Originally published May 26, 2016, updated last on June 03, 2025.
What Are Motion Graphics, and How Are They Different from 3D Animation?
We’ve always been drawn to things that move—videos, animations, anything with energy. That pull is what makes these dynamic visuals such a powerful way to tell stories today. The relationship between humans and cinema has always been a bit like moths to the flame. We are naturally drawn to the light. In movie theaters, with our phones in hand, driving by digital billboards, and across a variety of screens—laptops, tablets, computers, and TVs—our eyes move towards the glow. So why do motion and 3D animation matter? What exactly are the differences between them? And of course, what does it mean for your brand and the story you’re trying to tell?
For any business, these visual elements play a crucial role in professional branding and marketing, helping to enhance visual identity and attract clients.
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Which Came First, Motion Graphics or Animation
They both tell some semblance of a story, the boundaries blur when it comes to motion design and animation. “The distinction lies in intent—traditional animation tends to focus on narrative arcs and character development, while motion graphics are built around concept, message, and visual rhythm.”
Think of the early Walt Disney animated productions. Those animated classics centered around central characters and had longer narratives.
In the early days of motion graphics, the history of the field was shaped by the pioneering work of film studios. These studios played a key role in developing motion graphics, especially for film credits and branding, laying the foundation for the art form as we know it today: Motion Graphic Design.
At the end of the day, the two disciplines will tell stories, communicate ideas, and evoke wonderment.
Something important to note is that these visuals go all the way back to the very beginning of cinema. When the opening credits rolled in the very first film, that was a form of dynamic design. Of course, that’s before we called it that.
Think about the opening title sequences of our favorite shows and movies. A well-designed title sequence is essential for telling stories visually, as it introduces the tone, story, and visual style of the media. Opening sequences have intricate motion designs that buoy the necessary credits. Which kick off the episodes and movies we binge-watch without remorse. More than that, these sequences also establish a tone and remind the audience of the franchise they’ve been engaged with all along.
For example, think of the James Bond series, Mad Men, Game Of Thrones, and Sesame Street. These are some of the most famous works in motion graphics history. Their fonts, colors, movements, and messages all burned into our brains, giving us a sense of familiarity — something memorable. They also set the stage and get us excited about the shows we are about to watch.
Visual design predates the modern technology filmmakers use today. Nowadays, it’s evolving into a more refined art. It’s incredible, with endless possibilities due to the universal availability of software programs like After Effects and Cinema 4D.
Pioneers In Motion Graphics.
In 1960, John Whitney was one of the first to recognize the art form’s place in the world and start using the term conversationally. His company’s name: Motion Graphics Inc. This was a groundbreaking moment. By naming his company Motion Graphics Inc., Whitney gave the medium a name and a clear creative direction—one that countless designers still follow today.
Whitney created groundbreaking motion graphics that set the stage for the industry. Above and below, these clips will explain a little bit of that.
Of course, Whitney wasn’t alone in shaping the field. Around the same era, another creative duo was making motion graphics a cinematic art form. They were Saul Bass and Elaine Bass, who created some of the most iconic motion graphics in film history. Pioneers in feature film sequences whose famous works include The Man With The Golden Arm (1955), Vertigo (1958), Psycho (1960), and Advise & Consent (1962). At its core, the heart of all of Saul and Elaine’s work is the mission to use simple graphics to convey a film’s mood and reflect the inner lives of its characters.
What is Motion Graphics?
Motion Graphics—often referred to as motion design—blend graphic design with animation to create moving, expressive visuals that deliver a message. They borrow elements from photography, illustration, typography, and more to create visually engaging moving compositions. A visual designer is responsible for creating these works, using their expertise to animate graphics and visual effects for various industries.
Want proof? Just look at projects like “Traveling Light,” which show how simple shapes and clever design choices can evoke meaning without ever saying a word.
Thanks to illustrated objects, characters, backgrounds, and images — motion graphics videos move, interact, and transform in a way that tells a story or explains a process. The creative process relies on strong design concepts to ensure effective communication. Motion graphics often involve the combination of different media elements, such as visuals, sound, and text, to create engaging content for platforms like landing pages and advertisements.
Motion graphics provide designers with a vehicle to let their imaginations run wild. Facilitating the use of visual metaphors to represent ideas that give the viewer a unique perspective on a story, product, or service. The video above Traveling Light is a wonderful example of how a motion designer can use his or her imagination to create scenes by playing with simple objects, sound effects, and positive and negative space. There are more sophisticated examples but we love the simplicity and creativity it shows.
