Typography for Motion Graphic Design

Kinetic Typography

Past Student example

The purpose of typography is the conveyance of the written word. This ancient art continues to survive every major technological shift in human history. Today, the written word isn’t shackled by the page but brought to life through motion graphics.

Motion graphic designers will need to animate text on the screen. The printed page shaped the rules of typography, most of which translates to motion graphics. However, some rules don’t apply as the introduction motion produces new typographic challenges.

  • Legibility:

    • Typeface
    • font size
    • color
    • placement 
    • Motion Graphics:
      • movement
      • timing
      • Special effects

  • Typeface

    • Font - Times Roman italic 12 pts
    • Typeface - Times Roman
    • Serif commonly used in large blocks of text, such as paragraphs and the page layout of books.
      • serifs help define the shape of the word and help lead the readers’ eye.
      • Motion Graphics:
        • best when used as large titles
        • Muddy and hard to read at small sizes
    • Sans serif is cleaner
      • clean lines and well defined angles  provide contrast and make it easy for the viewer to identify the letter form.
    • Save the overtly stylized typefaces for situations in which they are needed.

  • Font Size

    • points
    • pixels
    • The size that matters is what shows on screen.
    • Weight
      • Thin weights don't show well on small screens...show discretion
      • Thick weights can make up for size

  • Timing

    • Visual information is revealed to the audience over a specified and controlled duration. The viewer becomes passive and the pace is determined by the motion graphic designer
    •  Take into consideration audience and the message to convey. If the motion graphic requires the audience to read the text on screen, such as a title in a lower third, the designer will want the graphic to exist on screen long enough for the audience to read and understand it.
    • There are times when a motion designer can use typography to influence or support a specific feeling in a sequence. An example would be a single word that violates the frame of the screen while composited into a montage. In this situation, the word on screen may stand out as too influential if it’s viewable for an extended period of time. The motion designer will want to flash the word, so it’s meaning is conveyed but not dominant in the scene.

Download type pairings to consider

Great examples of kinetic typography

FROM PAPER TO SCREEN from Thibault de Fournas on Vimeo.