8 Best Books to Learn Motion Graphics Design [Must-Reads]

Motion graphics is a creative field that allows artists to express their creativity in a highly dynamic and engaging medium, making it an exciting and constantly evolving field for creative minds. The demand for visual storytelling and interactive design has advanced with the recent increase in the consumption of media, entertainment, art, and other creative industries. Businesses have started to communicate and offer their products/services in a value-adding, attention-grabbing, and eye-catching way through motion graphics techniques.

Are you looking for basic to advanced-level books that offer in-depth knowledge, structured learning, expert tips, and more? Refine your skills with this blog on “Best books to learn motion graphics design” which will help you navigate to the answers to your unanswered design questions. Set up your desk, grab these books, and get ready for your quest to master the art of motion graphics with these trusted companions.

Best Books to Learn Motion Graphics Design

We’ve curated a list of the best books to learn motion graphics design, covering everything from animation principles to software-specific guides, ensuring that you have the resources you need at your fingertips. As you progress, you can find the must-read books that serve as both – mentors and companions for motion designers with ardent passion. These books are not mere guides; they are treasure maps to excellence in motion graphics. Get started!

The Animator’s Survival Kit

As the name says, This book has everything you need to know to survive in a career as a successful Animator. This classic book is a must-read for anyone, especially beginners interested in animation and motion graphics. It covers the principles of animation, providing a solid foundation for creating dynamic and compelling motion graphics. Authored by the renowned animator Richard Williams, this book stands as a timeless reference guide, not just for motion graphics but also for visual storytelling.

This book offers step-by-step instructions and explanations of various animation techniques, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of experience. This book is not limited to theoretical concepts. It is packed with practical exercises and live examples, allowing readers to apply what they learn and see the immediate result of their work. The Expanded Edition is now available to buy. It speaks of video games and motion design, while also expanding on traditional animation and stop motion.

Motion Graphics: Principles and Practices from the Ground Up

This is one of the best books to learn motion graphics design. It covers a wide range of topics on motion graphics, providing readers with a profound understanding of motion graphics concepts. Written by Ian Crook and Peter Beare, this book is highly regarded in the field of Motion Graphics. It has abundant real-life examples, case studies, and exercises to help learners groom their practical skills.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of motion graphics. It offers you a solid foundation and practical guidance to help you create compelling visual experiences through motion graphics.

After Effects Apprentice

After Effects Apprentice is an excellent know-it-all guide for learning Adobe After Effects, one of the top industry-standard software from the Adobe suite for motion graphics and visual effects. It covers many tools, techniques, and features, making it suitable for beginners and more advanced users. Authored by well-respected figures in the motion graphics industry, this book serves as a guide to learning after-effects for both beginners and advancers.

This book is a detailed craft with stunning visual tutorials. It briefs the CS6 version of After Effects. It includes a multitude of screenshots, illustrations, and real-life examples to help readers grasp complex concepts and techniques like compositing, mattes, camera tracking, 3D elements, and more with ease. Throughout the book, the authors share invaluable tips and insights from their years of experience. This includes hacks, best practices, shortcuts, and advice on commonly faced challenges.

Motion Graphics in Branding

“Motion Graphics in Branding” is an essential resource, not only for designers but also for marketers and brand strategists looking to leverage the power of motion graphics to elevate the brand’s visual identity. This book discovers untouched bridging topics like how motion graphics can be harnessed to elevate a brand’s visual identity and engage its audience from a new perspective.

Throughout its chapters, it speaks about powerful topics the need for motion graphics in today’s branding landscape, principles of motion graphics while conveying a brand message, the craft of brand storytelling, practicalities of integrating motion graphics into branding, implementing Motion Graphics Across channels, studying their impact, and more.

Design For Motion: Fundamentals And Techniques of Motion Design

This one is a perfect book for motion design and it is regarded as one of the best books to learn Motion graphics design for beginners. This book emphasizes concepts such as understanding motion design, a solid foundation for motion design, animation techniques, storytelling, interactivity and user experience, branding and marketing, 3D and special effects, and future trends. This book equips readers with the skills and knowledge needed to create captivating, effective motion graphics in a wide range of contexts, from film and television to advertising and digital media.

The book provides an extensive exploration of motion design, covering everything from its historical context and fundamental design principles to advanced design techniques and future trends. The essence of this book lies in effective storytelling. It motivates readers to develop such storytelling skills and create emotionally resonant narratives. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned designer, this is one of the best books to learn motion graphics design available for a broad audience. It serves as an excellent companion for those starting in motion design.

