Motion Graphics and Compositing - Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

 Week 1 - Week 6

NIE WEIQIU / 0373215

Motion Graphics and Compositing

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

LECTURES 

Week 1 / 22.4.2025

In the first week, Mr Fauzi briefs us about the Module Information Booklet of Motion Graphics and Compositing. He also explained about the weekly plan and assessments that we will do in this module. We will learn about the basic principles of form and design (project 1) first, then kinetic typography (project 2), followed by storytelling (project 3). 

Week 2 / 29.4.2024

Introduction to Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics - a way to communicate with viewers
                            - animation with text as the major component 

*Different composition (Shapes/Images/Videos/Text) > Compile 

Motion Graphics are used in:

  • Branding
  • Television Title Sequences
  • Storytelling
  • Creating Awareness
  • Explaining A Concept
  • Product Video

Research > Script (Need to be locked - get agreement) > Audio & Visual

INSTRUCTIONS

LECTURES 

Week 1 / 25.9.2024

In the first week, Mr Fauzi briefs us about the Module Information Booklet of Motion Graphics and Compositing. He also explained about the weekly plan and assessments that we will do in this module. We will learn about the basic principles of form and design (project 1) first, then kinetic typography (project 2), followed by storytelling (project 3). 

Week 2 / 2.10.2024

Introduction to Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics - a way to communicate with viewers - animation with text as the major component 

Different composition (Shapes/Images/Videos/Text) > Compile 

Motion Graphics are used in:

  • Branding
  • Television Title Sequences
  • Storytelling
  • Creating Awareness
  • Explaining A Concept
  • Product Video

Research > Script (Need to be locked - get agreement) > Audio & Visual

Study the references


Introduction to Motion Graphics - Lecture Slides

Week 3 / 9.10.2024

Compositing Toolkit

Composition = the arrangement of the visual elements 

  • Unity
  • Balance: the sense that the composition "feels right" and not heavier on one side
  • Movement
  • Rhythm
  • Focus (Emphasis)
  • Contrast

Compositing Toolkit - Lecture Slides

Week 4 / 16.10.2024

In week 4, we had a lecture on kinetic typography. We learned to used different tools in Adobe After Effects to animate typography into motion graphics by different compositions. We also learned about keyframe assistant - easy ease in Adobe After Effects for our current projects. 


Kinetic Typography


Making Kinetic Typography in After Effects (Tutorial)

Week 5 / 23.10.2024

In week 5, we learned about animation techniques. We watched a lecture video on 4 great motion graphics techniques. 

4 Great Motion Graphics Techniques

After that, we had a tutorial session with Mr Fauzi on adding transitions with camera in Adobe After Effects. 

1. Create composition in Photoshop or Illustrator
2. Import to After Effects
3. Create new composition
4. Add camera and null object (controller) 
5. Connect the layers to controller and controller to camera
6. Can play around with the layers by adding depth to them using position 
7. Can add text (as a new composition)
8. Can add motion blur after finalising everything 

Camera

Null Object

Week 5 Tutorial - Adding Camera in After Effects

For this week's practical, we are required to create a basic animation using advance layers and keyframing. I first created a composition in Photoshop. 

Photoshop

Final Composition (jpg)

POSTER

After compositing in Photoshop, I imported the file from Adobe After Effects. In After Effects, I added a camera and a null object as a controller. Then, I connected the subject layer to the controller, and the controller to the camera. Next, I adjusted the subject one by one, thinking about how to add depth and movement.

Camera ，Controller，Scale, Position, Rotation

Finally, I added a new composition for the text. I added a mask to the text. Then, I added the entire text composition to the composition file and duplicated it to arrange them to the background.

Text Composition

W5 Practical [Adding Depth] - Final Composition

W5_Final Composition

Week 6 / 6.11.2024

In week 6, we learned about keying overview and watched a video on how to remove greenscreen. Since project one is going to due this week, we are given time to finalise our project 1. 


How to Remove Greenscreen

Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

In the first project, we are to develop our motion graphics sensibilities by increasing our technical proficiency and knowledge in Adobe After Effects. First, we need to download the template provided by Mr Fauzi that includes 8 motion graphics that shows different principles including movement, hierarchy, balance, direction, symmetry, focus, scale and rhythm. 

SUBMISSION:

PART 1 (10%):
Size Resolution: ​1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25fps
Format: ​Quicktime (.MOV) or (.MP4)
Duration: ​8 sec

PART 2 (10%):
Size Resolution: ​1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25fps
Format: ​Quicktime (.MOV) or (.MP4)
Duration: ​16 sec

Part 1: Pre-composition 

In part 1 of the project, we need to use the template and create 4 motion graphics with different principles which are symmetry, focus, scale and rhythm. Then, we should render the composition.

Before starting to create motion graphics in Adobe After Effects, I went to Pinterest and YouTube to explore some ideas that match with each principle.

References

1. Symmetry

To achieve symmetry, I first took the line as the center axis. I added two circles on the axis and placed them opposite each other, bouncing them like a ball.

Symmetry - Position 

Motion Graphics - Symmetry

2. Focus

To achieve the focus, my idea was to take the circle in the center and create a box that would move. Like a human eye in the box. The focus can be zoomed in and out.

Focus - Zoom in and out

Motion Graphics - Focus 

3. Scale

For scale, I first created a larger square and 3 smaller squares. While thinking how can I scale them, I came out with the idea to start with all equal sizes and scale each opposite square accordingly. I inserted the keyframes and scale up the square. 

Scale - Scale Up

Motion Graphics - Scale

4. Rhythm

I was inspired by a game where a ball cannot fall to the ground. I created a ball and a rectangle to prevent the ball from falling to the ground. Then, I adjusted the position of the rectangle and moved the ball so that it bounced off the edge to create a sense of rhythm.

Rhythm - Position

Motion Graphics - Rhythm

Final Part 1: Pre-composition [Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities]

Final Part 1 - Composition

Part 2: Composition Remix

In part 2 of this project, we can choose any pre-composition (#1 - #8) in Part 1 and drag it into composition remix in the After Effects template Mr Fauzi provided. Then, we have to create a composition remix using the pre-composition for 16 seconds. 

I tried to use the original remix to add and modify some parts，

Try - Composition Remix

Try

I looked for background music on YouTube. I downloaded some tracks to see if they matched the mix. Not only did the music have to match the length of the track, but the vibe and tempo also had to match the motion graphics. Since most of the music was longer than 16 seconds, I had to edit the music myself to make it sound smooth and match the video.

Final Part 2: Composition Remix [Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities]

Final Part 2: Composition Remix


FEEDBACKS

Week 5 / Project 1 [Part 2]

General Feedbacks: 

Keep everything floating, don't let them disappear suddenly. Make sure everything is in sequence. Put music into the composition remix. 

Specific Feedbacks:


 

REFLECTION

Through this project, I also learned the importance of layering, timing, and fluidity, and how to combine them to create smooth motion graphics. This project gave me the opportunity to explore various design principles in the field of motion graphics. Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of After Effects tools and a better understanding of how to apply design principles in the field of motion graphics. The symmetrical pre-composition was very challenging because I needed to maintain visual balance while ensuring that the composition did not appear too static. I consulted a lot of references to come up with this idea. Although I spent more time exploring the anchor points of the shapes. I also realized that it was crucial to think strategically about transitions because the second part of the project required remixing these 8 pre-compositions and merging them into a 16-second motion graphic. This work was both complex and fruitful because it required blending various principles into a unified piece while maintaining clarity and coherence. All in all, this composition project was a valuable experience that improved my skills and creativity.







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