Motion Graphics and Compositing _Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphic Sensibilities

25.09.2024 - 31.10.2024 

Ruthlene Chua Zhen Si 0365222 

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media_Project 1_Project 1a & 1b

• Instruction
• Lectures
• Practical 
• Task 
• Project 2
• Project 3
• Finals 
• Feedbacks
• Reflections

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INSTRUCTION

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LECTURES

Week 2_02/10/2024

 

Pdf file 1.0: Lecture notes for week 2

Week 3_09/10/2024

 

Pdf file 1.1: Lecture notes for week 3

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Practical 

Week 1_Practical (E-portfolio, Pinterest Board and 3 favorite Motion Graphics works) 

Pdf file 1.2: 3 favorite motion graphics 

Week 2_The Show 

That week, Mr. Fauzi announced a show called The Show that everyone was encouraged to attend. When I went there to join and participate in the event, I was shocked and amazed by the performances, especially the fashion show. It was fabulous and stylish—everything was on point. 

Figure 1.3: Stage opening of "The show"

Figure 1.4: Some of the fashion design

I captured some shots during the event and truly admired the work done by the seniors. Their attention to detail was impressive, and everything looked amazing. I hope to reach their level of skill in the future.

Figure 1.5: Senior works

Figure 1.6: Senior works

Figure 1.7: Senior works

Figure 1.8: Senior works

Figure 1.9: Senior works

Figure 2.0 : Senior works

Figure 2.1 : Senior works

Week 6_Create composition and animate it in after effects 

Create an template by using the limit elements that have given, recreate the animation, and design our own based on Form and Design principles, then submit an 8-second and 16-second animation as YouTube links by Week 06.

To start, I created a composition in Adobe Photoshop and then imported it into After Effects.

Figure 2.2 : Composition imported to the after effect

After I imported in the composition, I started to put some effects and make some changes on the scales, position and rotation. 

Figure 2.3 : Composition scale 

After finishing the editing, I added movement and motion to the text. The message I wanted to convey was that, due to technological advancements, people can now view the world through television. To represent this idea, I placed a television on a person’s head. The text I added was "Travel with Ease."

Figure 2.4 : Words are added to the composition 

Mr. Fauzi taught us how to use the camera and create special compositions to make the project more appealing. I applied the camera to the composition, and overall, the camera effect was not difficult to implement. However, I plan to practice further to master it in the future.

Figure 2.5 : Camera to make 3D 

Apply thr camera effect to make an inspiring view from any angle and distance was awesome and fun. 

Figure 2.6: Camera adjustment 

Last but not least, here's the outcome for the composition: 

https://youtube.com/shorts/M3x-4N25vRA?feature=share

Figure 2.7: Outcome for the composition 

Project 1_Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

For this project, the objective was to create a simple composition using the principles of form and design. Eight principles were provided: Movement, Hierarchy, Balance, Direction, Symmetry, Focus, Scale, and Rhythm. The first part required duplicating animations of the principles, while creating personal iterations for Symmetry, Focus, Scale, and Rhythm. The second part involved remixing all principles into a cohesive 16-second motion graphic.

• Study and Observations
• Before starting, I analyzed the provided animations to understand their structure and implementation in Adobe After Effects. Notes were taken on key techniques such as scaling, rotation, masking, and opacity manipulation.

• Recreated Principles
• Movement
• Two squares scaled and elongated into rectangles.
• Rectangles stretched outward and retracted, forming new squares.
• Involved keyframe manipulation of scale and position.

• Hierarchy
• Three rectangles scaled and repositioned in a zig-zag pattern.
• Focus on directionality and transitioning shapes.

• Balance
• A rectangle balanced on another rotated back and forth.
• Used rotation and anchor point adjustments.

• Direction
• Triangles arranged in a grid pattern with sliding masks for disappearance.
• Achieved with masking and position adjustments.

• Remix Highlights
• Balance and Focus
• Started with the balance principle, using focus to direct attention to the center.

• Hierarchy
• Transitioned elements using hierarchy principles, reducing opacity for layered effects.

• Symmetry and Rhythm
• Symmetry appeared alongside rhythm, with scaled variations for visual interest.
• Focus principles filled empty spaces for a balanced composition.

• Movement and Direction
• Movement and direction principles intertwined to create dynamic transitions.

As I started creating all the compositions, I completely forgot to document the process because i was too focusing on creating them , so I don't have much to showcase. In the future, I will be more careful and make sure to record everything in detail.

As I started creating all the compositions, I completely forgot to document the process, so I don't have much to showcase. In the future, I will be more careful and make sure to record everything in detail.

Figure 2.8: Composition of Balance 

Some of the compositions I created required special adjustments to the speed. Therefore, I first applied the Easy Ease effect and then began adjusting the speed curves.

Figure 2.9: Composition adjustment on speed 

After I finished the composition, I export them out of the after effects. 

Figure 3.0: Done with the composition 

Figure 3.1: Final outcome for project 1a

For the next project in 1B, we were instructed to create a composition that combines all the individual compositions, leaving us with plenty of room for creative exploration. As i done with the composition, I applied some background music and join the rhythm of the composition. 

Figure 3.1: Final outcome for project 1b

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FEEDBACKS

General feedbacks: The remix effectively incorporated all principles, showcasing technical and creative proficiency. Suggestions included exploring more advanced transitions and layering techniques in future projects.

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REFLECTION

Experience

The whole semester was filled with new experiences and challenges, especially with motion graphics.The moment that amazed me was at "The Show" where I watched those incredible works the seniors did. I was thoroughly impressed with the fashion show and how it all pieced together; such attention to detail. It truly inspired me and wanted me to, further my skills in hopes I can get that far in creating compositions.

Later on in the weeks, I have been working on creating compositions in After Effects. It was a whole new experience, and applying principles like form, symmetry, and rhythm in motion graphics opened my eyes to how design could tell a story. But one of the coolest parts in the whole project was using that camera effect to give my work some 3D feel-just the change of perspectives within this animation was super fun and gave the visuals a whole new layer.

Observation

The process really made me realize how the balance between creativity and technical skill has to be considered. The assignments required me not just to think about how my work was to look, but how to convey the right message through design. For instance, the principle of hierarchy taught me how to guide the viewer's attention through the animation, whereas balance and rhythm helped me to keep everything cohesive. Sometimes, this was difficult; however, getting the timing perfect, in a lot of ways, made it incredibly rewarding to see.

The feedback I received really encouraged me to experiment more with advanced transitions and layering, which I'm definitely excited to try in the future. "The Show" also left a lasting impression on me; seeing the senior students' work reminded me of how much detail goes into creating something that looks polished. It gave me a new appreciation for the effort and dedication needed in design, no matter the field.

Findings

Looking back, I realized how much I have learned, especially in the integration of creativity with technical skills. Understanding and applying design principles such as symmetry, balance, and rhythm made a huge difference in the quality of my work. But one thing I learned the hard way was the importance of documenting the process. I was so caught up in making my compositions that I forgot to record the key moments on the way; next time, everything will be recorded.

Undoubtedly, working in Adobe After Effects opened my eyes to new things. One thing I had never used was the camera tool, which I'm looking forward to continuing experimenting with. Again, this semester was a great opportunity to test myself and expand my skills, so on to building on everything gained and applying it to future projects.