What is the difference between whiteboard animation and motion graphics? While it happens infrequently, individuals or small businesses who are looking to make corporate videos sometimes confuse the two. It’s understandable, so do not worry if you are just learning the lingo.
To clarify, both art forms present moving images, and both are used in explainer videos regularly. Both are solid options for your corporate video or explainer video. And each style of video can present information clearly, but in reality, there are some very distinct differences between the two. Let’s get into further detail, shall we?
MOTION GRAPHICS
Motion Graphics are considered a type of multimedia powered by technology.
Believe it or not, Some theorists believe that motion graphics date all the way back to the Renaissance! Well, kind of. Instead of being powered by a computer, these historians believe moving pictures were set to the tune of a composer’s music.
Given that the imagery on stage was “moving” (likely, thanks to an actor), this primitive form of motion graphics could indeed be considered a “multimedia” project (using various art forms).
Before the popularization of the computer in the late 1980’s, big-budget films utilized motion graphics in hit Hollywood films during the mid-century of America. Sure enough, that creative process evolved from film to television to computers.
Today, modern graphics incorporates computerized text, numbers, charts, graphs, art and more. Through a process called “keyframing” each of the visual elements is tied together (frame by frame) through computer programming in order to be set into motion.
Motion graphics had very limited use in the early days, modern advertising using motion graphics at record numbers. A lot of motion graphic content can be generated in a short period of time. This type of art form is great for presenting statistics with a sleek look.
Click here to see a portfolio of samples.
At Rip Media Group, we often use Motion Graphics in corporate or industrial videos, but our production company also produces whiteboard animation.
So how do they differentiate? Let’s get into it!
WHITEBOARD ANIMATIONS
Motion graphics capitalize on computer skills, but whiteboard animations are first hand-drawn by a talented artist. Do not be deceived– while whiteboard animation might appear like caricature art, the production process vastly different. An artist who draws a cartoon strip focuses on an image that will go to print. They work at their own pace, in their own space, and their audience is left to look at a sheet of paper with a nice image. But in whiteboard animation, the audience watches an artist draw a series of scenes, and sometimes adding animation brings them to life with motion. It’s a captivating process because you’ll see lines, shapes, colors, characters and words appear and disappear in preparation for the next image to be drawn. In marketing and advertising, whiteboard animation must be higher quality value than a cartoon.
Whiteboard animation videos engage viewers in ways other types of media do not because the imagery is constantly being drawn or being added, growing a visual story. Psychological studies show that viewers actually try to anticipate the completion of an artist’s drawing and wait to see if their assumption is correct.
According to some sources, high quality whiteboard animation is one of the most effective forms of videos you can create for customers and potential customers. While creating an animated film used to cost big bucks, whiteboard animation videos can actually be made on smaller budgets thanks to other technological advances. This type of art form is closely cartoons because they are more closely related to cartoons than any other type of art form.
Click here to see some Whiteboard Animation Samples
THINKING ABOUT DIY? THINK AGAIN.
While your personal whiteboard animation setup might help spice up your personal vlog about gardening or handcrafts, it’s important to work with experienced professionals in your business marketing.
If your company is looking to make a whiteboard animation, corporate or industrial video, don’t sacrifice quality and go without having experienced storytellers, artists and producers on your side. Don’t stain your company’s image with amateur videos. Read my blog “Update: Cheap Whiteboard Animation is Dead. Long Live Story!” for more on quality vs budget.
You might say “Well Maury, I can just outsource the job to freelance contractors who can create compelling whiteboard animations… right?” Well, you could… but that wouldn’t necessarily be the best choice for your business.
Ask yourself:
Would I outsource my core competency to a freelancer, or send the work overseas? The very thing that makes you special, different, appealing and keeps customers happy? No, right?
So, why would you describe your core competencies in the cheapest possible manner and insult the years of hard work you put in?
Yikes.
So what’s the best thing to do?
WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION COMPANY
You need a company with years of experience creating animated videos that can represent your brand in the best way possible – with a powerful message that grabs the attention of your target customers.
This is where Rip Media Group comes in. Our expertise can help advise you on the style you need for the project you wish you make. We have expert storytellers who are not only ready to create the right message for your company but come up with a creative way to tell that story. We have trusted relationships with wonderful artists who use color match the color palette of your brand. We get things done on time and in-budget.
Why add another project to your business’ plate that is high risk and high visibility?
Let us focus on your latest marketing campaign and you can focus on running your business.
It’s a wiser investment to work with professionals you know will give your company a quality product instead of trying the DIY method (which may end in loss of profit, the risk of image, and frustration). Save your headache!
If you would like help producing your video, our production team would love to work with you. Just reach out to us at www.ripmediagroup.com. We love producing motion graphic animation, live action video, whiteboard animation/speed drawing animation, and helping people like you reach your goals. Or start with a creative brief at https://ripmediagroup.com/creative-brief.
Remember, your story starts here!
