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Move over! Motion graphics’ rise to stardom
Lately, I have noticed an increase in multimedia projects that utilize motion graphics and animation to visually depict a story. While this medium has been used for years in the film industry, I would argue that it has been mostly underutilized in our field until now. Using Adobe After Effects, producers can either combine animation within a traditional video format, or use motion graphics as the entire video.
Probably the most well-known name in this arena is Jonathan Jarvis, the man behind “The Crisis of Credit Visualized.” He also runs “The New Mediators,” a group of producers whose goal is to provide “designed transparency.”
Jarvis notes that “by designing graphic language systems that function across print, video, interactive and performance formats, it proposes a new role for designers and a new approach to transparency in an increasingly complex world.”
New York Times‘ multimedia producer Zach Wise has also published some great motion graphic work. I featured his motion graphic demo reel last week, but you can also read more about how he utilizes this medium over at his blog, Digital Artwork, where he wrote an in-depth work flow on how he does it. For inspiration, check out his past projects “Choosing a President,” “Flipped,” and “War Without Borders,” among others.
Multimedia producer Ashley Zammitt has been working with After Effects for six months now, and is responsible for the “Purpose Prize” promo and energy crisis video, shown below. Read a brief interview with her that I posted back in August to learn more about how she tackled these projects.
Still interested in learning more about motion graphics? Subscribe to Motionographer, “a source of inspiration for filmmakers, animators and designers.”
After Effects is now on my “To-Do” list to learn over Christmas Break. I encourage everyone to take the time to at least get your head around this program to understand its potential for future multimedia projects …
Five Inspirational Motion Graphics videos:
Other posts that might interest you:
- Zach Wise produces New York Times’ demo reel
- New York Times proves it’s innovation with election wrap-up
- Solid 3D graphic production throughout National Geographic’s "Mapping Memory in 3D" interactive
Tags: After Effects, animation, Ashley Zammitt, Jonathan Jarvis, motion graphics, Motionographer, Zach Wise Discussion
2 comments for “Move over! Motion graphics’ rise to stardom”
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GOOD Magazine is at the top of my list when it comes to creative use of motion graphics.
Their “Hidden Cost of War” piece was one of the first ones I ever saw. (The beginning is mostly typography-driven, but starting at 0:38, it picks up the pace.)
http://www.good.is/post/the-hidden-cost-of-war/
Oddly enough, Jonathan Jarvis actually won a GOOD infographics contest with a print version of his Crisis of Credit video.
http://www.good.is/post/goods-financial-crisis-infographic-contest-winner-announced/
Es: GOOD Magazine está en el número uno de mi lista cuando se trata de gráficos animados.
Su “Hidden Cost of War” fue uno de los primeros que ví. (el comienzo es principalmente tipografía, pero en 0:38 comienza a tomar ritmo).
http://www.good.is/post/the-hidden-cost-of-war/
Irónicamente, Jonathan Jarvis ganó un premio GOOD de infografía por su versión impresa del vídeo “Crisis of Credit.”
http://www.good.is/post/goods-financial-crisis-infographic-contest-winner-announced/
Great examples, Emily! I remember seeing that “Hidden Cost of War” piece but forgot to bookmark it for later reference. It is also a great example of the potential for motion graphics, so thanks for digging it up for us!
Es: Excelentes ejemplos, Emily! Me acuerdo haber visto “Hidden Cost of War”, pero me olvidé de guardarlo para referencias. También es un gran ejemplo del potencial de los gráficos animados, gracias por compartirlo!