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Motion Design Brief Template

Use this template
Motion Design Brief Template, within the Milanote app

Organize your next motion design project

A carefully written design brief is the foundation for a successful motion graphics project. Its job is to provide structure, guidance and direction to your work.

When gathering information from a client, you should start by documenting the most important objectives. You can also add information around key output specifications, technical specifications, style references, and anything else that might be useful to the project.

This template is part of our guide on How to plan a motion design project.

  • Set the vision & strategy
  • Organize requirements
  • Share with your team & clients
  • Gather feedback
  • Export to PDF

How to use this template

Whether you’re a motion designer, creative director or a client, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of writing a inspiring brief in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Start with an empty template

The Motion Design Brief template is filled with questions, thought starters and image placeholders to help you write your brief in minutes.

Motion design brief template step01
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Create a new board for your brief.

    Create a new board

    Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

  2. Choose the Motion Design Brief template

    Choose your template 

    Each new board gives you the options to start with a beautiful template.

2. Define the purpose of the project

The first thing to define is why the project is happening. Spend time with your client, have them lead you through the vision in their own words, and ask questions like... What problem is this project trying to solve? What lead up to it? What will change if this project is successful?

Motion design brief template step02
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Add a note to describe the purpose.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left-hand toolbar.

2. Outline the key messages

What do you want your motion graphics to communicate? Is there a specific message or concept you have in mind? What do you want the viewer to feel when they see it? Use emotive words to communicate the brand style and tone of voice you want to express within the project.

Motion design brief template step03
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Add a note to outline the key messages.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

3. List the deliverables

What are the specific outputs you require? Is it a TV spot, an animation for a game, or a video for Youtube? Try and provide as much detail as possible. The technical constraints will help inform the design and production process, costs, and timeframe for the project.

Motion design brief template step04
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Add a note to describe the deliverables.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

4. Describe the target audience

This is where you describe a specific type of audience and detail what’s important to them. What do they care about? What inspires them? Include any relevant research or stats you have. All this helps the designer choose a mood or animation style that speaks to your audience.

Motion design brief template step05
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Add a note to describe your audience.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

5. Include references and inspiration

Often, the best way to communicate a style or direction is with visual examples. They can help your client and team visualize the direction before a single frame is designed. Look for GIFs or video clips that communicate the look and feel you're going for. These could come from a previous campaign or inspiration you've found on the web.

Motion design brief step06
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Browse the built-in image library.

    Use the built-in image library

    Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.

  2. Install the Milanote Web Clipper

  3. Save images from other websites straight to your board.

    Save content from the web

    Roll over an image (or highlight text), click Save, then choose the destination in Milanote. Return to your board and find the content in the "Unsorted" column on the right.

6. Share the brief with your team

Once you’ve made any final tweaks, it’s time to share the completed brief with your team, organize a kickoff meeting, and get started.

Motion design brief step07
How to do this in Milanote

  1. Publish and share the brief with your team.

    Add a welcome message to your board.

    Write a welcome message under the "Publish & share" menu. This will display the first time someone views your board.

And you're done!

Now that your brief is complete, you have a clear and inspiring starting point for your next motion graphics project. Remember to revisit your brief at each stage to ensure you're still on track.

Start your Design Brief

Set the direction for your next motion graphics project.

Start your Design Brief

Milanote is where creative professionals organize their most important work.

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“The evernote for creatives”
— Bryan Clark, The Next Web

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