Information Design : Motion Graphics Tasks

Week 1 - Week 3 : 3 Jan 2022 - 21 Jan 2022

Tan Yi Yun
0345559
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Motion Graphics Tasks (Mr. Martin)

LECTURE

Week 1

During the practical session, Mr. Martin gave us an overview of motion graphics. 

Motion Graphics

- refers to graphics in movement. 

Example of motion graphics

4 Steps to make motion graphics

Step 1 : Write a script that tells a story
Step 2 : Storyboard while you brainstorm the visual treatment
Step 3 : Take your storyboards into design
Step 4 : Animate the final designs

Storyboard for motion graphics

Sequence of sketches provide visual reference for key scenes.

Figure 1.1, Storyboard for motion graphics, Week 1 (5/1/2022)

Week 2

Animation v.s. Motion graphics

Animation is images that create illusion of movement. There are 4 types of animation :
- 2D animation
- 3D animation
- Stop motion animation
- Motion graphics
Motion graphics are not driven by characters or storylines. This art form focuses on the ability to move graphic elements, shapes and text. This process is commonly used for things like television promotions, explainer videos, and animated logos. Advertisements rely heavily on motion graphics and present plenty of career opportunities.

Kinetic Typography
An animation technique that uses moving text to capture attention, set a tone and entertain. 
Example of kinetic typography (Word by word)
Tutorial of animated paragraphs/excerpts (with final composition)

Example of mixing both styles

INSTRUCTIONS

Week 1


Individual 

Motion graphic is something that I pay least attention to, so I guess this task has given me a chance to explore some good motion graphics that could inspire me. 

#1

Motion Graphic (Pattern) from Hanseol on Vimeo.

The first motion graphic that caught my attention is these black and white patterns appearing and disappearing from screen. Simple movement can create great visual impact when it is sync to the beats. It triggers my curiosity to try out this kind of motion graphic. 

#2

How Breadnbeyond Can Help You with an Awesome Explainer Video

This is a promoting video of Breadnbeyond, which is basically a video production company which helps client to create dynamic, enticing, impressive animated explainer video of a product or business. I like how they transition from scene to scene in a creative manner. The character's gesture are smooth and eye-catching. Most importantly, they manage to convey clear messages by stating the problem that a client might face, and the solutions they provide to assist you. The video is short but it leaves great impression. 

#3

How to Make Kurzgesagt Video in 1200 Hours

The colourful thumbnail already caught my attention at first glance. I love the colours, the cute illustrations which aid in attracting people's interest. This video explains how the team produce the motion graphics : from script writing, illustration, voiceover, animating, to music & sound design. I immediately subscribe their YouTube channel, not only because I want to learn from the way they illustrate and animate the animals, but also to show an appreciation towards the hard work of the video production team. 


Group


We started to work on our final project this week by dividing tasks. The topic we chose is Chapter 1 : Your Body.

Illustrator : Christie, Wendy, Yi Xuan and I
Animator : Veyhan, Wiceline
Storyboard (draft) : Everyone

Mood board

Script


The three most challenging part that we found are :
1. Frame 1 : Boys will notice this when they get their first ejaculation, usually involuntarily while they're sleeping.... an experience called wet dreams.
2. Frame 13 : First, a man and a woman have vaginal sex.
3. Frame 13 : Finally, when the fertilized egg successfully attaches itself in the uterus, this is when pregnancy officially begins.

The style frames are added into our mood board in PDF format (as shown on above).  


Week 2


Individual 

For the individual task, we are required to practise text animation in After Effects. I followed the steps demonstrated by Mr. Martin to complete this exercise.

Version 1 (Simple), Week 2 (15/1/2022)

Version 2 (Advanced), Week 2 (15/1/2022)

Group

We are required to pick a song of our preference and split the lyrics for text animation. We decided to go with "I'm so tired" by Lauv & Troye Sivan. 

I'm So Tired by Lauv & Troye Sivan

Lyrics breakdown

Lyrics breakdown, Week 3 (20/1/2022)

I looked up for video tutorials on YouTube to achieve the effects I desire. It was fun working in After Effects. I learnt to use null object and 3D object. 

The parts I worked on, Week 3 (20/1/2022)

Final Video of Kinetic Typography

Final Kinetic Typography, Week 3 (21/1/2022)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VDGs1fIVQTe3wMmiHMm30ZeAYe7WJgm4/view?usp=sharing

Week 3


Individual 

I was assigned to make a line graph animation. Trim path is great in achieving a smooth animation without keyframing a mask.

Figure 2.1, Working in After Effects, Week 3 (22/1/2022)


Line Graph
Line Graph Animation, Week 3 (22/1/2022)

Line Graph Animation (Covid-19 cases), Week 3 (22/1/2022)

I also made extra two animations :

Pie Chart

Pie Chart Animation, Week 3 (22/1/2022)

Bar Chart

Bar Chart Animation, Week 3 (22/1/2022)

REFLECTION

General speaking, I learned a few techniques in animating with After Effects, however, I still not satisfied with the final outcome. If time permits, I would want to spend more time to familiarise myself with the tools in After Effects instead of following the instructions step-by-step provided by lecturer. The kinetic typography is interesting, however, it is not an easy task because we need to keep the style consistent since we are working as a group. Although motion graphics isn't my cup of tea, I have gained a little interest to work on the kinetic typography after completing this exercise.