How to Create Motion Graphics

Jan 21, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 26, 2023

Ok so this is by no means the best motion graphic you will see, however, I created my first motion graphic today and wanted to share how you can create the same! Disclaimer, this did not take the 2 hours I'd thought it would, in fact, it took 6 hours! Following numerous videos on youtube and many help forums, I finally got there.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/cf6986_64cee2932b02402eab7fdf6123a53272/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

1/ Creating an Isometric Image

I created my project in Revit so this is where I started, although you can also use SketchUp or other 3D software.

Revit/ To create an exploded isometric of your model you first need to move the elements of the building away from one another, in Revit we use the displacement command for this - the shift key is used to add elements - ctrl can be used to remove elements from the set. Use the arrows to move the position of the selected elements.

Sketchup/ Although I did not start off with a SketchUp model to create this graphic I have created exploded isometrics of previous projects. I've found the easiest way to do this in Sketchup is by grouping elements together, the move command can then be used to alter the position.

Make sure there is some white space in between each group you wish to move - it doesn't matter if these aren't in the position you want them to be in the final motion graphic at this stage, although might make it easier for you later on.

Export this as a DWG file and open this up in AutoCAD from where the file can be saved as a PSD file and opened in Adobe Illustrator.

2/ Illustrator

The 2D image can be edited in illustrator - you should be able to adjust and remove paths. Edit the image as much as you like in illustrator - I used the live paint bucket tool to colour elements of my design in varying shades of blues. I then downloaded some vector illustrations online and pasted these into my project - these were coloured images, I changed them to light pink by selecting the image and changing the fill colour. I also changed all of the stroke weights to 0.15.

Once you are happy with the graphic export it as PSD file and open this up in Photoshop.

Alternatively, if you are drawing over your design in Adobe Illustrator - save as separate layers and save as an Adobe Illustrator AI. file - skip to step 4 if you do this!

3/ Layering

Now we're in Photoshop we need to put each group that will be moving into separate layers. To do this use the Lasso tool (command L) and draw around the group, copy (ctrl + C), delete (ctrl + Z), deselect (ctrl + D) and paste (ctrl + V) this should have pasted this group into a new layer - if not create a new layer and paste directly into there instead, rename the layer to something relevant to helo you out later on.

Repeat this step for every group in separate layers.

4/Let's get this moving

Open up Adobe After Effects this is where we will create the motion effect. Click Create a composition and choose the size you wish to create - I chose 4000 X 4000.

Import your file - change the Import As drop down from footage to Composition - Retain Layer Sizes. Double-click on the file (in the top left workspace area) - this will open up each layer in the bottom left workspace

Drag each file from the top left workspace into the bottom left by dragging your cursor over all files to select and move them down. Each layer can now be edited - I changed the position by dragging the layer to its new position - create 3 position marks for where you want the layer to start, travel to and end. I then right-clicked on the dots and change them to ease to ease the marks should now be an hourglass shape.

You can preview the graphic in the top right of the workspace.

Change the alpha colour to create a background - if you don't do this (as I experienced) the background will be black. Unless you want a black background. Create a background colour by clicking layer, in the top bar - create a new layer - solid and choose a colour, I chose white as this looked best with my graphic and the portfolio I imported it into.