Category: on-ground

10.28 | motion infographics

Due Today: Ideation (mood board), Research, Narrative Script, and Big Idea for P3, rough storyboard

For Today:
  • Cass is out today. Watch lecture below on motion infographics.
  • Narrative Script Reviews are moved to Thursday
  • Create your 3 styleframes and post to Medium. Post all process work to Mediun.

Motion Infographics

This week focuses on motion infographics as you move into designing your styleframes and storyboards.

6-motion-infographics

How to Write Sources in Motion:

Narrative Draft Review:
Provide comprehensive feedback on 3 narrative drafts. Be pithy—use as few words as possible for voice-overs. Keep the script lean and let the visuals do most of the talking. Write and rewrite. Narrow your concept, outline your story in 5 sentences. (It is okay if you have more than 5 sentences to support your idea, but keep in mind the 60–90s duration).

1. Is the focus of the topic narrow enough? Are we trying to answer ONE question?
2. Does the draft help the viewer cross the threshold/care/hook them (emotional, surprising statistic, relevant question or quote, metaphor, story, provocative statement, incite curiosity, intriguing visual, “imagine” statement)?
3. Is there a clear stance (position)?
4. How can the transformation be strengthened?
5. Is there a clear call to action?
6. Does this topic relate to the audience (this may overlap with question 2)?
7. Other comments…
(Reviewer – include your name)

Script Review Teams:
(will determine during class)

If you haven’t yet defined how to articulate your concept, clarify 3 Words to Describe your work | Resource 2 as we move into development.

Due Next Class

  • Storyboard: While your storyboard isn’t due until next week, brainstorm your storyboard while writing your script. “One line doesn’t always equal a single frame.”  Post to Medium.
  • Continue revising your narrative draft through next week. Be pithy—use as few words as possible for voice-overs. Keep the script lean and let the visuals do most of the talking. Write and rewrite. Narrow your complete, outline your story in 5 sentences. (It is okay if you have more than 5 sentences to support your idea, but keep in mind the 60–90s duration). Post to Medium.
  • 3 styleframes (critique on 10.31). 3 Styleframes (1920px x 1080px): A single, STATIC frame that depicts the look and feel. Visual considerations coalesce with narrative, composition, and motion. All choices must be rooted in concept. Each styleframe should be a completely different visual direction and may pull from different conceptual directions. Using the same layout/composition, and simply changing the typeface will result in a grade deduction. Spend time creating three completely different visual directions, and avoid committing to “your favorite” too early on. Each direction should be strong. You will more than likely need to explore more than 3 visual directions to result in 3 strong directions. Consider breaking your design time into a minimum of two sessions (an initial sprint + a refinement session). Upload to the bottom of your P3 Medium Process story.
Project 3 Schedule (100 pts)
  1. 10.28 – due: Narrative Script + Storyboard for review + Ideation (thumbs, mood boards)
  2. 10.30 – due: 3 styleframes – split crit (half studio); ae demo
  3. 11.4 – crit (first 15s); ae demo: motion tracking
  4. 11.6 – lecture: motion unconstrained; ae demo: motion tracking / stop motion / introduce p4 to start idea generation
  5. 11.11 – final crit (30s)
  6. 11.13 or 11.18 – due: P3 
  7. 11.18 – p4 brainstorming / mood boards / 20 sketches

10.23 | on-ground | p3 motion script

For Today: Continue P3: Motion Infographic-Explainer. Discuss: Motion Infographics

Due Today: Research on 3/2/1 ideas

Today, we will begin writing our first drafts of our narrative script and big ideas.

