Motion design can be described as a source of huge inspiration and deep admiration. We bet many of you are already wondering how the world of graphic design will change in the upcoming year. So, why not to analyze motion graphic trends for 2020? We’ve previously published similar reviews for 2018 and 2019. Most of the predictions came true, and the articles themselves got a due portion of readers’ consideration and positive feedback.

Taking into account previous experience and growing interest in the topic, we studied the essence of changing styles at the dawn of the new decade and are ready to share the results.

What trends are expected to boom the next year? We’ve made a thorough research and spotted trends in motion design that will steal your attention and imagination the year ahead.

Lines are a powerful tool in motion design. Even a single thin line can add any animation a clear and elegant style. Whether you need to add a handicraft feeling or businesslike look to the company explainer video infographics, the usage of a thin line will cope with the task. Just look at the examples below.

Project: VIA  Authors: Squarefish Studio, Andres Hertsens, Chloë Chapel, Bruno Chaix

Lines indeed are one of the most underestimated design elements. What a pity, considering their power and potential of setting up the right tone of the message conveyed through the image.

Project: Briza Authors: Vladimir Marchukov, Radik Z, Daruma Audio

Despite their simplicity, lines in graphic design often fulfill numerous tasks. They are used to show the direction, define shapes, separate elements, and much more. We can already observe the growing popularity of line graphic design, and the demand will continue to increase. Integrated and animated to present various effects, a humble line opens an endless space for your creativity and imagination. Why not use it in your next project?

The isometric technique is used to depict three-dimensional elements in two dimensions, giving more perspective on an object. As a result, we get attractive isometric graphics that can serve for showcasing almost any product, service or various business processes. The combination of simplicity with the ideal use of objects and colors make this technique quite popular.

Project: 10012  Authors: Igor Kozak, Rocketboy Studio

The isometric design has been on the list of top trends for many years. It has gone through many transformations. Now, we’re expecting to see something more than a simple three-dimensional illustration. Let’s face it, 2020 is going to be full of motion. Isometric graphic design is also becoming more real than ever transforming in isometric animation.

Who knows, maybe it will look like an actual 3D motion graphics able to play with the audience at the end of the next year. In any case, it’s a new angle of creativity and an excellent way of visually presenting your values.

Project: Digital Ocean | Brand Animation Authors: Vidico // Agency, Mike Piechota, Motion Design School, Anastasiya Steshkina, Ihor Karas, Vladimir Liubarskiy, Maksim Marakhovskyi, Max Kravchenko, 

A variety of media combined in a single artwork could always produce an eye-catching effect. When you need to sell a product or tell a story, mixed media will help you succeed, opening a space for experiments with graphic design and composition. The blend of photo stills, 2D and 3D animation, existing footage, and computer-generated imagery was high in demand the passing year. Because of the ability of VFX motion graphics to give viewers a breathtaking visual experience, taking them to another dimension and amplifying the message with stunning visual effects, there is no way we could forget this trend in 2020.

2D and 3D composition in graphic design is not brand-new. We’ve seen a lot of it in commercial and digital ads. A visually appealing video at an affordable cost cannot be easily excluded from a marketing strategy as well as the popularity of hybrid motion graphics.

It’s hard to imagine any motion graphics without 3D. It was everywhere in 2019. And know what? It will continue to roll on. Being a robust communication tool with the power to produce an impressive impact on your potential customers, it will show us new awesome 3D graphic design compositions.

Digital surrealism is the result of numerous tryings to show three-dimensional life on flat screens. Surreal digital art demonstrates us a virtual world filled with clean-cut visuals and materials that seem to be familiar and fictitious at the same time. Such overlap extends the limits, makes well-known objects behave in unexpected ways, and creates captivating imaginary.

Project: ART / TESTS / TIPS  Authors: Mikhail Sedov, Blink Audio

This is a relatively new trend in motion graphics that won’t fade away. Liquids magically transforming into solids, bubbles that never pop or gravity-defying objects. Ger ready to see more stunning examples of digital and hyper surrealism in digital artwork in 2020. 

Project: ILC - Lotto Ball Draw  Authors: Guillaume Combeaud, SHED Inc

Project: Crystal Light - La Aldea  Authors: Lucas Casagrande

05. Sound design​​​​​​​

Branded earcons, surround and spatial 3D audio along with audio for VR videos have appeared over the last years and will gain more and more popularity in the year to come. As a rule, movies with the best sound design win audience recognition and take additional rewards. Following the same principle, it’s better to keep up with sound design trends able to amplify your motion graphics in 2020.

06. Cross-platform animation​​​​​​​

If you want the audience to notice and remember your brand or application, vector logo animation is what will stick in the minds of viewers. Being one of the hottest trends of this year, expect to see more tricks performed by hiding, rotating and transforming logos in 2020. 

Besides, vector icons and illustrations animation for web and mobile apps are also a powerful tool for communicating ideas and creating fascinating user experiences. No one is longer interested in static assets. To draw attention and stay competitive, make sure you have included this motion graphic trend in your marketing strategy.