In one embodiment of the present invention, a motion effect generator enables the creation of tangible representations of the motion of three-dimensional (3D) animated models for 3D printing. In operation, the motion effect generator receives a 3D animated model and animates the model through a configurable interval of time. As the motion effect generator animates the model, the motion effect generator applies a motion depiction technique to one or more selected components included in the model—explicitly portraying the motion of the 3D animated model as static motion effect geometries. Subsequently, based on the motion effect geometries, the motion effect generator creates a 3D motion sculpture model that is amenable to 3D printing. By automating the design of motion sculpture models, the motion effect generator reduces the time, sculpting expertise, and familiarity with 3D printer fabrication constraints typically required to create motion sculpture models using conventional, primarily manual design techniques.