Motion Graphic Design
An Introduction and Course Overview
Motion Graphic Design is a broad field that includes motion graphics for film, television, and the web. In its most basic form, it is graphic design with the addition of time and audio. Depending upon the medium, context, and style, the technologies for motion graphics production vary. As mediums converge and technologies evolve, the means may change, but the underlying principles of animation and motion graphics remain the same.
In this class we will learn the basics of motion graphic design by creating animations for the web using primarily Adobe After Effects. During the first few weeks of the semester we will explore core animation principles such as squash and stretch, timing, and easing (slow in/out). Topics and assignments will range from kinetic typography, or type in motion, to commercial interstitials, promotions, and advertisements. Techniques will range from basic keyframe animation to advanced masking. During the second half of the semester, we will go through the full design process of planning, designing, and animating one large-scale motion graphics piece.
Course Structure
2 Small Projects, 1 Large Project
The structure of the course consists of creating three motion graphic design pieces: Motion Design #1 (a WEEK-BY-WEEK, step-by-step introduction-level "Lorem Ipsum" animation, Motion Design #2 (a MIDTERM intermediate-level, independently animated Kinteic Typography animation, and Motion Design #3 (a FINAL custom designed animation along with an interface where it will be viewed). The final project is due during the last week of the semester.
500 Point Grading System
Your course grade is based upon a total of 500 Points.
There are basically three deliverables for this course: Motion Design #1 (150 points), Motion Design #2 (150 points), and Motion Design #3 (100 points). Motion Design #1 consists of 6 individual "Steps" worth 25 points each.
Class participation (100 Points) is graded based upon how much you participate a) during formal critiques and b) online via Laulima. There are two formal critiques: a midterm critique and the final critique.
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PHASE 1: MOTION DESIGN #1 [WEEK-BY-WEEK] - (150 Points) Weekly Step-by-step Animating of "Lorem Ipsum" Motion Design #1:30%150 Pts
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PHASE 2: MOTION DESIGN #2 [MIDTERM] - (100 Points) Short Video Ad (i.e. H&R Block)9:20%100 Pts
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PHASE 3: MOTION DESIGN #3 [FINAL PROJECT] - (150 Points) Coding Your Own Custom Designed Promo (Motion Design #3):30%150 Pts
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CLASS PARTICIPATION - (100 Points) Online Discussions via Laulima & In-class Critiques:20%100 Pts
All Assignments
Overview of the Small Assignments and Major Projects for this Course
| Assignment: | Week: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | Due: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bouncing Ball | Week 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Motion Design #1 | Week 7 | |||||||||||||||||
| Motion Design #2 | Week 10 | |||||||||||||||||
| Motion Design #3 | Week 16 |
Calendar
A monthly overview of the semester
Course Content
A Week-by-Week Breakdown including all links, lessons, assignment details, etc.
Weekly Agendas:
A Week-by-week Summary
1 Intro to the Course Expand/Collapse
This week we talk about motion graphic design as we go over the course in detail, including a brief overview of the major assignments and deliverables.Read More »
Agenda:
- Introduction to Motion Graphic Design.
- Introduction to the course.
- Introduction to your peers.
Assignment:Due: Week 2
- Reading: Read the intro to Motion by Design (short reading assignment).
- Hosting Plan: If you do not have one already, sign up for a hosting plan with a 3rd party hosting provider. Be sure to note your ftp information as well as your username and password. We will set up a class web page for you to post all assignments. Past students have purchased hosting plans from Bluehost, iPage, Super Green Hosting, and GoDaddy (these are just a few of many hosting providers available). Plans should include ample disk space (ie. more than 2GB or unlimited), support for CGI, PHP, and MySQL, multiple domain hosting (to host more than one site), one-click install/support for Wordpress, Joomla, and Drupal (popular CMS options), and a low, competitive price (an example rate is around $3-$5/month – this is subject to change based upon current trends for hosting prices).
- Sneak Peek: In anticipation of next week, visit the Bouncing Ball Exercise page and watch the video lesson. Try your best to complete the exercise on your own.
