Motion Graphics & Compositing / Project 4 / Abstract Motion

11.7.2024 - 2.8.2024 (Week 12 - Week 15)
Elysa Wee Qi En / 0355060 / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Motion Graphics & Compositing
Project 4 / Abstract Motion

LECTURES

All lectures were covered in Project 1 and Project 2.

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig. 1. Module Information Booklet

Project 4: Abstract Motion

For this assignment, we had to choose a theme to create a motion graphic video on. The theme could be anything we liked, and we got a chance to express ourselves. 

I started with brainstorming, and creating the Google Slides for the project:

Fig. 2. Google Slides for Project 4 (2/8/2024)

After considering different themes and topics, I ended up going with the theme of 'storytelling'. It sort of consists of most of the other things in the list, so I decided to implement those as well as 'sub' themes. Basically, the overarching theme is 'storytelling', but stories can be found in media like video games, music, books etc. 

Then I created a moodboard, which showcases a similar vibe that I had in mind. It was a little tricky to find good photos, so I had to make do, but overall it captures the general initial idea I had in mind.

After that, I decided to pick a song first. This would help me to better imagine what my final product would look like. The song 'Odore Orchestra' by YASUHIRO ft. IA popped into my head, and after listening to the instrumental, I decided it was suitable for the happy vibe I wanted. 

Of course I then made the storyboard, and also edited the audio along the way as I wanted to cut it down to certain parts.

Fig. 3.1. Editing the audio (2/8/2024)

After that, I begun production. I managed to find a tutorial on YouTube on how to create a flipping book animation in After Effects, which I included in the slides. I started by making the book and creating its animation in the beginning.

Fig. 3.2. Creating the book (2/8/2024)

Following the suggestion of the tutorial, I changed the brightness of the back pages to better see which page is which, since they're all the same colour.

Fig. 3.3. Changing the colour of the pages (2/8/2024)

The first scene, or 'page' of the storybook, was about video games. I created a small, simple animation using the characters of Genshin Impact, a game I enjoy. I animated the characters individually, but since the movement was minimal, it wasn't too complicated.

Fig. 3.4. Creating scene 1: video games (2/8/2024)

Then, I created the second scene, which was about music. I made the lines of the music score draw in one by one, and I added a wave effect, and it added visual interest and artistic value. Then I animated the treble clef and music notes to appear, and animated little coloured circles to appear with the music notes on beat with the song. 

Fig. 3.5. Creating scene 2: music (2/8/2024)

The third scene was about art. I managed to find enough assets of art supplies, such as paintbrushes and colour pencils. There is a makeup brush included here, but technically makeup is a form of art too, or at least it can be, so I didn't mind including it. 

Fig. 3.6. Creating scene 3: art (2/8/2024)

The next scene was a simple one. Using the typewriter effect, I was able to get the words to type themselves out just by making keyframes. I wrote some simple sentences that you might find in a storybook and the scene was quickly done.

Fig. 3.7. Creating scene 4: books/writing (2/8/2024)

Now it was time to create the ending. I first created a bookshelf and animated some books sliding onto it. I made the spines all different colours, and tried to get them to follow the beat of the music. 

Fig. 3.8. Animating the books sliding on the shelf (2/8/2024)

The very last scene included the words 'never stop storytelling <3' being typed out (again using the typewriter effect) and the book closing. This was actually a difficult process, since the words weren't part of the pages themselves. However, I managed to make it work using masks.

After animating the book closing in its composite shot, I used masks to get the left half of the text to stay as the right half rotated out of sight following the page. Then, I animated the path of the mask for the text on the left to make it look like the page on the right was gradually covering it as the book closed.

Fig. 3.9. Creating the ending (2/8/2024)

Below is the timeline after everything was added. I only cut off the access at the end after adding a fade and that was basically it.

Fig. 3.10. Final timeline (2/8/2024)

FINAL Abstract Motion Submission

Fig. 4. Abstract Motion Final Submission (2/8/2024)

FEEDBACK

Week 14
Specific Feedback: 
- Can proceed with my idea of 'storytelling'
- Try to not make it too complicated as time is running out
- Focus should be on the concept 

REFLECTIONS

Experience
This project I had to rush to complete at the end, since I was swamped with project at the end of the semester. Thankfully, I have prior experience with editing, so I was able to get it done within the day. However, I do wish to have better time management and be more careful of my deadlines in the future, as not everything is due at 11:59pm, like this wasn't. It was still a good project to do, because I appreciate having creative freedom in my projects.

Observations
Sometimes there will be obstacles in not knowing how to use the software, but there are ways to overcome it. Also, sometimes there will be obstacles in simply not knowing how to solve a problem, but trying out different solutions and seeing what works best is a strategy. Other than that, sometimes a method may need more work and effort, but will end up looking better or being more fool-proof. 

Findings
Sometimes, in a rush, it is possible to overlook simple things like a missing keyframe. Therefore it is important to watch the video a few times through all the way from beginning to end before exporting, to catch any errors before wasting any time. Additionally, sometimes we don't need to think about overcomplicated transitions and such. Just like my teacher said, execution can be simplier, and the concept is the main part.