Description
Introduction to methods and processes of creating motion graphics. The focus is on story-telling in a time-based context through ambient and linear narratives. Students will consider how design elements--such as type, image, framing, pacing, rhythm, sequencing, and sound--influence time-based narratives. Students will broaden their individual aesthetics by exploring a variety of mediums and animating with Cavalry and After Effects.
Learning Outcomes
- Enhance the ability to create dynamic and rhythmic visual outcomes
- Learn how to amplify key project concepts through motion
- Achieve proficiency in essential and emerging motion graphics tools
- Develop a deeper ability to analyze professional motion graphics
Courseware
Please check the class website regularly, as it is the main hub for all course materials. It features the latest schedule, lecture slides, workshop resources, and links to sign-up sheets, Slack, and Google Drive for easy access. Weekly homework announcements and reference sharing will be handled via Slack.
Project Submission
All projects should be uploaded to the class Google Drive by the date specified in the class schedule. Files uploaded after this date will be rejected for your semester grade.
Grading
You will receive one-semester grade (A—F) according to the following metric:
- Course assignments & Projects :
clarity of topics and contents, final deliverables, visual ability
- Depth & Breadth :
in-depth research, exploration, curiosity, and experimentation
- Class Participation & Contribution :
actively participate and contribute in class
Disability Statement
Students who have self-identified, provided documentation of their disability, and requested reasonable accommodations may be entitled to receive approved modifications in the classroom, appropriate academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids that enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities. Please see http://www.bu.edu/disability for more details.
Attendance & Absences
Please make every effort to arrive punctually. You must attend all the classes. According to the SVA Attendance Policy, unless specific permission for absence is arranged with the instructor of this course, students must attend class to receive credit for the course. Unexcused absences exceeding 1/4 of the total class hours in a given semester are considered excessive in all SVA courses. Tardiness and any unexcused absences will reduce your course grade. Three unexcused absences will reduce your semester grade by one step (e.g. A- to B+). Seven unexcused absences will earn you a failing grade for the course.
Wellness and Health
Your health and well-being are important for your journey as a professional graphic designer. It is important to work hard and balance that with rest, self-care, and attention to your mental and physical health. I will challenge you in this class through assignments, activities, and discussions. However, the work in this class should not be at the expense of your well-being. If for any reason you are struggling to find balance in your work life and health/wellbeing, please reach out. I am happy to discuss ways in which this class can support you in your learning and growth. You can find more resources provided by BU CFA Mental Health & Wellness Resources.
#1 Five Values
The “Five Values” project aims to familiarize you with motion graphics tools and encourage exploration of various approaches to express meaning through motion. Select “five values” that are most meaningful to you or your design practice and create short looping animations, sized for an Instagram post (1080 x 1080 pixels), to represent each value. To express these values, you may use words or sentences. Experiment with different techniques to find the most effective way to communicate your ideas. The final deliverable will consist of a minimum of five distinct motion graphics, each representing a different value. However, you are welcome to submit additional animations if you’ve explored multiple iterations.
#2 Motion Identity
In this project, you will create a motion identity to promote a festival or event. The type of festival or event is up to you—it can be entirely fictional, a rebranding of an existing one, or an event you plan to organize in the future. Consider how the key concept and values of the event can be emphasized and effectively communicated through your motion brand identity. The final deliverables for this project will include a promotional video of approximately 15 to 30 seconds, a motion poster(s), and an Instagram post(s). You are encouraged to explore diverse and experimental approaches to motion graphics throughout the project.
#3 Animated Infographic
This project explores how motion can be used to effectively communicate information through the creation of an animated infographic. The goal is to visually convey content or data in a clear and engaging manner. You are free to choose any topic that interests you, whether it’s a subject you are passionate about or one related to your thesis. However, selecting a topic that lends itself to clear and creative visual representation is strongly encouraged. The project emphasizes three key aspects: synchronizing motion with music to enhance impact, ensuring the information is easily understood by the audience, and creating smooth transitions between scenes or frames for a cohesive visual flow. The recommended video length is approximately one minute, providing enough time for a concise yet comprehensive presentation. To support your work, you will analyze existing videos to explore various transition techniques and apply them to your own project.