Motion Graphics and Compositing // Task 4
21.11.23 - 11.12.23 (Week 13 - Week 15 )
Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Motion Graphics and Compositing // Task 4
Instructions
Week 13:
Task 4 // Abstract Motion
For this final task, we are to create a theme-based abstract motion graphic video that consists of a compelling audio-visual experience, whether in 3D, 2D, mix media, or any experimental visual output with a strong theme.
We are to use information from any proposed channel (*existing or fictional).
• Create a mood board that reflects our concept/idea.
• Develop a storyboard.
• Produce animatics.
• Explore appropriate audio to uplift the motion tempo.
The final submission would be a compilation slide of our progress and a final video of around 30-60 sec.
Ideation
Idea 1
I'm thinking of creating an animated video inspired by a Taylor Swift song because I'm a big fan. The idea is to combine kinetic typography and motion graphics in the project, as we're allowed to use both.
As for some references, I tried to find some animation which were made based on her songs so that I could get some inspiration as well. Here are some link to my references:
Idea 2
I'm considering making a motion graphic video mixed with personal footage from my experiences as an international student in Malaysia. The idea is to showcase different places I've explored, like various states. It's like a short cinematic vlog of my favorite places. However, the challenge would be that I lack professional footage and time to gather more diverse shots.
Here are some link to my references:
Idea 3
The last idea for this trilogy would be to select a few inspirational quotes that resonate with me and create a motion graphic that brings them to life. I would use animations and visuals to convey the meaning and significance of each quote.
Here are some link to my references:
Moodboard
After careful consideration, I followed my heart's decision and decided to proceed with my first idea. I find the topic interesting, so I thought that I'd be more willing to work on it and finish it on time. In my mood board below, I shared my ideas for the animation. It included the style and look I aimed for, as well as the type of animation I wanted to make.
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| Figure 1.1 Moodboard 2, 22nd November 2023 |
Storyboard (Before feedbacks)
After figuring out what I wanted to do, I started sketching the parts for my storyboard. I kept it brief and simple because time is short, and I prefer to focus my energy on the final video's aesthetics rather than the storyboard's look.
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| Figure 1.2 Storyboard, 22nd November 2023 |
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Storyboard (After feedbacks)
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| Figure 1.7 Storyboard, 22nd November 2023 |
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Animatic
Honestly, I just did a very rough draft of the overall video because I don't have enough time to make it look nice and pretty. I kept it short and direct :D
Link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/t2xc3MinxZo
| Figure 2.2 Animatic, 22nd November 2023 |
Week 14:
Illustrations
I've completed all the necessary illustrations and gathered the footage I intend to include in my video.
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| Figure 2.3 Illustrations designed in Illustrator, 26th November 2023 |
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Progress
Based on the feedback I received, I think my idea is on the right track. However, I've decided to change some of my illustrations by incorporating more abstract figures and incorporating real-life footage. I plan to edit the footage and integrate my kinetic typography work to design it into my own style
After completing the illustrations, I proceeded to construct the heart tunnel with guidance from a tutorial.
Tutorial for the heart loop tunnel.
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Afterwards, I animated my illustrations using the Puppet Tool.
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Following that, I employed another illustration for the torch light effect, incorporating a mask.
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In Verse 1, I incorporated a collage to break away from the typical video style while maintaining overall coherent.
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| Figure 2.9 Process , 26th November 2023 |
Next, I animated the hand movements to the lyrics.
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| Figure 3.0 Process , 26th November 2023 |
I did some more collage and played around to see what I could do.
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| Figure 3.0 Process , 26th November 2023 |
Week 15:
After the feedbacks session before we were to submit the video, I completely switch my style for the video and added more videos in the background that I usually would have. I created a new Storyboard and animated the whole thing
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Next, I layered certain videos on top of each other and applied color corrections to achieve the desired visual aesthetics.
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| Figure 3.2 Process , 10th December 2023 |
As per my new storyboard, I introduced a video mask to integrate with my illustration.
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I used another mask effect on both the video and text elements.
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| Figure 3.5 Process , 10th December 2023 |
For this part, I overlayed a lot of the layers. I also played around with the masking.
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| Figure 3.6 Process , 10th December 2023 |
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I encountered challenges while creating the heartbeat effect and defining the desired path. Positioning was initially problematic, but eventually, I resolved the issues.
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Here are the keyframes for it as well.
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In this part, I did the silhouette using Illustrator and then played around with the keyframes.
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| Figure 4.0 Process , 10th December 2023 |
In this section, I duplicated the words and applied an additional effect to prevent them from appearing monotonous.
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| Figure 4.1 Process , 10th December 2023 |
Lastly, I played around the motion path for this typography.
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| Figure 4.2 Process , 10th December 2023 |
Final Task 4 // Abstract Motion
Final Compilation Slides
Here is the slide where I gathered all the necessary elements as per the submission requirements.
Figure 4.3 Compilation Slides, 10th December 2023
Final Video
Here's the video that captures the essence of my sweat, tears, and blood D: (Honestly, the only thing that kept me going is the fact that I'm a Big Taylor Swift fan.)
Link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/OlKq6yoQRQ4
Figure 4.4 Final Abstract Motion, 11th December 2023
Feedbacks
Week 13:
- Check for Impactist work to get an idea of doing an abstract motion.
- Make use of existing videos and try to incorporate those.
Week 15:
- The video is too technical and clean. Add more human-touch (video, etc..)
- Do different shots of the videos such as zoom in and all.
Reflections
Week 13 - 15 :
This final project was challenging. It demanded a lot from me, especially since I also had to complete assignments for other projects simultaneously. Breaking out of my tendency to create something too clean, as suggested by my lecturer, proved to be a struggle. Pouring out creative ideas and producing something abstract was particularly difficult. Finding original concepts that not only reflected me but also the essence of the song was a challenge. In the end, I acquired new skills, especially in using the Puppet tool and other effects in After Effects. Despite the hardships, the learning experience was enjoyable. Another hurdle was achieving the right timing and emotional tone for each lyric, as my work tended to be either too dull or too overwhelming. Balancing these elements was crucial. Overall, it was a challenging journey, but I made it (at an unknown cost). Nonetheless, I'm glad I created something for this final project that I'm not too ashamed of.
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