Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities
Motion Graphics and Compositing - Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities
21/04/2025 - /2025 | Week 1 - Week
Huang jiaqi| 0373820Motion Graphics & Compositing /Project 1| Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Part 2: Composition Remix
Module Information
LECTURES
Week 1
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
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
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
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)
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.
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.
Requirements:
- Size & resolution: 1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25 fps
- Format: Quicktime H.264
- Duration: 8 seconds
- File: P1_Name.mov
- Submit YouTube Link
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. I also sketched out a few ideas. As it should be simple and not too advanced, I mostly used basic shapes such as circles and rectangles.
Symmetry
Performance: The mirror of the picture elements is arranged and symmetrical when moving.
Example: Two shapes approach the central axis from both sides, moving and stopping at the symmetrical position at the same time.
Focus
Expression: Guide the audience to focus on a certain element.
Example: One element is enlarged and brightened, and other elements fade out or blurred.
Scale
Expression: The change in the size of the object expresses the primary and secondary relationship or dynamic sense.
Example: Multiple shapes change from small to large or large to small, forming a visual impact.
Rhythm
Expression: repetitive, rhythmic movement or change.
Example: A row of elements move or flash in turn with a unified rhythm, similar to a beat.
Concept: All elements are arranged and move symmetrically around the central axis.
Animation ideas:
Two identical squares move synchronously from the left and right sides of the picture to the centre, and stop at the central axis symmetrical position when approaching.
At the end of the animation, they can be rotated or scaled synchronously to enhance the sense of symmetry.
Figure 2.1 Symmetry Process #1
Concept: Guide the audience to focus on specific elements.
Animation ideas:
Multiple shapes exist at the same time at the beginning, and the main shape is suddenly enlarged + brightened (or other shapes darkened/blurred), forming a focussing effect.
A quick zoom or aperture effect can be added to emphasise "concentration".
Figure 2.2 Focus Process #1
Concept: Use different dimensions to convey the primary and secondary relationship or dynism.
Animation ideas:
A group of shapes appear in order from small to large or pulse amplification/shrinkage.
Or a large graphic is reduced to a rhythmic repetition of a small graphic to convey a sense of hierarchy.
Figure 2.3 Scale Process #1
Concept: Movement or change of repetition and sense of rhythm.
Animation ideas:
Multiple elements move, flicker or jump up and down in order according to the rhythm (such as a rhythm like a drum beat).
You can use the "loop expression" or "offset delay" technique to enhance the sense of rhythm.
Figure 2.4 Rhythm Process #1
Figure 2.5 The final effect
Final Outcome Youtube Link：https://youtu.be/wyPOHuJqQTM
Part 2: Composition RemixIn 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.
Requirements:
- Size & resolution: 1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25 fps
- Format: Quicktime H.264
- Duration: 16 seconds
- File: P2_Name.mov
- Submit YouTube Link
Figure 2.6 Process
Figure 2.7 16 seconds
Final OutcomeYoutube Link:https://youtu.be/zMYeHUcf9Ks
Feedback
Reflection
This project gave me the opportunity to explore various design principles within the context of motion graphics. I gained a much deeper understanding of how to use Adobe After Effects and apply principles such as symmetry, focus, scale, and rhythm in animation.
Among the pre-compositions, symmetry was the most challenging. I had to carefully maintain visual balance without making the composition feel too static. I researched many references and spent extra time adjusting anchor points to achieve the right look. Despite the effort, I was very satisfied with the final result.
For focus, I initially tried using blur effects to draw the viewer’s attention, but I found that the transition was too fast, which made the key visual point unclear. I learned that pacing and timing are essential in conveying focus effectively.
Thankfully, the ideas I had in mind for scale and rhythm translated well into the animation. They turned out close to how I imagined, which gave me more confidence in my planning and design intuition.
This project also taught me the importance of layering, timing, and visual flow—all key elements in producing smooth motion graphics. In Part 2, remixing the eight pre-compositions into a single 16-second sequence required thoughtful transitions and consistency in style. It was a complex but rewarding process.
Combining different principles while keeping the overall design clear and cohesive was definitely a challenge. I had to plan carefully and experiment with different sequences to ensure each principle retained its unique character while still blending seamlessly.
In conclusion, this motion graphic composition project was a valuable experience that enhanced both my technical skills in animation and creative thinking in visual storytelling.
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.
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.
Requirements:
- Size & resolution: 1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25 fps
- Format: Quicktime H.264
- Duration: 8 seconds
- File: P1_Name.mov
- Submit YouTube Link
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. I also sketched out a few ideas. As it should be simple and not too advanced, I mostly used basic shapes such as circles and rectangles.
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.
Requirements:
- Size & resolution: 1280 x 720 (HDTV) 25 fps
- Format: Quicktime H.264
- Duration: 16 seconds
- File: P2_Name.mov
- Submit YouTube Link
This project gave me the opportunity to explore various design principles within the context of motion graphics. I gained a much deeper understanding of how to use Adobe After Effects and apply principles such as symmetry, focus, scale, and rhythm in animation.
Among the pre-compositions, symmetry was the most challenging. I had to carefully maintain visual balance without making the composition feel too static. I researched many references and spent extra time adjusting anchor points to achieve the right look. Despite the effort, I was very satisfied with the final result.
For focus, I initially tried using blur effects to draw the viewer’s attention, but I found that the transition was too fast, which made the key visual point unclear. I learned that pacing and timing are essential in conveying focus effectively.
Thankfully, the ideas I had in mind for scale and rhythm translated well into the animation. They turned out close to how I imagined, which gave me more confidence in my planning and design intuition.
This project also taught me the importance of layering, timing, and visual flow—all key elements in producing smooth motion graphics. In Part 2, remixing the eight pre-compositions into a single 16-second sequence required thoughtful transitions and consistency in style. It was a complex but rewarding process.
Combining different principles while keeping the overall design clear and cohesive was definitely a challenge. I had to plan carefully and experiment with different sequences to ensure each principle retained its unique character while still blending seamlessly.
In conclusion, this motion graphic composition project was a valuable experience that enhanced both my technical skills in animation and creative thinking in visual storytelling.
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