Motion graphics is a creative discipline that combines graphic design, video, photography, illustration, animation, music and sound effects.

History

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Since there is no universally accepted definition of motion graphics, the official beginning of the art form is heavily disputed. There have been presentations that could be classified as motion graphics as early as the 1800's. Other sources, such as the 2003 Macworld Conference and Expo Web site, claim that it started in the 1990's.

Saul Bass

Among those in the motion graphics profession, most agree that Saul Bass is the most significant pioneer in animated graphic design, and that his work marks the true beginning of what is now commonly referred to as motion graphics. His work included title sequences for popular films such as The Man With The Golden Arm (1955), Vertigo (1958), Anatomy of a Murder (1959), North by Northwest (1959), and Psycho (1960). His designs were simple, but effectively communicated the mood of the film.

Computer Generated Motion Graphics

Before computers were widely available, motion graphics were costly and time consuming, limiting their use to only high budget film and tv projects. With the reduced cost of producing motion graphics on a computer, the discipline has seen more widespread use. With the availability of desktop programs such as Adobe After Effects, Discreet Combustion, and Apple Motion, motion graphics has become increasingly accessible.

Notable Studios

Belief, Blur, Brand New School, Digital Kitchen, Freestyle Collective, Imaginary Forces, Johnny Hardstaff Studio, Lobo, Logan, Motion Theory, Nexus Productions, Pleix, Psyop, Stardust, Studio AKA, Umeric, Universal Everything,

Design