2 Overview of the Creative Process Expand/Collapse
This week we will go over the full creative design process for time-based media and complete the bouncing ball exercise.Read More »
Agenda:
- Introduction to the full creative design process for time-based media.
- In class we will walk through the Bouncing Ball Exercise.
- In class we will set up your class web page and learn how to post a video.
Assignment:Due: Week 3
- Bouncing Ball Exercise: After you set up your class web page, post your completed Bouncing Ball Exercise video to a youtube or vimeo account then embed it on your class web page.
3 Intro to Lorem Ipsum Project - ACT I Expand/Collapse
This week we will begin Motion Graphic Design Project #1: Lorem Ipsum Promo by studying pre-production documents and setting up ACT I.Read More »
Agenda:
- In class we will finish setting up your class web page and make sure everyone knows how to post a video.
- Introduction to the Lorem Ipsum Promo Motion Graphic Design Project #1. We will setup the project locally and begin ACT I scenes 1-3.
Assignment:
- Lorem Ipsum Promo: ACT I - There is no homework due next week, but if you were unable to keep up with the lessons in class, please do your best to setup ACT 1, Scenes 1, 2, and 3.
4 Lorem Ipsum Project - ACT II Expand/Collapse
Continuing Motion Graphic Design Project #1: Lorem Ipsum Promo by completing ACT I and beginning ACT II.Read More »
Agenda:
- In class we will begin where we left off last week - completing ACT I and moving on to ACT II of the Lorem Ipsum Promo Motion Graphic Design Project #1.
Assignment: ACT II Part 1 (Setup)Week 5
- Lorem Ipsum Promo: ACT II - Go to the Video Lesson section of the Lorem Ipsum Promo Project
page (at the bottom) and watch the video lesson for ACT II Part 1.
Please try your best to complete the following before class next week.
- Set up each scene in ACT II - by bringing in all ACT II scene graphic elements (layers)
- Set up the general timing for each scene in ACT II - by trimming each layer to the timeline markers for each scene (with overlap for scene transitions)
- Set up the voice over audio for each scene in ACT II - by bringing in all voice over audio files for ACT II and setting up the timing for each as best as you can (to match the general timing of the story reel)
- Finish the end of ACT I and beginning of ACT II - by zooming into the figure's head at the end of ACT I. then use the figure's head from ACT I as the starting point for the animated pie chart in ACT II (apply a radial wipe effect to the figure head layer recreate the black 60% part of the pie chart)
5 Lorem Ipsum Project - ACT II Expand/Collapse
Continuing Motion Graphic Design Project #1: Lorem Ipsum Promo by completing the remaining scenes for ACT II.Read More »
Agenda:
- In class we will begin where we left off last week - completing ACT II of the Lorem Ipsum Promo Motion Graphic Design Project #1.
Assignment:
- Lorem Ipsum Promo: ACT II - - There is no homework due, but if you were unable to keep up with the lessons in class, please do your best to finish all of the scenes from ACT II, and please feel free to continue on to ACT III.
6 Lorem Ipsum Project - ACT III Expand/Collapse
Continuing Motion Graphic Design Project #1: Lorem Ipsum Promo by completing ACT I and ACT II and beginning ACT III.Read More »
Agenda:
- In class we will begin where we left off last week - completing ACT II and moving on to ACT III of the Lorem Ipsum Promo Motion Graphic Design Project #1.
- We will be doing a series of After Effects "tests" to learn more techniques such as basic line animation techniques and text animation (kinetic typography). Please download the source AE file to complete the in-class exercises.
Assignment:Due: Week 7
- Lorem Ipsum Promo: First Draft - Once you have completed the initial setup of ACT I, II, and III with all final graphics and audio for each scene, please export and post this video as Draft #1. If you were unable to keep up with the lessons in class, please do your best to finish setting up all ACTs and all Scenes.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Promo Project - Start planning ahead for your final project: a short, promotional video. Project details:
7 H&R Block Video Project Expand/Collapse
Begin Motion Graphic Design Project #2: H&R Block Video Project to learn the basics of video editing with stock video and audio using Adobe Premiere.Read More »
Agenda:
- In class we will finish our After Effects "Test" exercises where we left off last week.
