Kinetic typography is a great way to engage people in a design or idea. I’ve spent too much time accidentally watching ads on YouTube just from getting sucked in by the hypnotising text flowing across the screen. It’s definitely a skill I want to eventually master because it can instantly grab and hold attention and I feel that the younger generations especially today engage more when it comes to videos (just look at the popularity of TikTok).
I think skills in video editing and motion design will also help with promoting my work. Many designers and illustrators today gain a lot from showing videos of their processes or passing on tips through videos on their social media. I love to read but even I would prefer to watch a video over reading pages of text when it comes to learning new skills.
Here are some of my favourite examples of kinetic typography:
THE LIGHT IN THE DARK
“Animated and directed by Eli Guillou, this animated typographic piece aims to encourage anyone who feels that they're lost in the darkness, and to help them find the light in the dark and to move forward.”
I love the simplicity of this video. The lines integrated with the text help to keep the viewers focus and the audio matches perfectly with the animation, creating something that’s difficult to resist watching. I think this style would be perfect for a video on mindfulness meditations.
COCONUT WOMAN
“This lively animation by Motion Surfing uses coconut-shaped type timed with the rhythm of the song to convey personality and energy."
I loved watching this one. The vibrant colours and energetic movements made it fun and exciting to watch. The way the type and shapes matched to the beats of the music was very clever.
BY YOUR SIDE
“Created by Paulo Manso, a graphic and motion designer from Brazil, this lyric video for Jacob Sartorius' By Your Side has a lively hand-drawn look to it, with a vivid palette and energetic visual flourishes that are sure to catch the eye.”
I’ve seen a few of these illustrative splash animations now and I love them. I think they make the video feel very relaxed and easy to watch and take in. I’ll have a better chance of remembering lyrics with videos like this.
CHILDLINE FIRST STEP
“Ad agency YCN Studio collaborated with LA-based production company Buck on this powerful animation, which encourages children to talk about and report sexual abuse."
"The video promotes the services of UK-based, confidential, free, 24-hour counselling service for children, Childline. Following a conversation between child and advisor, the four-minute animation uses kinetic typography and abstract art to get its message across. It's by no means an easy issue, and we think YCN Studio and Buck have done a sterling job at covering it in a powerful yet sensitive way."
I found this video very powerful. The mood created at different points of the video was very well designed. At the start it’s clear from the movements that the child is really struggling to get their words out and there’s a sense of fear and despair. By the end of the video the designers have subtly turned the mood into one of hope and everything seems brighter and more settled.
If you’re interested in seeing more examples the link below has these and more.
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