The look and feel of motion graphics depend greatly on the chosen style and the quality of visuals, which help set the tone and mood of the project. Many designers use motion graphics to enhance their work, making stories more engaging and visually appealing.
Only the imagination can limit the kinds of stories a motion graphic designer can tell.
So, Why Motion Graphics?
85-percent of video content is watched without sound on Facebook. Even without sound, motion graphics allow viewers to visualize the information and understand the message. Motion graphics can animate static content like infographics and text, making it more dynamic and engaging. Also, people expect to see text with these types of presentations. Motion design gives potential clients an engaging alternative to reading a whitepaper, watching a mind-numbing Powerpoint presentation, or listening to a sales pitch. Commercial motion design projects are also referred to as explainer videos, and motion graphics animation are often used to create these efficiently.
Motion design can demonstrate complex relationships, visualize data, animate static visuals, and convey narratives in a way other mediums just can’t match. Not to mention, motion graphics communicate information and complex ideas in a short amount of time. So, anyone from 5-years old to 105-years old will have the ability to understand brand messages better the first time they see them.
These visual elements provide a viable way from startups to Fortune 500 companies to maximize your ROI. Additionally, they produce visually engaging content without breaking the bank. Even in the B2B market space, 89% of marketers say video drives conversions and believe that video positively impacts marketing results and ROI.
Explainer videos provide a viable way from startups to Fortune 500 companies to maximize your ROI. Additionally, they produce visually engaging content without breaking the bank. Even in the B2B market space, 89% of marketers say video drives conversions and believe that video positively impacts marketing results and ROI.
Depending on your media buying strategy, digital video advertising can even be more profitable than the advertising run on television. Managing a motion graphics project involves careful planning, creative development, and execution to ensure the final product effectively engages viewers and communicates information.
If you want to learn more about how the motion graphics process works, you can check out our quick 1-minute video below.
How Are Motion Graphics Used Creatively in 2025?
Motion graphics aren’t just filling in the gaps between scenes or jazzing up title cards anymore—they’re everywhere, adapting to new platforms, technologies and attention spans. In 2025 the canvas is bigger (and weirder) and designers are using motion to tell stories in ways that are both unexpected and unforgettable.
Here’s how brands, creatives and storytellers are getting creative with motion graphics this year:
- Social-first animation.
TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are the testing grounds for playful, ultra-short social media animated videos. Think kinetic typography, animated product drops or loopable explainers that hook in under 10 seconds. - AI-assisted motion design.
Designers are using AI tools not to replace creativity but to enhance workflows—generating animated templates, building moodboards and auto-keyframing sequences faster. So more time spent on visual storytelling, less on repetitive grunt work. - Branded micro-moments.
Motion is seeping into UX—buttons, menus, scroll animations—all becoming tiny branded moments of delight. These microinteractions reinforce identity and turn everyday tasks into cohesive brand experiences. - Data that actually moves you.
Motion graphics are powering dynamic dashboards, live social visualizations and explainers that make data feel less like a spreadsheet and more like a story. - Virtual and immersive spaces.
Brands are experimenting with projection mapping, AR filters and even VR-ready motion graphics to build presence beyond the browser. It’s not just about views—it’s about experiences. - Sonic design pairings.
With more content being consumed silently (or noisily) motion designers are crafting visuals that either work without sound or sync perfectly with voiceover, music or haptic cues—so your message lands no matter how it’s watched. - Title sequences that define a brand Whether for film, streaming shows, or branded content, title sequences remain a powerful storytelling device. They set the tone, mood, and message—often becoming as iconic as the content they introduce.
- Explainer videos that educate and convert These short, snappy videos remain a go-to for simplifying services, onboarding users, or pitching ideas. When done well, they transform complexity into clarity.
- Lower thirds and broadcast Used in livestreams, webinars, and news content, animated lower thirds and graphic overlays enhance professionalism and guide viewers through the information seamlessly.
In short motion graphics in 2025 are more than decoration. They’re interaction, immersion and identity—all rolled into one. Whether it’s a subtle hover state or a full-screen narrative sequence motion is the heartbeat of modern design.
Your Idea Matters.
Inspiration strikes when you least expect it—and when it does, your idea deserves more than a sticky note or a saved reel. Have you ever been hit in the head with a concept for an explainer video or motion design that you think is a good idea for your brand? Did its brilliance hurt? Did you share that idea with anyone? Our motion design team at Mighty Fine Production Company loves it when someone sends a concept or example to get the conversation going. Whether you’re starting from a scribble or a fully fleshed-out storyboard, we’re here to turn that spark into something visually unforgettable.