Alright, let’s break this down without getting too fancy. The difference between lowercase motion design and uppercase Motion Design isn’t just about grammar—it’s about perception, purpose, and identity. Think of it like the gap between ‘I build houses‘ and ‘I’m an architect‘. One is a task; the other, a profession.
Joan Brossa, Poema visual I, 1988
At Motionographer, we’ve always championed terminology that uplifts and empowers our community. (Let’s be honest—motion graphics feels about as current as silent films. A term from another era, if you ask us. No offense, Charlie Chaplin!)
As our field evolves, we’re doubling down on Motion Design (capital ‘M’ and ‘D’ intentional) over lowercase motion design. They might seem interchangeable, but they’re worlds apart. Here’s to the future—long live Motion Design.
LOWERCASE: THE ‘JUST GET IT DONE’ VIBE
When someone says motion design (lowercase), they’re usually talking about the nuts and bolts of making things move.
It’s the how:
– Animating a logo to spin.
– Slapping kinetic text on a TikTok video.
– Figuring out why your keyframe easing looks janky in After Effects.
This is the ‘blue-collar version’ of the craft—practical, fast, and deadline-driven. Think freelancers grinding on Fiverr, YouTube tutorials titled ’10 Lottie Animation Hacks,’ or that person who animated your cousin’s Twitch stream intro.
It’s about solving problems, not necessarily making art.
UPPERCASE: THE ‘BIG FEELINGS’ VERSION
Motion Design (capitalized) is the ‘museum-ready,’ overthinker’s take.
It’s the why:
– Analyzing how the ‘Severance‘ title sequence conveys existential detachment.
– Debating whether generative AI animation challenges creative authorship.
– Designing interactive experiences that redefine digital storytelling.
This is where theory, history, and vision come in. Practitioners here might reference Saul Bass’s 1960s film titles or argue about whether AI animation counts as art. Institutions like design schools or awards (think The Motion Awards™) back this up.
It’s less ‘I need this done by Friday‘ and more ‘How does this shape modern visual culture?’
EVERYDAY EXAMPLES
Lowercase motion design: That Instagram ad where a cartoon blender purees a phone into a smoothie. Fun, functional, and forgettable.
Uppercase Motion Design: The opening credits of ‘Catch Me If You Can‘—playful, nostalgic, and so iconic they’re studied in film school.
WHY DOES CAPITALIZATION MATTER?
Capitalization signals cultural recognition. Writing Motion Design is like saying ‘I’m an architect‘ instead of ‘I make pancakes‘. It implies belonging to a field with history, standards, and debate. Lowercase folks? They’re busy exporting .mp4 files.
TL;DR
motion design = the task.
Motion Design = the identity.
One solves immediate needs; the other builds legacy and questions its global impact. You can do both, but know which hat you’re wearing.