Free Resources to Learn Motion Design and Motion Graphics

Motion design has become one of the most in-demand creative skills in the digital age. From dynamic social media content to polished explainer videos and sleek UI animations, motion graphics are everywhere.

But learning motion design doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your current skills, there are plenty of free, high-quality resources available online.

Let’s check some of the best free platforms, tutorials, and tools to help you begin or grow your journey in motion graphics without spending a cent.

Why Learn Motion Design?

Before diving into the resources, it's worth asking: why is motion design such a valuable skill today?

• It enhances visual storytelling and improves engagement
• It's used across industries: marketing, UX/UI, gaming, education, and more
• It opens doors to freelance work, remote jobs, and creative agencies
• It pairs well with other skills like graphic design, video editing, and animation

Now let’s explore how and where to learn it for free.

Top Free Platforms to Learn Motion Design

Here is a comparison of some of the most trusted free learning platforms:

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Motion Design

YouTube remains one of the best places to learn motion graphics, with creators offering detailed and up-to-date tutorials. Here are some standout channels:

• Ben Marriott

Focus: After Effects, design principles, workflow breakdowns

Known for breaking down real-world client projects and sharing insights into freelancing.

• Motion Design School

Focus: Character animation, effects, storytelling

Features both quick tips and deep-dive tutorials.

• Mt. Mograph

Focus: Advanced After Effects techniques, motion styleframes

Great for those who already know the basics and want to level up.

• Dope Motions

Focus: Logo animation, text animation, transitions

Short, digestible videos ideal for daily practice.

• Evan Abrams

Focus: Fundamentals of After Effects

Teaches how to create from scratch with an emphasis on logic and design.

Free Motion Design Courses and Workshops

Here are a few structured resources that provide free courses or mini-workshops:

1. School of Motion – Path to MoGraph

A free 10-day email-based course that introduces the world of motion design, software choices, and career options.

2. Motion Design School – Free Crash Courses

Offers occasional free lessons on After Effects basics, character rigging, and more.

3. Envato Tuts+ – Motion Graphics Fundamentals

A collection of written and video tutorials covering animation principles and After Effects techniques.

4. Adobe After Effects Beginner Training

Adobe’s own platform includes free tutorials covering every feature in After Effects—ideal if you're just starting out.

Free Tools and Assets for Practice

Practicing is just as important as learning. These free tools and assets can help you build your skills:

• Mixkit – Free motion graphics templates and stock videos
• Motion Array (Free Library) – Offers free templates, presets, and overlays
• LottieFiles – Learn animation by editing lightweight JSON animations
• Google Fonts + Adobe Fonts – Pair good typography with motion design projects
• Unsplash + Pexels – Use free images and video clips in your practice work

Suggested Learning Path for Beginners

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you structure your motion design learning:

• Understand the Basics

Learn about keyframes, easing, timing, and spacing. Study design principles like contrast, alignment, and hierarchy.

• Pick Your Software

Most professionals use Adobe After Effects, but you can also explore Blender, DaVinci Resolve Fusion, or Canva Pro for lightweight animation.

• Follow Step-by-Step Tutorials

Use YouTube channels and Tuts+ to replicate small projects—logo animations, title sequences, or transitions.

• Practice Daily

Create simple animations regularly. Use prompts like “animate a bouncing ball” or “create a lower-third title.”

• Join Communities

Engage on Reddit, Discord, or forums like Motion Hatch to get feedback and discover new techniques.

• Build a Portfolio

Start with personal or fictional projects. Showcase progress and style variety.

Thanks to the wide availability of free tutorials, templates, and communities, anyone can start learning motion design without a formal degree or expensive software.

The key is consistency. Choose a few tools, follow a focused path, and stay curious. Whether you're building animations for fun, your portfolio, or future freelance work, these free resources can help you get there.