10 After Effects Motion Graphic Design Trends for 2026

Summary

This video showcases 10 powerful After Effects techniques to elevate your motion design projects. From creating expressive flickering graphics with looping animations, to building 3D motion effects with depth of field and camera manipulation, it covers a variety of skills for dynamic and cinematic visuals. The tutorial also includes tips on creating animated callouts, integrating 2D images with 3D shadows, and utilizing shape arrays for captivating designs. Additionally, techniques like seamless scroll text, fake 3D designs, and gradient-based cinematic effects will help you add flair and polish to your motion graphics work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Create flickering expressive graphics by animating opacity with keyframes and using a loop out expression for infinite repetition.
• 😀 Add static 3D motion to your designs by turning layers 3D, adding a camera, and using wiggle expressions for dynamic rotation.
• 😀 Enhance text graphics with callout arrays using trim paths, opacity animations, and null objects for coordinated motion.
• 😀 Integrate realistic 3D shadows by turning images into 3D layers, placing them above a 3D rectangle, and using point lights with cast shadows.
• 😀 Make connected graphics come alive by animating strokes with trim paths and creating continuous motion with loop out offset expressions.
• 😀 Create shape arrays by duplicating 3D shapes, rotating them, and parenting them to a null object for flexible and dynamic animations.
• 😀 Simulate 3D effects by duplicating shapes, repositioning them, and connecting them with trim paths for a pseudo-3D design.
• 😀 Build 3D infographics by arranging shapes in 3D space, animating their positions, and using null objects for perspective control.
• 😀 Design seamless scroll text animations by using range selectors, keyframe opacity, and adding a rectangle shape to hide parts of the text.
• 😀 Add cinematic glow effects by applying linear gradients, CC Radial Blur, and glow effects with wiggle expressions to create flickering lighting.

Q & A

What is the first motion design technique introduced in the video?

The first technique introduced is creating flickering expressive graphics. This is done by animating the opacity of a shape's fill and using the loop out expression to repeat the animation indefinitely.

How can you make 3D motion designs using After Effects?

To create a static 3D effect, you make the layers 3D, create a camera layer, and use a 3D null object. The objects are then placed in the Z-space, and by adding a wiggle expression to their rotation, they move in the scene. Additionally, enabling depth of field and adjusting the focus and aperture gives the scene a cinematic feel.

What is the purpose of the 'wiggle' expression in the 3D motion technique?

The 'wiggle' expression is used to randomly move the rotation values of 3D layers, giving the scene dynamic and unpredictable movement while maintaining the overall structure.

How can you create a callout graphic in After Effects?

To create a callout, you use the pen tool to draw a straight line with stroke only, then animate the line using trim paths. You can also animate the opacity of the text, rotate the lines, and offset the titles for a dynamic animation. Parenting everything to a null object allows for easy rotation and animation control.

How do you integrate 2D images into a scene to make them appear 3D?

You can make a 2D image a 3D layer and create a 3D rectangle under the image to cast shadows. By adjusting the light settings and enabling 'cast shadows,' the image appears as if it has depth, giving it a 3D look.

What is the purpose of using a pattern with a shape layer repeater in the fake 3D design technique?

The pattern created with the shape layer repeater adds depth and visual complexity to the scene. The pattern can be matted to the back of the box, making it appear as though the design is more 3D, even though it’s actually a 2D graphic.

How can you create outline 3D objects in After Effects?

To create outline 3D objects, start with a simple rectangle shape with a stroke. Make the shape 3D, then duplicate and rotate it to form right angles, completing the box structure. Position the top shape and animate the Y-size to create the illusion of 3D movement.

What is the technique to create seamless scrolling text in After Effects?

The technique involves animating the Y-position of the text, using the range selector to animate from 0% to 100%. Duplicating the text and animating it allows the titles to scroll seamlessly, while using a rectangle to hide parts of the text ensures a smooth scrolling effect.

How do you add a cinematic glow to a design using gradients in After Effects?

To create a cinematic glow, apply a linear gradient to a shape layer, then add CC Radial Fast Blur with a center point set outside the shape. Adding noise and glow effects and animating them with the wiggle expression creates a flickering, glowing effect that adds punch to the design.

What is the final tip provided in the video for creating a glowing gradient effect?

The final tip involves using the glow effect with high radius and threshold values, duplicating the glow effect to increase the radius, and using the wiggle expression to animate the glow, creating a dynamic and cinematic glow effect in your design.