- We will begin the H&R Block Video Project (Motion Graphic Design Project #2).
Assignment: H&R Block Video ProjectDue: Week 9
- H&R Block Video Project - After you have visited and read
the H&R Block
Video Project web page and watched the video lesson at the bottom,
please create and post your own short H&R Block video using stock video and
audio.
- You have full artistic freedom, so please feel free to be as creative as you like (or not).
- For example, you can use the exact same story, concept, video footage, and audio clips that I used in the video lesson - this is fine and you will recieve full points.
- Or... you can experiment freely with any aspect of the video that you want, such as using other source video and audio from the NMA stock library, or developing a completely new concept, or even going so far as creating a similar video for a different client - so long as it remains short (15 seconds is ideal).
- Conceptually and artistically, it's completely up to you - so most importantly, have fun!
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Promo Project - Start planning ahead for your final project: a short, promotional video. Project details:
8 H&R Block Video Project Expand/Collapse
In-class demo of AV equipment such as video cameras and microphones. In-class studio time to continue working on Motion Graphic Design Project #2: H&R Block Video Project.Read More »
Agenda:
- In-class time to work on the H&R Block Video Project (Motion Graphic Design Project #2).
- In-class demo of AV equipment.
- Brief overview of AV equipment
- Video Shooting Techniques
- Lighting Techniques
- Audio Recording Techniques
Assignment: H&R Block Video ProjectDue: Week 9
- H&R Block Video Project - After you have visited and read
the H&R Block
Video Project web page and watched the video lesson at the bottom,
please create and post your own short H&R Block video using stock video and
audio.
- You have full artistic freedom, so please feel free to be as creative as you like (or not).
- For example, you can use the exact same story, concept, video footage, and audio clips that I used in the video lesson - this is fine and you will recieve full points.
- Or... you can experiment freely with any aspect of the video that you want, such as using other source video and audio from the NMA stock library, or developing a completely new concept, or even going so far as creating a similar video for a different client - so long as it remains short (15 seconds is ideal).
- Conceptually and artistically, it's completely up to you - so most importantly, have fun!
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
- Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.
- Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.
- Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.
- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
9 FINAL Project - PROJECT BRIEF (IDEAS) Expand/Collapse
Brainstorm sessions to help figure out the client and conceptual direction of your final projects. We will also have a mini lesson to discuss different ways to create storyboards.Read More »
Agenda:
- Brainstorm: final project ideas
- Informal critique/screening of the Motion Graphic Design Project #2.
- Mini Lesson: Storyboarding.
- In-class work time to work on your storyboards and synopsis.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.- Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.
- Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.
- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
10 FINAL Project - PRE-VISUALIZATION Expand/Collapse
In-class studio time to complete your synopsis and storyboards so you can next create a story reel and conduct visual tests. We will also have a mini lesson to discuss different ways to create a story reel.Read More »
Agenda:
- Mini Lesson: Story Reels.
- In-class work time to work on your story reels and to conduct visual tests.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.- Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.
- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
11 FINAL Project - PRODUCTION Expand/Collapse
Informal working critique to view the final project story reels and in-class studio time to work on your first drafts of your final projects.Read More »
Agenda:
- Informal working critique: Story Reels.
- In-class work time to work on your first drafts.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
12 FINAL Project - PRODUCTION Expand/Collapse
Work Week: in-class studio time to work on your first drafts of your final projects.Read More »
Agenda:
- In-class work time to work on your first drafts.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
13 FINAL Project - PRODUCTION Expand/Collapse
Work Week: in-class studio time to work on your first drafts of your final projects.Read More »
Agenda:
- In-class work time to work on your first drafts.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.- Week 14: 1st Draft is due.
- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
14 FINAL Project - POST-PRODUCTION Expand/Collapse
Informal working critique to view the final project 1st-round drafts and in-class studio time to work on your 2nd-round drafts of your final projects.Read More »
Agenda:
- Informal working critique: 1st-round drafts.
- In-class work time to work on your 2nd-round drafts.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.Week 14: 1st Draft is due.- Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.
- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
15 FINAL Project - POST-PRODUCTION Expand/Collapse
Informal working critique to view the final project 2nd-round drafts and in-class studio time to work on your final versions of your final projects.Read More »
Agenda:
- Informal working critique: 2nd-round Drafts.
- In-class work time to work on your final version of your final project.
Final Project: PromoDue: Week 16
- Final Project Schedule: Major deliverables and due dates:
Week 9: Project ideas in the form of a Project Brief(s) are due.Week 10: Project Synopsis & Storyboards are due.Week 11: Story reel & tests are due.Week 14: 1st Draft is due.Week 15: 2nd Draft is due.- Week 16: Final project is due.
- Project details: Final Motion Graphic Design Project (#3): Promo Video
16 FINAL Project - CRITIQUE Expand/Collapse
Final Critique. Be prepared to present your final project in an formal critique for client review.Read More »
Agenda:
- In-class Final Critique.
- 10 minutes per person.
- Order will be determined at 10:45am with an order sign-up on the white board.
- Further feedback should be provided for your peers via Laulima under each persons's final project discussion area.
- Announcements:
- Please fill out the online eCafe student course evaluation form.
- After the critique, any revisions to the final project are due by next week Tuesday.
Critique Schedule:
| Tuesday | Thursday | Time |
|---|---|---|
| ----- SETUP ----- | 10:45-10:55 | |
| #1 | #9 | 10:55-11:05 |
| #2 | #10 | 11:10-11:20 |
| #3 | #11 | 11:25-11:35 |
| #4 | #12 | 11:40-11:50 |
| ----- 20 Min. BREAK ----- | 11:55-12:15 | |
| #5 | #13 | 12:15-12:25 |
| #6 | #14 | 12:30-12:40 |
| #7 | #15 | 12:45-12:55 |
| #8 | #16 | 1:00-1:10 |
Lessons:
A list of course lessons
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Intro to Motion Graphics:
A Brief Introduction for Web Designers
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Design Process:
For Time-Based Media
Projects:
A list of course projects
-
Lorem Ipsum Promo:
Motion Graphic Design Project #1
-
H&R Block Video:
Motion Graphic Design Project #2
Exercises:
A list of course exercises
Inspiration
A list of sites to get you inspired
Student Examples:
- Kim Kitsuki's NMA ID Promo - [url]
- Kim Kitsuki's NMA ID Promo: Process - [url]
- Kat Sakata's NMA Promo - [url]
- Kat Sakata's NMA Promo: Process - [url]
- Tiffany Higa's 86 Ad - [url]
- Tiffany Higa's 86 Ad: Process - [url]
- Kim Kitsuki's Upspring Promo - [url]
- Kim Kitsuki's Upspring Promo: Process - [url]
- Chris Malkus Self Promo - [url]
- Chris Malkus Self Promo: Process - [url]
- Qing's E-Recycle Ad - [url]
- Qing's E-Recycle Ad: Process - [url]
- Qing's E-Recycle Ad: Portfolio Entry - [url]
From Pinterest:
Resources
Books, readings, links, and other potentially helpful resources
Motion Graphic Design Related Reading:
- Motion by Design - [url]
- RMIT AIM: History of Animation - [url]
Motion Graphic Design Companies:
Hosting Examples:
Quotes
Random quotes that are relavent to this class
"Today a seasoned broadcast designer is expected to command a baffling array of professional abilities that include, among others, the typographic chops of a print designer, the motion and timing smarts of an animator, the stylistic rendering talents of an illustrator, the narrative skills of a writer or editor, the music sensibilities of a composer and the cinematic and live-action directing abilities of a filmmaker."