Motion Graphic Design Trends for Freelancers in 2018
The future of graphic design is motion. It is how everyone in the film, media and photography industry sees it. In fact, any other predictions that will not be in line with today’s technological trends are likely to fail miserably. And with things like Artificial Intelligence continuing to have a huge impact on designers’ jobs; there is an expected upsurge in demand for those who can do their job well, especially from custom help sites like writers department. It is to say; if you cannot keep up with changing styles in Motion Graphics or even keep up to date with the latest trends in this industry, you shouldn’t expect to do anything better using outdated Design concepts.

In this post, I explore motion graphics design trends in 2018 that every freelancer out there plying his or her trade in this area should know. But, before going into the details, let’s take a closer look at the basics.
What is Motion Graphics Design?
Motion graphics is the use of animated design elements to tell a story, admittedly, in a powerful and captivating way. In Television productions, designers use texts, images and among other features to complement a news story. In film houses like Disney Studios, Fox Century, and Dream Works and others, character movement is not limited to actors and actresses. Animated Logos, stock motion characters, moving texts and backgrounds are just but a few instances of how motion graphic designers play a big role towards packaging a movie that would break the glass ceiling in Box Office.
What counts in the Design Room?
There are many things that, when put together, contributes to a marvelous design package. A designer’s creativity is the key to everything that involves animating characters and idea conceptualization. Other necessities like the best motion graphic design software programs in 2018, acquisition of adequate professional training in this field, an in-depth understanding of design concepts and keeping abreast with the latest trends in the industry contribute to a marvelous output.
Last year, a number of trends graced the blogosphere, internet, graphic design communities and social media channels. While some have been carried forward to the present year (2018), it is noteworthy that there have been lots of tweaks here and there in using color overlays, animation tools, essay website, software upgrade, including a few shifts in the principles of design to suit an ever-changing level of human creativity.
Top Motion Graphic Design Trends for 2018 Freelancers
If you are a freelance designer, being marketable depends on how one keeps pace with the ever-changing trends in the industry. It is not just because clients who will see your services range from celebrities, media houses to film marker, but also because their taste and preferences keep changing. The use of 2D animated characters is fast fading, and while 3D has remained popular in the last decade, four-dimensional design programs are taking over. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise, as you will find out shortly, that a combination of many approaches has been a popular trend even this year.
Now, let’s takes a look at top motion graphic design trends in 2018.
Virtual Reality
Computer gaming maniacs may have become used to VR, but the rising popularity of this strategy in creating unmatched experiences in the world of entertainment is set to go a notch higher, especially among graphic content creators. The concept of Virtual Reality is now possible in creating movies that many would argue, is changing the way reality vs. storyline play out.
A blend of 3D and 2D
While the 2D design may no longer be very popular in motion graphics, we cannot just rule out it out yet. One of the trends in productions this year, that professional designers looking for design work should take note of is how producers of digital ads and marketing content are blending 2D and 3D. In a nutshell, it is not just becoming a popular design concept but also a trend that is going to remain relevant in 2018 and beyond.
GIF overflow
GIFs are intuitive, and a great way of expressing how we feel without having to write everything down. If there has ever been a way through which we can express ourselves with great ease on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, then it is through the use of GIFs. Therefore, a freelancer looking forward to creating more design work should also look into how he or she can come up with creative GIFs.
Fluid transitions
Transitions in motion graphic as we often see in movies or ads thesis help focus our attention forward. However, new trends in this are mindboggling. Seamless change from one scene to another is creating a new visual appeal, and we cross fingers in anticipation of what is going to happen next.
More use of Kinetic Typography
Motion graphics also use words to capture our imagination. Animating texts bring a design work to life, and especially in ads. In a way, it helps broaden the dynamics of motion graphics in a way that watching a production reconciles perceptions and expectations. If you ever wanted to use a copy in reinforcing meaning, then more of kinetic typography in 2018 is the way.
Retro design effect
Sometimes sharp, flat and stiff images taken with a camera do not communicate all we desire. The little retro effect in motion graphics, therefore, becomes a means to create than is possible with a lens. Using grain or noise tool in design software programs, it becomes easy to bring out a feeling of nostalgia in graphical elements of an ad and interior décor.
Double explore
Motion graphic designers have always loved trying new design concepts. And while double exposure may have been around since time immemorial in filming, emerging trends in this are far cooler than what many would have anticipated. Overlapping images are not only dramatic but also freshly reinvented at the very start of productions like True Detective, an HBO series.
Thus, double exposure is a trend that freelance motion graphic designers should expect to feature more in movies, and it because it is an instantaneous way of realizing juxtaposition.
More 3D concepts
Until now, three-dimensional graphics remain a dynamic approach in design work. From marketing content, computer games, product shooting, ads to display media, 3D programs continue to expand the realms of design, and today, it impacts on digital media is above reproach.
VFX in ads
Another trend to look forward to in the remaining part of the year is the use of VFX effects in creating ads. It helps beautify visual elements of motion in graphics while also presenting to viewers, a detailed content. Mixing complex VFX and 3D is now helping designers create encapsulating digital content. You can expect to see marketing gurus and companies using this approach in creating ads this year, which means, it is a trend that is becoming popular with every passing day.
Logo animation
Animation refers to a body in motion and vice versa, and being that it is part of a designer’s approach to creating visual appeal; animated logos have become popular this year. Google has been changing its logo using this approach, and usually, in line with a significant event taking place in the world as was the case with the world cup. It is an approach that does not only capture attention but also give a designer more room to play with graphics tools.
UX AND UI design
The future of technology is AI but making it a reality, and something that everyone to which everyone will quickly get accustomed means user experience and user interface designers must up their game. After effects design programs help push this trend to new heights.
3D printing
3D printing of photorealistic photos may have been impossible over a decade ago, but not anymore. It is a design approach that is changing the way we create and use photos even this year.
In concluding, graphic design as a profession keeps getting interesting and this post should you help broaden your understanding of different approaches that are taking shape in motion graphics.
Summary
Graphic designers must keep abreast with emerging trends in motion graphics. This post explores the most impactful changes and improvements in software design concepts. It is also noteworthy that learning from industry leaders is not only going to turn you into a pro, but also keep you reliably informed.