Motion Graphics and Compositing // Task 1
07.09.23 - 30.09.23 (Week 2 - Week 5)
Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Motion Graphics and Compositing // Task 1
Lectures
Week 2:
Our lecture notes for this week consisted of doing a recap of what's motion graphics and what they can be used for.
Figure 1.0 Lecture notes, 7th September 2023
Week 3:
Compositing Toolkit
This week we focused on the basis of creating a composition. We also did a recap on how to use Aftereffects.
Figure 1.1 Lecture notes, 14th September 2023
Week 4:
We got some tutorials video to watch based on kinetic typography.
Instructions
Week 2:
We had a lot of catching up to do since we missed the first day of class because it was a holiday. So, here is the exercise that we have been required to complete from week one.
Week 1: Practical
Essentially, all we had to do was select our top three best motion graphics animations and explain why we liked them. So there wasn't anything to sweat about.
Link to the Google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16NXE_oSJA1ego5c05V1nVT_QAhl38J0w8bZm00eKj04/edit
Week 3:
Week 2 Practical: Deconstructing digital images and the rendering process
Since we had to catch up for the class that we missed, it also meant that we would have to do double the amount of work. D: What made it more acceptable for my procrastinating soul was that the elements we had to work with were the same ones we used previously for another course. So, obviously, you'd think I'd copy and paste the same compositions, but honestly, I wasn't satisfied with what I did in my first semester, which means that I'll start everything from scratch again.
I did some research on Pinterest at first to get some inspiration and found some visual references as well.
Link to my visual references for the collages: https://pin.it/2pgCXzJ
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Figure 1.3 Visual reference, 11th September 2023 |
Compositions
I downloaded all the elements needed then started to improvise some compositions on Photoshop.
For my initial composition, I decided to center it around a typewriter, transforming it into a pot from which leaves would appear to grow. To add more narrative into the scene, I included two person who seemed to be admiring the flourishing plants. To introduce a sense of movement, I incorporated paper planes circling the plant. For the backdrop, I experimented with various effects in Photoshop using the image of a building. Additionally, I introduced the color red, as I believed it would create a striking contrast with the green elements.
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The second composition also follows an abstract style. I incorporated some of the elements from my first composition, including the typewriter and plants, but I introduced additional elements like a car, a shark, and a mountain. I arranged them to give the impression that the shark was chasing the car. In this composition, I continued to experiment with various Photoshop effects and included graphical elements to enhance the overall design, driven by my artistic intuition.
Feedbacks
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| Figure 1.6 Composition 2.0, 13th September 2023 |
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| Figure 1.7 Composition 2.1, 13th September 2023 |
For my final trial, I decided to create a scene where a man is depicted looking at artwork while also experimenting with additional elements around him. I must admit that I was running low on inspiration for this one, so I went with the flow and included elements that came to mind. However, I'm not entirely satisfied with the result.
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| Figure 1.8 Composition 3.0, 13th September 2023 |
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Animated Poster
After doing the compositions, I chose one of them and then animated it into After Effects.
I used this Lofi music as background music - https://youtu.be/CFMaPZnBJz0
Link of YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CFCXDKrHtAQ
Figure 2.0 Animated Poster, 14th September 2023
Week 4:
Project 1 // Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities
We have been assigned a short animation project using a provided template from our lecturer, and this project is divided into two parts.
Part 1:
For the first part, our objective is to create four motion graphics that effectively demonstrate key design principles. Then, we are required to animate the eight provided templates, crafting an engaging 8-second animation.
Process
I animated new motion graphics for the bottom row of the template given to us. Afterwards, I exported the video as required and proceeded with part 2.
Final Project 1 Part 1 // Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities
Link of YouTube video: https://youtu.be/I18PzHdpOqc
Link of Google Drive video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fQc7XTnaoNiLLp3jmGHR7whQ-oz6-56G/view?usp=sharing
Figure 2.1 Final Project 1 Part 1, 28th September 2023
Part 2:
Afterward, we'll use the provided shapes to create another 16-second animation, enhanced with carefully selected music.
I included music in my video; otherwise, I felt it would have appeared somewhat plain in my view. Moreover, I believe that adding music served as a source of inspiration and helped me generate more ideas for integrating the motion graphics seamlessly.
Final Project 1 Part 2 // Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities
Link of YouTube video: https://youtu.be/4-yFPt2hhPo
Link of Google Drive video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fhYZe0uhJkFJobuJ20lpG1_vkLCwO7Ti/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fhYZe0uhJkFJobuJ20lpG1_vkLCwO7Ti/view?usp=sharing
Link of music used: https://youtu.be/MrTJ8BSIuqk
Figure 2.2 Final Project 1 Part 2, 30th September 2023
Feedbacks
Week 3:
- Composition 1: Likes the contrast of colours
- Composition 2: Likes the different effect that I've used.
For the animation I can play with the scale effects.
Week 4:
- The animations are okay and I can proceed with part 2 now.
Week 6:
- Good job. Likes the composition for focus and rhythm. It gives off a kinetic type of visual.
Reflections
Week 2 :
Well, this class went more smoothly than expected. To be honest, I'm not a total newbie to motion graphics since we did similar stuff in previous semesters. So, hey, at least I have some decent knowledge, and I'm not here looking like a lost child. I'm quite excited to work on the new tasks that await me, so I'll try to take this class with a positive mindset and do my best.
Week 3:
Creating the compositions was a rather enjoyable task. I had fun experimenting with various elements and exploring the different visual effects available in Photoshop. Animating them also proved to be a smooth process, as I had prior experience with After Effects from previous projects.
Week 4 - 5:
Task 1 was a bit challenging because I found it difficult to be entirely original without having some resemblance to existing work. My main struggle occurred when using the provided template, which had a transparent background. When I attempted to use shapes to cover up other shapes, the transparent background caused issues. To address this, I decided to hide the transparent background and use a solid color instead.
Additionally, animating the 16-second motion graphics proved to be challenging. I aimed to select a background music with a pleasant beat that inspired me. Sometimes, I would experience a lack of inspiration, but I pushed through and managed to create something that was neither overly complex nor too simplistic.
This exercise served as a refresher on how to use After Effects. It was an enjoyable experience and wasn't overly stressful.
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