Production Principles – Motion Graphics

For this rotation I chose to use motion graphics to create a short advert for fictional social media site called ‘Connecto’ (there are real businesses with this name but this does not reflect any of those. I chose the name as a generic business title). Initially, I wasn’t sure exactly how this should look, and decided to just go ahead and create it. Then, I planned to edit and reedit everything I’d done until I came to a final product I liked.

In class I used After Affects following our tutor’s tutorial but found it was difficult to use and had such a steep learning curve that I thought it best to use a software I was familiar with instead, especially since I don’t plan to go into motion graphics after this rotation (although it is very interesting). Therefore, I used Camtasia which is not at all made for motion graphics. However, it went pretty well! I was able to simulate movement and tried my best to make assets ease in and out.

One motion graphics project I really liked was ‘Relationshapes’ by NERDO (available at https://vimeo.com/310818440). Not all of this is motion graphics but some parts are. I really liked how simple yet impactful it was and wanted to capture the same energy.

Images from ‘Relationships’ by NERDO

Final Piece:

Music (“Advertising Upbeat Corporate Happy Long”) by Zakhar from Pixabay.

Link to final film: https://vimeo.com/642461613

Final Reflection:

Note: this is the same writing from my final production principles PDF.

I think this outcome could have been better. Although it completes the brief, I would have liked to achieve a higher standard and feel my outcome could have been more refined. I am happy with the colours and music I chose, as I have experience with colour theory and video editing, but the actual movement could have been more ambitious.

I found this process very challenging, and really struggled to understand the concept of motion graphics as well as the software. I am much more focussed on 2D work animation rather than anything graphics based, but after many setbacks I did manage to create my end product to a decent standard. If I were to do this again, I would spend longer trying to learn After Effects and ask people more familiar with it for some help.

I decided to create an advert for a fictional social media website for this rotation. Conceptually, this was a simple, achievable idea that I knew I could do within the week set. However, a lot of social media adverts are quite bland, so I think I should have chosen a topic more exciting to give me more room to experiment and create something much more fun.

My overall experience was difficult yet interesting. I enjoyed learning a new art medium, but found it extremely challenging to get into the mindset of a motion graphics animator. If I were to do this again, I’d pick a more intriguing concept as well as as people familiar with motion graphics software for more help.