With technology rapidly advancing, motion graphics trends continue to evolve each year. These trends seem to grow and develop off those from previous years, which is clear when looking at the motion graphics trends from 2021 and those anticipated throughout 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% growth in the motion graphics job market through 2030, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. This equates to around 7,800 job openings each year, showing how important it is for Motion Graphics Designers to stay on top of trends and stand out from other creative professionals in the field.
This article will cover some of the anticipated motion graphics trends for the year, so you can get a head start on mastering these areas. It’s important to note that even with new trends, practices from previous years are not immediately obsolete. With trends developing and building off of those from previous years, there is no need to abandon practices that complement your design style.
Liquid Motion
One trend expected to grow in 2022 is the use of liquid motion to add a dreamlike feel to animations. The smooth movements and blending elements used with this technique create a flowing movement that feels realistic. There are several different ways one can apply liquid motion, such as with liquid hover actions, liquid scroll effects, or a liquid background. This aesthetically appealing design technique works to engage the user and encourages them to interact with your content.
Kinetic Typography
Kinetic typography ensures that any animated moving text is visually appealing and easy to interpret. This moving text works to capture the attention of the audience, express ideas, and set a tone for the content. While this effect is not new, it is expected to dominate logos, advertisements, websites, and television shows throughout the year. There are several software programs that can create animated text, but Adobe After Effects remains one of the most popular for this technique.
Animated Ads and Logos
While popular designs for branding elements and advertisements evolve over time, animated content will be more prominent in 2022. Adding animation to ads and logos helps grab the user’s attention, build a memorable face for a brand, and even assist with improving SEO. It’s also easier to tell a story with animation versus a static image, which is helpful for building brand awareness.
Retro-Inspired Graphics
Motion Graphics Designers can expect to see an increase in retro-inspired graphics and elements throughout 2022. Experts anticipate a specific influence from the 90s, along with some trends from the 70s and 80s. Specifically, there will be nostalgic elements incorporated from these nostalgic eras, such as psychedelic colors, unique fonts, and the use of classic elements like the iconic smiley face from the early 1970s.
Gradients
Using gradient animation is an excellent way to capture a user’s attention and is one of the upcoming motion graphics trends for 2022. An Adobe Blog article explains how “gradients reflect our blurred reality, colors, and tones flowing seamlessly into one another while maintaining the ability to uplift and energize.” The use of color gradients in motion has grown in popularity due to the aesthetic appeal and ability to evoke emotion, as they “can be both dynamic and soothing, spirited yet calming, all at the same time.”
Minimalism
Though this trend was prominent in 2020 and 2021, the use of minimalism in animation and motion graphics is expected to remain throughout this year. Seamless and simplistic designs have dominated the design field for years and continue to be a favorite among consumers and Motion Graphics Designers. Animation that features a clean, straightforward design and text with thin lines will be popular in 2022.
Thin Lines
With minimalism returning this year as a strong trend in the design field, thin lines with text and the animation itself will shine this year. Lines are often used as a way to provide direction or create a shape within a design, which is why designers opted for bold and prominent lines in the past. The popularity of the minimalist style showed that thin lines actually draw attention to certain areas of a design and stand out from more classic approaches.
Morphing
Though this is not a new effect, morphing will take over motion graphics designs throughout the year. Essentially, morphing is when a designer morphs multiple animations together frame by frame to create a seamless final product. The quick and smooth transitions help to blend the elements together in a way that looks realistic and catches the audience’s attention.
Animated Characters
One of the most highly anticipated motion graphics trends for 2022 is the use of animated characters, both realistic and unrealistic. Fantasy characters are versatile and can be used in nearly any type of design, such as educational resources, commercials, and marketing content. Realistic characters will also shine through the year, and designers should focus on achieving realistic facial expressions. Adobe Character Animator is a great tool for animating realistic characters in real-time.
Blending 2D and 3D
Motion Graphics Designers can expect to see the blending of 2D and 3D elements grow in popularity throughout the year. Both 2D and 3D elements are used for designs in nearly every industry, as they are versatile and customizable. There are several ways designers can merge these styles, including simple overlays, overlays with match-moving, and hybrid 3D/2D images. While the specific style and blending process is dependent on the designer's style and project goals, this trend continues to evolve each year.
If you are looking for an easy way to stay up to date with motion graphics trends and software updates, consider signing up for live online motion graphics classes once or twice per year. These courses provide immersive training and can be taken from the comfort of your own home, which eliminates the need to commute or rearrange your schedule. If you want to see what options are available, try searching for motion graphics classes in your area to get started.