Universal Principles of Design

Universal Principles of Design is a comprehensive and easily understandable collection of 125 fundamental design principles that apply across various design areas such as Motion design, graphic design, industrial design, web design, architecture, and more. This book emphasizes that design principles aren’t confined to one field but are suitable for almost any design field. Hence, it is also regarded as one of the best books to learn motion graphics design for readers with some prior design experience.

Each principle from the collection is given in a two-page format with clear explanations and illustrated examples, which cater to both newbies and seasoned designers. The book provides a solid foundation in traditional design principles while also encouraging innovative thinking. On the whole, this book helps overcome creative blocks and leads to more imaginative and effective design solutions.

The Freelance Manifesto: A Field Guide For The Modern Motion Designer

This is one of the best books to learn motion graphics design for designers aspiring to become Freelancer motion designers. It speaks about the specific challenges and opportunities that come with being a freelance professional in this field. This book has real-world advice, actionable insights, tips, hacks, and strategies that might be useful for freelancers.

“The Freelance Manifesto” covers the creative and technical aspects of motion graphic design. It also highlights the business, marketing, and client management sides of freelancing as a motion graphic designer. It helps freelancers not just in improving their motion design skills but also in building a sustainable freelance career by describing the industry-specific challenges, such as how to price your services, navigate contracts, handle revisions, and find clients in the motion design field.

This book is filled with positive impact as it encourages freelancers to take control of their careers, negotiate better terms, and seek fulfillment in their work. It gives a roadmap for freelancers to navigate and find their rewarding gigs in the motion graphics field.

The Illusion of Life

“The Illusion of Life” is a timeless classic published in 1981. Although it was published years before, the insights in the book remain relevant and influential in contemporary animation, even today. This book stands the test of time as a historical artifact in the world of animation. Written by two of Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men,” Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, it offers unparalleled insights into the animation principles and techniques that helped shape Disney’s iconic animation style.

This book tops the list of the best books to learn motion graphics design. It helps readers gain a solid foundation on the principles of animation, and fundamental concepts of animation, such as squash and stretch, anticipation, timing, and exaggeration.

This book is filled with the author’s insights into the animation process and the Disney studio culture which captivates animation enthusiasts. This book has more illustrations and visual examples that make the concepts more consumable for readers. This book is highly regarded and referenced as a go-to source for animation knowledge by educators and professionals in the Motion graphics industry.

Wrapping Up

The world of Motion Graphics Design is ever-evolving and it is full of opportunities for the right talent. Staying at the top of this creative competition requires passion, skill, knowledge, constant updation, and consistency. The books discussed in this blog might serve as trustworthy companions on your journey toward mastering motion graphics and landing in a successful career.

We are sure that these books are your gateways to the world of motion graphics, offering the must-know insights, principles, techniques, tips, and inspiration that will help you become a successful and ingenious motion graphics designer. However, the best books to learn motion graphics design for you will completely depend on your specific interests, needs, and experience level. Choose the right books and start your creative journey today!

If you wish to take your learning to the next level and learn motion graphics from experts, explore GUVI’s Adobe Certified VFX Career Program with AI Integration.

FAQs

1. What is the highest salary for motion graphics in India?

The salary of Motion Graphics professionals in India ranges between ₹ 2.5 Lakhs to ₹ 8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 4.5 Lakhs.

2. Is motion graphics part of VFX?

Motion graphics and visual effects (VFX) are inter-related studies. However, they are distinct aspects of the broader field of visual media production.

3. How long does it take to learn Motion Graphics?

The time taken to learn motion graphics depends upon the prior experience, dedication, effort, and choice of the learning platform. However, it takes 3-6 months to build a solid foundation with the basics of motion graphics. GUVI offers the Motion Graphics Zen course which is a 5 months-long weekend course with globally recognized certification and placement assistance.

4. What is the software commonly used in the field of motion graphics?

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects & Adobe Premier Pro are some of the most popularly used software applications in the creation of motion graphics. These top technologies are covered in our Zen class-certified motion graphics course.

5. Is it hard to learn motion design?

With no prior experience, the initial learning stages could be a little hard but continuous learning of core concepts in design via resources like books, online courses, and more could be a huge plus for anyone struggling in this phase. A practical approach to concepts and consistent practice are the stepping stones to success in motion design.