Motion Graphics & Compositing Motion Graphic Exercise 1

  ZHOU XINYI / 0378623

Motion Graphics & Compositing

 Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Table of Content

1.Instruction

2.Process Work

3.Feedback

4.reflection

1.Instruction

Week 1 Task

Motion Graphic Exercise 1 (10%)

Title: Mosaic Motion

Task: Create four individual animated quadrants based on the provided design. Combine these into a single Final Composition (2x2 grid) and export as a video file.

Requirements:

File Naming: StudentName_Ex1_Mosaic.mp4

Resolution: 800x800 px

Duration: 2-4 seconds, looping]

Format: H.264 / .MP4

Submission Instructions: 

Google Drive: Upload your rendered video and AE project file to Project 1 folder. 

eBlog: Post your final video, screenshots of your After Effects workspace (timeline and layers), and a brief reflection on your process.

 

Final Project Ideation: 30-Second Intro Sequence 

Choose a Game or Netflix Movie/Series. Provide your chosen title, rationale, and why this idea is proposed. Present this in one slide.

2.Process Work

2.1 Process

First, create a new composition in After Effects with a resolution of 800×800, frame rate set to 25 fps, and duration of 7 seconds. Then use the Shape Tool to create the required graphics, including the background shape and the foreground circle element. Adjust the fill color, size, and position to complete the basic layout.

After finishing the graphic design, begin adding animation effects to the layers. Select the target layer and open its transform properties, such as Position and Scale. Add keyframes at different points on the timeline. Use the starting and ending keyframes to control the movement of the object from its initial position to the target position, while also changing the scale to create size variation during motion.

Next, apply Easy Ease to the keyframes so the movement becomes smoother instead of linear motion. This allows the object to move slower at the beginning, faster in the middle, and slower again at the end, creating a more natural animation effect.

Finally, preview the animation and fine-tune the keyframe timing, movement distance, and scale values to make the motion more balanced and visually appealing. After adjustment, the final animation is completed.

Fig2.1.1&2 Process

2.2Final Presentation

Fig 2.2Final Presentation

3.Final Project Ideation: 30-Second Intro Sequence 

Chosen Title: Stranger Things

Rationale:
I chose Stranger Things because it combines horror, mystery, and suspense with a strong retro visual style. The series has many iconic elements such as dark environments, flashing lights, eerie sounds, and supernatural creatures, which are perfect for creating a dramatic and engaging intro sequence.

Why This Idea is Proposed:
This project idea allows me to explore horror-themed motion graphics through typography, lighting effects, shadows, and transitions. I can create tension within 30 seconds by using red glowing text, distorted movement, fog, and sudden visual changes. It is also a good opportunity to practice cinematic pacing and atmosphere design in After Effects.

PPT LINK

3.Feedback

week1

In Week 1, the teacher introduced us to the basic techniques of creating shapes and animations in After Effects. We learned how to use shape tools, keyframes, position, scale, and other essential functions to build simple motion graphics. These demonstrations helped me understand the workflow and gave me more confidence in using the software.During the class, we also discussed ideas and creative directions for the final project. The teacher encouraged us to think about unique concepts, visual styles, and how to express our ideas through animation. At the moment, I have not fully decided on my final project idea yet, but the discussion gave me inspiration and helped me start thinking about possible themes for future development.

4.reflection

This week, I learned the basic skills of creating shapes and simple animations in After Effects. I became more familiar with using shape tools, keyframes, and transform properties such as position and scale. These skills helped me better understand how motion graphics are created.

I also realized that creativity is an important part of animation design. Through the discussion about the final project, I understood the importance of planning ideas before starting production. Although I have not decided on my final concept yet, I hope to continue exploring different inspirations and develop a creative idea in the coming weeks.