Information Design - Project 2: Motion Graphics

11 Jan 2023 - 09 Feb 2023 (Week 1 - Week 5)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Information Design // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's University 
Project 2: Motion Graphics
Section 1

LIST <span id="LIST"></span>
Task 


Instructions 

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KSO7Q_Ch79rG6eMwo0f7J8uP7_M1f5M4/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1548bbOWkDBD3nzWVixC3aQg_3dKr6meP/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>



Exercise 3: Kinetic Typography

Video 1 - "Kill Bill" by SZA

During Week 1 Practical, Mr. Martin has requested each group to select a song to create a lyrics video using Adobe After Effects. The selected song are "Kill Bill" by SZA. 

Figure 1.1 - MIRO Mood Board, Week 1 (12 Jan 2023)

After the selection of song, we were asked to have group discussion for the art direction and combine the references/ mood board in MIRO.

Figure 1.2 - Lyrics Distribution, Week 1 (12 Jan 2023)    

In Fig 1.2, we compliance to the schedule, discuss and decide on the art direction (font, graphic, composition, colour, animation etc). We were asked to split the workload among group members and show 1st draft during the next class.

Design Process
Figure 1.3 - Progression 1_Timeline Panel, Week 2 (21 Jan 2023)

In this attempt, we did not have a specific art direction in mind due to our lack of experience and ideas. Members were encouraged to explore and try different approaches to find what suited the song best. Here is the progress of my first attempt:
  • Used Roboto Regular font only
  • Typed out the lyrics and created a separate composition for each line
  • Adjusted the lyrics to match the timing and rhythm of the song
Figure 1.4 - Attempt 1_Pre-Chorus, Week 2 (21 Jan 2023)


Figure 1.5 - Progression 2_Timeline Panel, Week 3 (27 Jan 2023)

To improve the art direction of the project, I made the following changes:
  1. Changed the font to BlowBrush Regular and Blade
  2. Create and rename lyrics layers
  3. Link the lyrics layers to Null Object layer
  4. Add keyframes to Null Object layer
  5. Animation: Position only
  6. Apply 3D Layer and Easy Ease 
  7. Repeat step 4 to step 6 til the end
Figure 1.6 - Attempt 2_Pre-Chorus, Week 3 (27 Jan 2023)

Final Output

Figure 1.7 - Final of Exercise 3: Kinetic Typography, Week 4 (02 Feb 2022)



Exercise 4: Motion Graphics Chart

A chart is a graphical representation for data visualisation. Below are the types of chart that we have learned in the class. 

Figure 1.8 - Types of Chart, Week 3 (26 Jan 2023)

After that, we are require to animate a chart and represent data according to the task assigned. A tutorial video and practical slides was provided by Mr. Martin to guide us on how utilising the features in Adobe After Effects to create an animated chart. 

Design Process
Figure 1.9 - Week 3 task - Pie Chart, Week 3 (26 Jan 2023)

During the class, I was assigned to animate the data and the chart assigned to me is B: Pie Chart.

*click the image to study on the timeline

Figure 1.10 - Progression 1_Timeline Panel, Week 3 (26 Jan 2023)

Figure 1.11 - Attempt 1 - Pie Chart, Week 3 (26 Jan 2023)


Figure 1.12 - Progression 2_Timeline Panel 1, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

In this attempt, I opted to remove the table of data and instead manually typed out each data point so that I could have greater control over each layer of text. I applied various effects, including adjusting the anchor point and scale. To speed up the animation process, I also created 9 Null Object layers for each group of data.

Figure 1.13 - Progression 2_Timeline Panel 2, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Additionally, I delayed the presentation of the chart and data as people read from left to right. Therefore, if the chart appears before the table of data, it may not improve the overall readability and comprehension.

Final Output

Figure 1.14 - Final of Exercise 4: Motion Graphics Pie Chart, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)



Exercise 5: Vector Animation

After receiving tutoring on basic and advanced animation transform properties from Mr. Martin, students was assigned a different vector image file, with group B being assigned a flat image of Chinese New Year celebration. 

Figure 1.15 - Week 4 task - CNY Celebration, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Task 
1. Animation: Position, Scale, Rotation (Bounce Effect)
2. Layer: Apply Motion Blur
3. Keyframe: Apply Easy Ease
4. Choose one only: Wiggle or Puppet Position Pin Tool

Design Process
*click on the images to see my process. 

Figure 1.16 - Separating Layers, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

After downloading, the vectors were grouped together, so I ungrouped them and organised them in distinct layers. After separation, there are 13 layers altogether.

Figure 1.17 - Import of AI. file, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

The animating process for the imported file was smooth since I had previously renamed the layers in Adobe Illustrator. This gave me full control over each layer during the animation process.

Figure 1.18 - Effects_Timeline Panel, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)         

In this task, I applied various animation techniques such as motion blur, easy ease and Null Object. I also used the puppet tool to control the human's arm. In total, there were 16 layers used in the animation.

Final Output

Figure 1.19 - Final of Exercise 5: Vector Animation, Week 4 (02 Feb 2023)

Animation:
  • Intro Animation (includes Scale and Bounce Effect)
Position:
  • Angpao
  • Rabbit
  • Human
Rotation:
  • Knots
  • Umbrella (Fan)
Opacity:
  • Token
  • Diamond (Star)
  • Heart 
Additional tool:
  • Puppet position pin tool (for use on the Human)

Feedback 

Week 4 
Exercise 3
Advise to have or not having any motion blur but prior to planning and the font size is varied from one another, thus was asked to reduce all the bigger font into 10x smaller than the current one. 

Exercise 4
the animation is good but table of data is better to come out row by row and no need to follow the format in the lecture slides.  


Week 5 
Exercise 3
Nice!

Exercise 4
Advised to extend the duration from 0.05s to 0.08s. 

Exercise 5
Good, Ok!


Reflection

During the 8-week learning journey, I had fun and the workload was manageable. The lecturers were helpful and provided guidance to complete each task. I learned a lot about visualising data using coins, which is a cool way to show information. Organising information in posters using LATCH theory is easy to understand. I also learned how to make cooking easier by using pictures and animations to explain complicated steps and ingredients. I found out that moving pictures and words (motion graphics and kinetic typography) can help to explain things in a fun way. Illustrating and animating based on a script and audio about burnout was tough, but working with my team was enjoyable. Overall, I gained many new techniques and knowledge on how to use After Effects. I'm glad I had this opportunity to learn, and I'm excited to use what I've learned in future projects.


Popular posts from this blog

Typography - Task 1: Exercise 1 & 2