Creating motion graphics is often the synergy of many
different applications and skill sets. In addition to a
good sense of design, an artist involved in modern motion
graphics needs to have knowledge of four major areas:
bitmap graphics, vector graphics, 3D graphics and
compositing software.
Bitmap graphics, also referred to as pixel-based graphics,
is probably the most common form and the most familiar to
the laymen. In bitmap graphics, the images are composed of
different colored dots (known as pixels) that together form
an image. Bitmap images are typically photographs or real
world images. Resolution of the image is dependent on how
many pixels comprise the image. The more pixels in an
image, the higher the resolution. As a result, the file
size increases. Although there are several applications on
the market that one can use to create and treat bitmap
images, by far the most popular is Photoshop. Knowledge of
Photoshop is integral to modern motion graphics.
The other form of graphics is vector, also known as
resolution independent graphics. Vector graphics are lines,
curves and shapes that the computer interprets through
mathematical equations. Vector-based images are usually
illustrations, logo designs or other comparatively
simplistic compositions with potential complexities.
Whereas bitmap graphics are composed of pixels and can
become distorted if scaled too large, vector graphics have
unlimited resolution. Because the information used to
compose the graphics is all mathematics, the image can be
the size of a building without losing resolution. Several
vector graphics packages exist, the most common being Adobe
Illustrator.
With the leaps in computing power in recent years, 3d
graphics have become a more accessible and practical tool
for motion graphics artists. The world of 3D graphics is
immense and comprises many different disciplines from
architectural rendering to major motion picture special
effects; however, these applications can be used to solve
design problems that only they can solve. Both bitmap and
vector graphics are inherently flat, but a motion graphics
artist can use a 3D software package to take these flat
graphics into the third dimension. Many 3D programs, such
as Maya, Lightwave or 3D Studio Max, are up to the task,
Maxon's Cinema 4D's use of layers and hierarchies will be
familiar to users of Adobe's programs. This program is
simply more intuitive than its bigger and more complex
rivals, making it a superior package for the motion
graphics artist.
Last and probably most importantly is compositing. This is
where all your flat graphics will come to life! Compositing
software creates motion through the use of key frames and
the program interpolates the in-betweens. A skilled motion
graphics artist will use bitmap, vector and 3D graphics
together to create attractive and effective animations. The
most common consumer level compositing program is Adobe
After Effects. In addition to their familiarity with the
Adobe software, After Effects users also benefit from the
ease of integration it offers with the bitmap and vector
graphics of Photoshop and Illustrator, respectively.
A good motion graphics artist tries to accomplish one
central idea: communicating effectively while retaining the
viewer's attention. Today's audiences have a shorter
attention span than ever, as well as a more refined and
ever more savvy recognition of a good graphics treatment. A
video that presents itself with lackluster or uninspired
visual treatments is doomed to appear "behind the times"
and lose credibility as a result. Knowledge of the four
facets of motion graphics is indispensable and serves as
the cornerstone of effective modern two-dimensional
animation.
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Metro Productions is a full-service video and multimedia
production company headquartered in Virginia. Metro
Productions provides clients with the ability to realize
the benefits of high-end visual media products for the
purpose of sales, marketing, recruitment and training.
Delivery mediums for these productions include DVD,
streaming media and broadcast quality High Definition
applications.
http://www.metro-productions.com
