Final Project
Motion Graphics & Compositing
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Table of Content
Throughout this semester, I learned various motion graphics and compositing techniques using Adobe After Effects. Starting from simple animation exercises, I gradually developed the skills needed to create my final title sequence inspired by Stranger Things. This blog documents my learning journey, challenges, and reflections throughout each project.
Here is my Google Drive link:Google Drive
2.1Motion Graphics Exercise 1 – Mosaic Motion
What I Learned
- Using Shape Layers
- Applying Keyframes
- Scale Animation
- Understanding Timing
What I Learned
- Creating Text Animation
- Using Position and Opacity Keyframes
- Applying Easy Ease for smoother motion
- Synchronising text with music and timing
- Using Motion Blur to create more natural movement
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.
week2
During Week 2, the teacher taught us the first four steps of creating the motion graphic animation in After Effects. We learned how to set up the composition, create the square mosaic effect, animate the mask path, and use a null object to control movement. The class helped me understand the workflow more clearly and improved my understanding of keyframing and animation structure.
week3
In Week 3, the teacher went through the whole process again from the beginning, which helped reinforce the techniques and made the steps easier to understand. We also discussed ideas for the final project and shared different creative directions in class. Through the discussion, I started developing more ideas for my horror-themed intro sequence and thought more about the visual style and atmosphere I want to create for my final work.
Week4
absent
Week5
During Friday’s class, the teacher showed us how to create this animation step by step in After Effects. We learned how to organize scenes, animate character movement, and arrange compositions on the timeline. The demonstration helped me understand the workflow more clearly and improved my confidence in using keyframes and scene transitions.At the end of the class, the teacher also recorded and shared a video tutorial for our next assignment. This will be very helpful because I can review the steps again outside of class and follow the process more easily while completing the homework.
Week6
During Week 6, the teacher taught us how to apply different animation effects in After Effects to improve the visual quality of our work. We learned how to use effects and transitions to create smoother and more dynamic motion.
The teacher also reviewed my final project PPT during class. After discussing my work, I realized that my mind map was not arranged correctly because it needed more visual connections and detailed idea development. The feedback helped me better understand how to organize my concepts and present my ideas more clearly for the final project.
Week7
During this week’s class, the teacher introduced us to the basic functions and interface of Blender. We learned simple operations such as moving objects, adjusting the camera, scaling, and navigating the 3D workspace. The class helped me become more familiar with using 3D software for the first time.
As part of the practice exercise, the teacher asked us to place a small rocket model in an open area around the school environment. This activity helped us understand how to combine 3D objects with space and perspective while experimenting with scene composition in Blender.
Week8
During Week 8, the lecturer introduced the basic visual effects in Blender and demonstrated how to create simple effects such as smoke, dust, and object interactions. The lecturer also explained how these effects could be combined with animation to make scenes more realistic. This helped me understand the workflow and prepared me for creating the effects needed in my final project.
week9
Absent
week10
During Week 10, the lecturer reviewed my Final Project presentation and provided feedback on my storyboard. The lecturer explained that the original storyboard did not clearly show the flow of the story and suggested that I make the sequence more logical and connected. I was also advised to improve the visual planning before starting the animation. Based on the feedback, I revised my storyboard and updated the story to create a clearer narrative and a stronger horror atmosphere inspired by Stranger Things.
week11
During Week 11, the lecturer reviewed my animation progress and provided feedback on my scenes. The lecturer mentioned that Scene 1 looked too empty and suggested adding a school building to make the environment more interesting. The camera movement was also considered too simple, so I was advised to improve the camera motion and create a stronger sense of depth. In addition, after reviewing my storyboard, the lecturer suggested moving the original Scene 4 to follow Scene 3, as this would make the story flow more smoothly and improve the overall narrative.
week12
During Week 12, I completed all the backgrounds and layers for each scene in my animation. After reviewing my progress, the lecturer commented that several scenes looked a little empty and suggested adding more visual elements and details to make the composition richer and more engaging.
week13
During Week 13, it was a consultation week. I showed my animation progress to the lecturer. The lecturer suggested that I should create a stronger 3D effect by improving the camera movement and adding more depth to the scenes. This would make the animation look more immersive and enhance the overall visual quality.
week14
The lecturer thought the overall concept and visual style were good. The storyboard was clear, and the dark red and black colour palette matched the Stranger Things theme well. The lecturer suggested making some of the text easier to read and improving the transitions between scenes. Overall, the project was developing well and only needed a few small adjustments.
The lecturer also explained the final submission requirements. We need to complete the final animation, organise the presentation slides clearly, include the development process and final outcome, and check that all files are correctly named before submission.
Throughout this module, I gradually developed my skills in Adobe After Effects, from creating simple motion graphics to producing a complete cinematic title sequence. Each project introduced new techniques, including keyframe animation, kinetic typography, compositing, camera tracking and visual effects, which prepared me for my final project.
During the production of my Stranger Things-inspired title sequence, I learned how to combine camera movement, sound effects, visual effects and storytelling to create a more immersive viewing experience. I also improved my ability to plan a project, organise different layers and refine my work based on the lecturer's feedback.
Although I faced challenges in creating smooth camera movements, balancing the composition and enhancing the atmosphere, I continued to improve my work through experimentation and revision. This module has strengthened both my technical skills and creative thinking, and it has increased my confidence in using Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics and title sequence animations. I hope to continue developing these skills in future projects.
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