MOTION GRAPHICS AND COMPOSITING: PROJECT 4 - ABSTRACT MOTION （FINAL PROJECT）

 MOTION GRAPHICS AND COMPOSITING

 PROJECT 4 - ABSTRACT MOTION

（FINAL PROJECT）

DONG XINBEI / 0359733

week 12 - week 14

INSTRUCTION

Figure 

Project 4: Abstract Motion （Final Project）

Abstract Motion Design Proposal

This week, students will integrate the knowledge gained from previous projects into the final project. The task is to create a theme-based abstract motion graphic video, which can be executed in 3D/2D, mixed media, or any experimental visual style, and must have a strong thematic element.

For this project, I plan to document my enjoyable experience of traveling to Singapore last month. I will follow the plan I had at that time and use various visual output techniques taught by my instructor to achieve the desired effect. In terms of concept and style, I intend to choose a collage style that I like to create my work.

    

Research and Discovery

I spent some time organizing the collage materials I needed and did a preliminary categorization of the images. This step was to ensure that I could efficiently find the required resources during the creation of the final piece. I categorized the images based on different themes and visual effects, such as separating background images, textures, and decorative elements into different folders. This approach not only helped me better organize the materials but also allowed me to quickly access and apply different types of images during the actual composition.

During the categorization process, I also performed basic preprocessing on each image, such as resizing and cropping, to ensure they would blend seamlessly into the final collage. Additionally, I checked the resolution and quality of each image to make sure there would be no blurriness or pixelation issues in the final composition.

Figure 1.1 Materials 1

Figure 1.2 Materials 2

I plan to showcase my three-day trip to Singapore by highlighting various aspects, including famous landmarks, scenery, and other materials that express my emotions and feelings. Visually, I will present my work in a cleaner and more organized manner.

Figure 2.1 Visual References 1

Figure 2.2 Visual References 2

Figure 2.3 Visual References 3

Figure 2.4 Visual References 4

Figure 2.5 Visual References 5

Technical Processes

In this section, I used Adobe After Effects (AE) to create the animation. I imported the pre-prepared collage materials into AE and animated them according to my creative vision. After importing the materials, I first set up the timelines for each layer to ensure they animated in the intended sequence and rhythm.

I also utilized AE's composition features to break down complex animation elements into manageable parts for easier adjustment and modification. By applying various AE plugins and effects, I enhanced the visual impact and dynamism of the footage.

Throughout the production process, I continuously previewed and adjusted the animation to ensure that every detail aligned with the design intent. Finally, I integrated the entire animation into a complete composition and rendered it to ensure that the final output's video quality and effects met my expectations.

Figure 3.1 The Beginning Title

In the initial title, I created keyframes for each letter to bounce up and down individually, creating a cheerful visual effect. Specifically, each letter has an independent animation path, alternately moving up and down. By adjusting the timing and amplitude of the keyframes, the overall animation appears rhythmic and playful.

 This design not only captures the audience's attention but also sets a lighthearted tone for the content that follows. Such an animation effect not only enhances visual interest but also increases viewer engagement and memorability.

Figure 3.2 day 1 record

I added some famous local landmarks, as well as some relevant sound effects and effects.

Figure 3.3 day 2 record

I added characters to make the scene more dynamic.

Figure 3.4 day 3 record

In the final scene, I used some keyframes for floating up and down and sudden appearances, adjusting them for a smoother entrance.

Final Outcome

Figure 4.1 slide

Figure 4.2 Final Project in YouTube

Reflection

During the creative phase, the collage style allowed me to blend different landmarks and animation elements together, creating a rich and layered visual effect. However, this also brought some challenges, such as how to seamlessly integrate various elements without making them appear chaotic.

In this project, I enhanced my mastery of keyframe animation. By setting independent animation paths for each letter and element, I could more precisely control their motion trajectories and rhythm. Additionally, I learned how to adjust the timing and amplitude of keyframes to enhance the animation's fun and appeal. This was both a creative experiment and breakthrough, as well as an opportunity for self-improvement and learning.