Everything makes a comeback eventually. From music, fashion, television content, and even on rare occasions the mullet. Yes, even the mullet. So it’s not surprising that a lot of the up-and-coming animation and motion graphic trends we are seeing today are reminiscent of the past, keeping many designs nostalgic and familiar. That being said, the influence of social media, new emergent animation, and motion graphics design technology have pushed boundaries.
So, what animation and motion graphics trends are we seeing currently? Read on.
1. Working with 2D and 3D
You may not be aware, but 2D overlays and frames, along with 3D objects or vice versa, can make for compelling storytelling. The new era of storytelling may just be 2D and 3D elements coming together. Popularized since 2019, over the years, it’s gotten easier to create animations combining these two elements. With technologies like Blender, where open-source 2D/3D is made more accessible, seamless integration is made easier allowing this new hybrid motion design trend to continue to grow.
2. Animated Logos
Thanks to bite-sized social media trends, we expect messages to be communicated quickly. This is an underlying culture shift. Couple this shift with faster and easier internet accessibility along with booming online business scenes, and there is no surprise businesses are compelled to add further depth to something that used to be so simple, logos. But here we are. Quick yet effective animated logos have been successful in delivering an intended branded message in seconds. Should your logo be animated?
3. 3D still dominate
There is no reason why 3D will not continue to dominate as a popular animation trend in 2022. If anything, we may see motion graphic artists push the use of 3D elements in all industries and all types of content. We may even be blessed with more hybrid content similar to the 2D/3D combo. With 3D elements, designers create realistic motion graphics and animations that other forms of design trends have yet to be able to showcase. So, no doubt about it, you can anticipate 3D to be the formative base for many design trends in 2022.
4. Grain
Grain, as the name implies, adds a grainy texture to vector imagery. You might think this ruins the original illustrations, but instead, adding grain breathes authenticity into the animation. A little grain makes for an almost homey feel, which many viewers find welcoming. It is also an easy way to add extra depth to what would perhaps be viewed as a more plain design.
5. The Retro Nostalgia
As mentioned earlier, everything seems to make a comeback at some point. When it comes to design, retro styles and feel are making a swift return into the world of creativity. Gradients, lens flares, and shadows are what designers are implementing into storytelling, but only when appropriate. These elements give animations a nostalgic touch, a remembrance of the simpler times. Pretty sure we can all appreciate simplicity these days. Embedded in popularized cultures, a set of colors and typefaces can all work as reminders of a certain era, making these approaches ideal for designers aiming to create a certain vibe, triggering specific emotions.
6. Limited and Uniform Color Palette
Non-fussy, hassle-free, but equally impactful. This one is for the long haul, for the committed ones. This animation style is most popular for companies keen on setting a clear branding impact. The restricted color palette helps in viewer retention and creates uniformity throughout the animation. The visual appeal of using a rich palette with semitones and primary colors doesn’t go unnoticed. Here is to say more with less!
7. Lines
Clean and modern. The lines in design give shape and direction and provide a unique style to animations. It is perceived to be simple yet very effective. Often found in explainer videos, lines do an exceptional job of delivering insights without being too overbearing. The hand-drawn feel of lines makes for soothing illustrations and motion graphics. This is when the ability to storytelling with pure simplicity can and should be appreciated.
8. Loops
As social media grows, the appreciation for a satisfying animated loop has grown as well. And this love for a good loop also seems to have extended to the world of motion graphics. This new year, a loop of animation to convey a message is all the rage. Loops are found in both long and short-format motion graphic videos and as always, using different design elements opens space for different feels, messaging, and storytelling components to be effectively conveyed.
Be it trippy
9. Morphing
An effect in motion graphics that changes one image or object quickly into another with a seamless transition is called, you guessed it, morphing. Design flows well together and gives continuity to the motions as morphing occurs. This design effect has made a comeback since the 2000s when morphing was used for bold branding. It was mostly popularized by entertainment agencies like VH1, with their iconic logo morphing over the years.
However, we are seeing this effect has seen some refinement, going beyond the loud and bold transition styles of the 2000s to more subtle forms of morphing that can be used for corporate slides and more professional tones needing a touch of memorable creativity.
10. Data Visualization
DATA DATA DATA! It’s everywhere, it’s complicated, and it’s so important!
The numbers don’t lie, and nowadays numbers seem to really stick with viewers if strategically communicated….like in animated shorts!
Have you ever seen spreadsheet formulas on billboards, bus ads, or train ads? Yeah – us either. The point is, it’s important to make data compelling and easy to digest. You have to put some lipstick on that pig, cuz that pig can bring in the bacon.
11. Hyper-Realistic CGI
Hyper-realistic CGI has been in high demand, with expectedly good eye-catching results. Thanks to advancements in computer-generated animation, we can now bring live-action scenes to life with ultra-realistic motion graphics. With cutting-edge design techniques, we can replicate real-world elements with jaw-dropping accuracy, resulting in mesmerizing experiences in product design and promotional videos.
By closely mimicking real-life objects and interactions, we unlock new points of connection for designers and animators. It’s simple, detail is compelling and persuasive. Now, viewers can truly visualize products/services vividly.
12. Multi-Dimensional Motion Graphics
Animation can now come alive inside your video, making for an extremely cool animation trend. This trend is seen in many of Apple’s recent ads, which often use a combination of live-action footage and animated graphics.
A single animated scene that combines 2D objects, photos, illustrations, and even real-life products. By mixing 2D elements in 3D or live-action settings, designers are able to create a captivating contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Imagine familiar objects set against unconventional backdrops.
13. Stop-Motion and Claymation
The animation industry has circled back to its roots! The classic choppy feel of Stop-Motion could open the door for inexpensive and effective marketing.
Claymation, the clever cousin of stop-motion animation, brings the magic of 3D software to life. Say goodbye to tedious and expensive production times, because Claymation offers a faster and budget-friendly alternative. It’s no wonder this captivating technique has caught the attention of commercial producers and creative projects alike!
What was once old is new again. It seems likely that this year will provide a mix of the old with the new. Take heed as you notice recognizable typefaces, colors, and integrative motion graphics and animations continue to surface. While new forms of design elements take these nostalgic styles to another level, we can still be sure that variations of design will always be based on the creative mind working its magic. Coupled with an understanding of the purpose of any given design, the results will be next level. Regardless of whether we are meant to be sent into the future or back in time, you can be sure that the motion designers will be taking us on a never-ending journey.
Motion graphics and animation are here to stay and are one of the best ways to tell a complex story in a meaningful way. Bottle Rocket Media specializes in motion graphics services and video production services. Connect with our team to create a brand story that is entirely your own and makes an impact.