What are the common mistakes to avoid in motion graphics design?

Same as any other design project, motion graphics should still follow the principles of design. Emphasis, balance and alignment, contrast, repetition, proportion, movement, and white space. Layout, color, text and most important the key objective of the video. If there is no clarity in key performance indicators or goals of the campaign, then, there is lack of clarity. Discover what those KPIS and goals are first, understand the brand guidelines, do's and don'ts. Next is target audience and how they perceive the brand and even motion design as a medium. After, you can decide what style to use, mix media, stop motion, graphic or illustrative animation. This makes the process much easier and the end product more digestible and clear.

Rushing into the design and animation phase without proper planning can lead to disorganized and ineffective motion graphics. Create a storyboard or script to outline your ideas, sequence of scenes, and key visual elements. Effective motion graphics use visual hierarchy to guide viewers' attention. Highlight important elements through color, size, and motion to ensure that viewers focus on the most critical information. Trying to convey too much information in a short amount of time can overwhelm viewers. Keep your content concise and focus on delivering key points effectively. Use visuals and text sparingly to avoid clutter.

Timing is an important aspect of motion design. Poor timing can cause for the audience to be unable to understand what is in front of them. It is important to pay attention to how long something is on the screen whether it is a graphic or type to ensure that the animations match the tone of what you are trying to convey. It takes a bit of trail and error to figure out what's the best timing of moving objects especially when you are not constrained to something like music though if you do have a track to follow it is important to use the beat of the music to help with timing.

The timing and pacing of animations are crucial. Avoid abrupt transitions, overly fast movements, or slow, monotonous sequences. Ensure that animations flow naturally and match the tone of your message.

It’s a good explanation, you mentioned about the mood and tone of our content for timing. Thank you. I believe this will really help us to achieve the desired effect.

Maintaining a consistent design style and color scheme throughout your motion graphics is essential for a polished and professional look. Avoid mixing conflicting design elements that disrupt visual harmony.

Sound and music can significantly enhance the impact of motion graphics. Neglecting sound design or using inappropriate audio can diminish the overall quality of your work. Ensure that audio complements the visual elements.

It is important to take into consideration the background and knowledge of the person providing feedback. An Art Director or another motion designer will have clear insights on what to adjust but it is also valuable to get input from people outside of motion design. If someone who doesn’t have a strong grasp of motion says it feels off, explore that areas. Most motion is based on what people have seen in their daily lives whether that’s other content or just actually moving. Similar to watching a movie with poor voice over, just because someone isn’t an expect in the field doesn’t mean their feedback can’t be valuable.

Refraining from seeking feedback can hinder the organic development and refinement of your creations. Feedback serves as an indispensable catalyst in the design process, unveiling both the strengths and weaknesses of your motion graphics projects. The absence of constructive feedback could inadvertently deprive you of valuable opportunities for self-improvement and the elevation of your work to new heights. However, it is equally crucial to approach this feedback with an open and receptive mindset, fostering a willingness to embrace and incorporate the comments and suggestions received. In doing so, you not only enrich your design acumen but also enable your work to organically transform and flourish.

Another common mistake in motion design is cluttering with excessive moving parts, causing confusion. Keep it simple and guide the viewer's focus. Lead the way for your audience's attention.

Work only on projects you enjoy creating! When you work on a project you feel connected to, the viewers can feel it, and the work feels authentic, which is in my opinion, the most important thing in motion design. Working on projects you enjoy creating - will bring you similar work from clients and you will feel your work is meaningful. Also, it will expand your creativity, and make you stand out as a motion designer.

Beginning the process without a clear concept, neglecting to create a storyboard, and failing to share a moodboard with the client are common mistakes. The magic of effective motion graphics starts in preproduction with a well-defined idea, a thoughtfully crafted storyboard, and collaboration through sharing a moodboard with the client.