Motion Graphics Theory
Master the art of bringing designs to life through animation, timing, and visual storytelling
Course Overview
Motion graphics is the art of bringing static designs to life through animation. This comprehensive theory course teaches you the fundamental principles that professional motion designers use to create captivating animations.
Before diving into software like After Effects, understanding the core principles of animation is essential. This course covers the 12 principles of animation, timing, easing, storytelling, and visual flow — concepts that apply to any motion graphics software.
What You'll Achieve
By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in motion graphics theory, enabling you to create professional-quality animations and communicate effectively with motion design teams.
Prerequisites
This course requires graphic design knowledge. You should be familiar with design principles, composition, and typography. If you're new to design, start with our Graphic Design Fundamentals courses first.
View Foundation Courses →Software Compatible
The principles learned apply to all major motion graphics software
After Effects
Industry standard
Premiere Pro
Video editing
Cinema 4D
3D motion
Photoshop
Frame-by-frame
What You'll Learn
12 Principles of Animation
Squash & stretch, anticipation, staging, and more — the foundation of all motion
Timing & Spacing
Master the art of perfect timing to create natural and engaging animations
Easing & Interpolation
Understand easing curves and how they affect the feel of your animations
Visual Storytelling
Learn how to communicate ideas and emotions through motion
Composition for Motion
Design layouts that work beautifully in motion
Typography in Motion
Animate text effectively for titles, credits, and kinetic typography
Transitions & Flow
Create seamless transitions between scenes and elements
Storyboarding
Plan your animations effectively before production
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Foundations of Motion
2.5 hours- Introduction to motion graphics
- History and evolution of animation
- The 12 principles of animation overview
- Exercise: Analyze professional motion graphics
- Quiz: Animation principles basics
Module 2: Timing & Spacing
2.5 hours- Understanding time in animation
- Frame rates and duration
- Spacing charts and motion paths
- Exercise: Create timing charts
- Quiz: Timing fundamentals
Module 3: Easing & Interpolation
2 hours- Linear vs. eased motion
- Ease-in, ease-out, and ease-in-out
- Custom easing curves
- Exercise: Design easing curves
- Quiz: Easing applications
Module 4: The 12 Principles Deep Dive
3 hours- Squash & stretch, Anticipation
- Staging, Straight ahead & pose-to-pose
- Follow-through & overlapping action
- Slow-in & slow-out, Arc
- Secondary action, Timing
- Exaggeration, Solid drawing, Appeal
- Project 1: Apply 3 principles to a simple animation
Module 5: Typography in Motion
2 hours- Kinetic typography principles
- Animating text elements
- Hierarchy and readability in motion
- Exercise: Create a kinetic typography concept
Module 6: Visual Storytelling
2 hours- Storyboarding for motion
- Creating narrative flow
- Emotional impact through motion
- Exercise: Storyboard a 30-second explainer
Module 7: Transitions & Effects
2 hours- Types of transitions
- Creating seamless scene changes
- Motion graphics effects
- Exercise: Design transition concepts
Module 8: Final Project
2 hours- Project 2: Complete motion graphics concept
- Peer review and feedback
- Course wrap-up and next steps
Sample Projects
Hands-on projects you'll complete in this course
Animation Principles Application
Apply three animation principles to create a simple moving shape animation
Complete Motion Concept
Create a complete motion graphics concept with storyboard, timing, and transitions
Meet Your Instructor
Michael Chen
Senior Motion Designer · 12+ years experience
Michael has created motion graphics for major brands including Nike, Apple, and Google. His work has been featured in design publications worldwide. He brings real-world expertise to every lesson, focusing on practical techniques that industry professionals use daily.
Career Opportunities
This course prepares you for roles such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need After Effects for this course?
No, this is a theory course that focuses on principles, not software. However, the concepts apply directly to After Effects and other motion graphics software.
What if I don't have graphic design knowledge?
This course requires basic design knowledge. We recommend taking our Graphic Design Fundamentals courses first if you're a complete beginner.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes! Upon completion, you'll receive a shareable certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume.
How long do I have access?
You get lifetime access to all course materials, including future updates and new content.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Absolutely! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the course.
Can I switch to the practical course later?
Yes! After completing this theory course, you can enroll in our After Effects Mastery course with a discount.
Ready to Master Motion Graphics Theory?
Join thousands of designers who've built a strong foundation in motion.