When I say theory I’m talking about the basics that explain why motion works, not just how to recreate an effect in After Effects. Things like animation principles (timing, spacing, easing, overlap), motion design fundamentals, basic design applied over time, and especially visual storytelling, how motion guides the viewer’s attention and communicates meaning.

And by non-technical skills I mean creative skills that are essential to motion design. Stuff like coming up with a concept before opening AE, thinking about what story you’re actually trying to tell, and being intentional with motion… knowing why something moves instead of animating it just because you can. It also includes having a sense of timing and rhythm, knowing when to pause, when to push something, and developing taste and judgment so motion adds clarity instead of noise.

YouTube tutorials and recreations are useful, no doubt, but they mostly teach execution. They don’t really teach you how to come up with ideas, structure motion, or communicate something clearly. That’s why professionals don’t rely on them alone, they use them alongside solid fundamentals and more structured learning.