Animation and motion graphics design trends have emerged as powerful tools for creative advertising and marketing, reshaping the way businesses showcase their products and services in today’s digital landscape. From subtle in-app animations to full-blown promotional videos, motion graphics design trends have woven themselves into the fabric of marketing across diverse industries and business types. Even traditionally conservative organizations are embracing creativity, infusing their branding with inspirational animated content and dynamic motion designs. Staying attuned to animation trends is a testament to having a discerning eye, which is why many companies are eagerly adopting these new marketing styles.

Animation is a medium closely attuned to global design and technology trends, and 2023 is no exception. In this article, we’ll delve into the ten most captivating animation and motion graphics design trends poised to make a significant impact on business design this year.

 

Top Animation & Motion Graphics Design Trends

 

Restricted Colour Palette

In the realm of animation, less is more. Today’s motion graphics design trends are all about conveying a visual narrative using a minimal selection of primary colours rather than a vast palette of shades. This approach, gaining popularity in digital illustration as well, results in animations that appear both straightforward and sophisticated. Artists now relish the challenge of employing just a handful of colours to capture the mood and character of their illustrations. Despite the limited palette, these animations exude a subtle retro and nostalgic charm.

 

Thin Lines

The “thin-line animation” aesthetic, characterized by rounder shapes, slender lines, and a Western flair, emerged in the 2010s and continues to evolve. Lines serve multiple functions in videos, directing attention, defining shapes, and setting the mood. In 2023, artists are pushing the envelope by making lines ultra-thin yet highly distinctive, aiming to create animations that emulate hand-drawn artistry. Linear art in animated videos is now one of the most endearing motion graphics design trends, with businesses incorporating it into their promotional and explainer videos.

 

Mixing 2D and 3D

The fusion of 2D and 3D elements remains a prominent feature in videos this year. Motion designers find that combining these techniques adds a unique stylistic dimension to videos, enhancing their appeal to customers. These motion graphics design trends extend beyond high-budget advertising to smaller-scale digital ads, making it accessible to a wide range of businesses.

 

Kinetic Typography

Typography takes centre stage in motion graphics design trends, where font selection and innovative text execution can create stunning broken texts. Designers are boldly experimenting with dynamic typography in 2023, stretching, twisting, pixelating, and distorting text in myriad ways. This approach often results in nearly three-dimensional letter constructions, defying traditional typographic norms. Kinetic typography has proven to capture attention effectively, drawing more eyes to brands in e-commerce websites and mobile apps.

 

Morphing

Morphing continues to captivate audiences in 2023, seamlessly transitioning one image or shape into another in motion pictures and animations. This mesmerizing effect holds viewers’ attention, making it an excellent choice for website animations. It not only engages users but also boosts search engine optimization by increasing user interaction time.

 

Animated Logos

In the quest for an unforgettable online presence, businesses are increasingly incorporating animation into their branding materials. Animated logos have emerged as a significant trend in brand identity design. Motion graphics design trends breathe life into static typography and icons, making brands more dynamic and appealing to customers. The unexpected movements and twists of animated logos convey a brand’s innovative spirit and commitment to delivering a unique experience.

 

 

Vertical Animations

With approximately 6 billion mobile users worldwide, the rise of vertically oriented devices has transformed the way we consume media. Vertical animations have emerged as popular motion graphics design trends in 2023, catering to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Users increasingly prefer consuming content vertically, leading to the popularity of vertical videos in Instagram stories, TikTok, and Facebook ads.

 

Hybrid Techniques

Hybrid techniques are popular notable motion graphics design trends in video design for 2023, featuring a blend of 2D animation, 3D elements, and live-motion footage in a single video. These versatile motion graphics seamlessly combine different artistic mediums to create engaging and creative content.

 

Self-Drawing Lines

For a more serious and composed tone, self-drawing lines take centre stage in 2023 motion graphics trends. This style involves thin lines forming various figures, logos, and words, offering clarity and simplicity. Self-drawing lines are an excellent choice for product presentations, explainer videos, and business meetings or educational presentations.

 

Grain

Grain is a tool artists use to add authenticity to images, creating a textured, natural look reminiscent of real-world surfaces and textures. Animated videos with a grain effect stand out, portraying a company’s commitment to quality and creativity.

tips on using grain effectively in your animated videos:

• Subtlety is Key: While grain can add authenticity, it’s essential to use it subtly. Avoid overdoing it, as excessive grain may distract viewers from your message.
• Adjust Grain Intensity: Experiment with the intensity of the grain effect. Lighter grain may be suitable for a cleaner, more polished look, while heavier grain can create a vintage or rustic vibe.
• Consider Context: Think about the context of your video. Grain works well for conveying nostalgia or a handmade quality, but it may not be appropriate for all types of content.
• Use it Sparingly: Reserve the grain effect for specific shots or scenes where you want to draw attention or create a specific mood. Don’t apply it uniformly across the entire video.
• Blend with Other Effects: Combine grain with other visual effects like colour grading, vignettes, or overlays to create a unique atmosphere that suits your video’s theme.
• Match the Grain to the Content: Ensure that the type of grain you use complements the content. Different types of grain (e.g., fine, coarse) can convey varying textures and moods.
• Test on Different Devices: Check how the grain effect appears on various screens and devices to ensure it maintains its intended impact and doesn’t become too distracting or lost.
• Experiment with Opacity: Adjust the opacity of the grain layer to control its visibility. This allows you to find the right balance between adding texture and maintaining clarity.
• Consider the Storytelling: Think about how the grain effect contributes to the storytelling. Does it enhance the narrative or evoke specific emotions you want to convey?
• Stay Consistent: If you decide to use grain, maintain consistency throughout your video to create a cohesive visual style. Sudden changes in texture can be jarring.
• Keep it Time-Appropriate: Be mindful of the era or setting your video portrays. Grain can be especially effective when trying to evoke a particular historical period or aesthetic.
• Test and Gather Feedback: Show your video to a test audience and gather feedback on the use of grain. This can help you refine its application and ensure it resonates with your target audience.

Remember that grain is a creative tool, and its effectiveness depends on how well it aligns with your video’s overall message and style. Adjust and refine your use of grain to achieve the desired impact while maintaining visual coherence.

 

 

Conclusion

2023 marks a year of new beginnings and breakthroughs across various sectors and industries. Animation and motion graphics design trends have evolved in response to changing societal perceptions and aesthetics, reflecting the world around us. We’ve explored the top ten motion graphics design trends for 2023, and we hope they inspire you to incorporate innovative design into your videos and animations, elevating your company’s success and popularity with top-notch motion graphics design trends. What’s your favourite motion graphics trend for 2023?