation and motion graphics. The “Staff Picks” are always top-notch.
  • Behance: Adobe’s platform for showcasing creative work. Search for “motion graphics,” “explainer video,” or “animation” to see incredible portfolios.
  • Dribbble: Great for quick bursts of design and animation inspiration. Many designers post short GIF animations of their work.
  • Mograph.net: A long-standing community for motion designers, featuring forums, articles, and inspiring work.

Books & Communities (Deep Dives & Connections)

  • “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams: While focused on character animation, the principles discussed here are fundamental to *all* animation, including motion graphics. It’s a classic for a reason.
  • Reddit (r/AfterEffects, r/MotionGraphics): Active communities where you can ask questions, share your work, and learn from others.
  • Discord Servers: Many motion design channels and communities exist on Discord, offering real-time interaction and feedback.

The key is to consistently consume, learn, and then *practice*.

Don’t just watch tutorials; follow along and apply what you learn.

Experiment, make mistakes, and have fun!

The more you immerse yourself in the world of motion graphics, the faster you’ll grow and the more impactful your explainer videos will become.Explore Skillshare CoursesDiscover Motion Graphics on VimeoFind Inspiration on Behance


The Future is Moving: What’s Next in Motion Graphics?

So, you’re getting a handle on motion graphics for explainer videos, which is awesome!

But the world of motion design never stands still (pun absolutely intended).

It’s an incredibly dynamic field, constantly evolving with new technologies and creative approaches.

Keeping an eye on what’s next will help you stay relevant and continue pushing your creative boundaries.

1. AI-Powered Tools and Automation

Artificial intelligence is already starting to make waves in motion design.

We’re seeing AI tools that can:

  • Generate initial animations from static designs.
  • Automate repetitive tasks like rotoscoping or tracking.
  • Even create basic storyboards or suggest animation styles based on a script.

Now, before you worry about AI taking over, think of it as a powerful assistant.

AI will likely streamline workflows, allowing motion designers to focus more on the creative and strategic aspects, rather than the tedious keyframe adjustments.

It’s about augmentation, not replacement, for skilled motion graphics artists.

2. Immersive Experiences (AR/VR/Metaverse)

As augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the “metaverse” continue to develop, the demand for motion graphics in these immersive environments will explode.

Imagine animated interfaces floating in AR, dynamic data visualizations in VR, or engaging interactive elements within a virtual world.

The principles of good motion graphics will remain, but the application will shift from flat screens to 3D, interactive spaces.

This is a super exciting frontier for motion designers!

3. Real-time Rendering and Game Engines

Game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity are becoming increasingly powerful tools for creating cinematic content, including motion graphics.

Their ability to render complex 3D scenes in real-time opens up new possibilities for faster iteration, interactive animations, and even live-generated content.

While After Effects will likely remain king for 2D, understanding the basics of these engines could be a significant advantage for future motion graphics professionals.

4. Data-Driven Animation

With the rise of big data, the need to visualize complex information clearly is paramount.

Motion graphics are already excellent for this, but we’ll see more sophisticated techniques for dynamically linking data to animations.

Think interactive charts that update in real-time, or complex network visualizations that adapt as data flows.

This is where design meets data science, creating incredibly insightful and dynamic explainer content.

5. Greater Personalization and Customization

As marketing becomes more personalized, so too will motion graphics.

Imagine explainer videos that dynamically change based on viewer data, showing specific product features relevant to *them*, or using their name in animated text.

This level of dynamic content delivery will make explainer videos even more effective and engaging.

The future of motion graphics is bright, dynamic, and full of exciting possibilities!

By continually learning, experimenting, and embracing new technologies, you’ll ensure your skills remain sharp and your explainer videos stay ahead of the curve.

Keep moving forward, and happy animating!

Motion Graphics, Explainer Videos, Animation, After Effects, Visual Storytelling