Motion Graphic & Compositing: Project 1

19 Sep 2022 - 3 Oct 2022 (Week 4 - Week 6)

Zetie Binti Bahaman / 0351297 / BDCM

Motion Graphics & Compositing

Project 1

---

INSTRUCTIONS

---

PROJECT 1

Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

This project is divided into two parts:-

Part 1 - Composition

Part 2 - Composition Remix

Part 1 - Composition

In Part 1, we are to add on to the existing animation based on the design principles. There are altogether 8 animations and half are completed by Mr Fauzi. We are to create basic animations for the rest of the design principles, which include:

• Symmetry
• Focus
• Scale
• Rhythm

Sketches/Ideation

Figure 1 Sketch ideas to animate

Going back to basics and refreshing my brain with the basic knowledge of design principles, I sketched out some ideas. However, some went through changes in the execution process. 

Precomps - Works In Progress

- Symmetry -

Figure 2 Base Shape Symmetry

The base shape is a combination of a square and 4 triangles, placed in the center of the composition. The overall animation is executed by duplicating the same layers and changing the blending modes.

Figure 3 Keyframes/Animation Used

For example, Layer 1 and 2 on top of each other.

Figure 4 Layers 1 and 2

Final layer (scaled up) on top of the other two layers with animation that separates the base shape.

Figure 5 Layers 1,2,3

- Focus -

Here I had the idea to show emphasis on a rolling ball, while all the other rectangles follow suit.

Figure 6 Focus Layout

The final composition is scaled up as it looks less cluttered as below.

Figure 7 Focus Precomp

Before the final composition, the rectangles are animated in a pre-comp of its own using location and rotation.


- Scale -

Figure 8 Scale layout

For scale. I wanted to loop a circle scaling up and then back to its original size. However, I realized it didn't work out as I wanted it. Hence, I came up with these multiple circles that are popping out after one another. also inspired by the hidden Mickey.

- Rhythm -

Figure 9 Rhythm layout

As seen in the sketches, the first idea that came to mind was for Rhythm. I got reminded of the slinky toy and wanted to portray it in 2D version through the circles.


- Part 1 Outcome -

Figure 10 Part 1 overall outcome

Throughout the process to animate the four pre-comps, I always referred to the main composition to see the overall look and feel so my work would feel cohesive with the ones that are provided by Mr. Fauzi.

Part 2 - Composition Remix

In Part 2, I am to use the pre-comps from Part 1 and merged them into one final composition remix.

Works In Progress

Figure 11,12 Intro and Outro

I didn't know how to start at first so after playing around with the sample given in the file, I decided to create the intro and outro with matching elements to ease the transition. Also looks as if it's looping.

Figure 13 Keyframes

I still used keyframes in executing this part of the project. Basic animation movements such as scale/position/rotation. At times, I didn't use the whole composition, and instead, I will cut them short and match it with other pre-comps.

Figure 14 Symmetry as transition

Challenges include adapting my design in the pre-comp into the remix. For example, my symmetry composition used up the whole space and it needs to be cleverly placed so it won't look awkward with other compositions. Hence, I scaled it up and used it as a transition.

Generally, throughout the remix execution I 'cut and paste' all design principles and try to match them to each other. In the photo below, I mixed Focus and Balance, and it looks as if the ball is getting hit.

Figure 15 Focus and Balance

This included Scale and Rhythm, and it displays the dot chasing after the small circles popping up, which reminded me of an online game 'Slither.io'.

Figure 16 Scale and Rhythm

I actually think the compilation is my favourite part of this project, as it feels like I'm creating a puzzle piece of different animations.

Background Music

There weren't any comments on my animation, hence sir only suggested to add music into it since its a longer video (16 secs) compared to Part 1.

I added the bgm into Premiere Pro and edited the audio. Using several audio effects such as hard limited, balance and panning. I also reduced the original audio to -10db. Finally, a fade out effect as the video comes to an end.


Final Project 1 (Part 1)

Link to Part 1


Final Project 1 (Part 2)

Link to Part 2

---

FEEDBACK

Week 5

General Feedback:
It can get tricky to ensure what we do in Part 1 will be able to re-use in Part 2. That is the challenge in this project for us to solve the problem. A tip is to be consistent in the design direction in terms of shapes, colors etc.

Specific Feedback:
Good progress, keep it up. I should include music in Part 2.

---

REFLECTIONS

This project was initially overwhelming to me because I didn't know how to start on that blank canvas (composition). Also, the pressure to produce work that is on par with the sample given by Mr Fauzi also made me extra nervous. It was frustrating when I struggled to animate it like how I visualize it to be. However, it's always hard in the beginning. As soon as I started brainstorming and animating, I was having fun throughout the process, especially in Part 2. I learned that we don't have to aim for complexity, basic shapes will do and what matters is that it fulfils the design principle and people get the general idea of the concept. In fact, basic animations that are done well can actually make it seem as if it is complicated to execute.