6-motion-infographics

Motion Infographic Examples:

 

Motion Script Resources:

Due Next Class:

    • Write out your BIG IDEA (for 1 idea): What is your topic, who is your audience, and what transformation do you want for them. This is the seed for your concept. Must include the 4 points below. Post your big idea to Medium.
      1. topic
      2. position
      3. audience
      4. transformation
    • Post first script DRAFT + big idea here: P3_Narrative_scripts_F25.pptx
    • Storyboard Draft: Brainstorm your storyboard while writing your script.  “One line doesn’t always equal a single frame.”
Project 3 Schedule (100 pts)
  1. 10.21 – due: brainstorming/ideation on 3/2/1 ideas; P3 Small Group Discussions; Discuss: Writing a Strong Narrative
  2. 10.23 – due: Big Idea (topic/position/audience/transformation); Discuss: Motion Infographics
  3. 10.28 – due: Narrative Script + Storyboard for review + Ideation (thumbs, mood boards)
  4. 10.30 – due: 3 styleframes – split crit (half studio); ae demo
  5. 11.4 – crit (first 15s); ae demo: motion tracking
  6. 11.6 – lecture: motion unconstrained; ae demo: motion tracking / stop motion / introduce p4 to start idea generation
  7. 11.11 – final crit (30s)
  8. 11.13 or 11.18 – due: P3 
  9. 11.18 – p4 brainstorming / mood boards / 20 sketches

10.21 | begin p3

Final Project 2: Principles of Motion Graphics. Before class, upload your final zipped folder of files to “Project 2: Principles of Motion Graphics” folder on D2L. Have your final files: .aep, movie rendering, design board in a folder named “lastname_p2_PrinciplesofMG.” Upload to Vimeo before class, if possible. Be prepared to present your concept.

For Today:
  • P2 Final Presentations (Deadline 1 of 2)
  • Begin P3: Motion Infographic-Explainer. This week, we will learn about writing a narrative script, research THREE topics, narrow to our top ONE direction, and write our first draft of our narrative script.
  • Writing Sources in Motion
narrative-script

P3 Student Examples

Motion Script Resources:

Inspiration Resources:

How to Write Sources in Motion:

Due Next Class 10.23
  • Read: How to Create Engaging Motion Graphics
  • Brainstorm/Ideation
    • for 3 ideas – concept/visual brainstorming (in the past, I’ve required research on 3 topics, but this term, I’d like you to spend some time brainstorming/ideating on 3 directions you could go in with research as needed). Document rough sketches/brainstorming/ideation.
    • for 2 ideas – create 2 mind maps – 1 should be more robust as you narrow to 1 idea. Post 2 mind maps.
    • for 1 idea – sketches and research. For research, collect statistics, facts, and credible info to support your topic. Post more resolved sketches and research. It’s okay if you don’t have this step done, but do some initial research and bring in your ideas and prepare to discuss.

Due Next Tuesday 10.28:

  • Write out your BIG IDEA (for 1 idea): What is your topic, who is your audience, and what transformation do you want for them. This is the seed for your concept. Must include the 4 points below. Post your big idea to Medium.
    1. topic
    2. position
    3. audience
    4. transformation
  • Post first script DRAFT + big idea here: File TBD
  • Storyboard Draft: Brainstorm your storyboard while writing your script.  “One line doesn’t always equal a single frame.”

For Next Thursday 10.30:

  • Write your second draft of your narrative script. Be pithy—use as few words as possible for voice-overs. Keep the script lean and let the visuals do most of the talking. Write and rewrite. After your complete, outline your story in 5 sentences. Create entire narrative and condensed, 5-sentence narrative and post to Medium.
  • 3 Styleframes
Project 3 Schedule (100 pts)
  1. 10.21 – due: brainstorming/ideation on 3/2/1 ideas; P3 Small Group Discussions; Discuss: Writing a Strong Narrative
  2. 10.23 – due: Big Idea (topic/position/audience/transformation); Discuss: Motion Infographics
  3. 10.28 – due: Narrative Script + Storyboard for review + Ideation (thumbs, mood boards)
  4. 10.30 – due: 3 styleframes – split crit (half studio); ae demo
  5. 11.4 – crit (first 15s); ae demo: motion tracking
  6. 11.6 – lecture: motion unconstrained; ae demo: motion tracking / stop motion / introduce p4 to start idea generation
  7. 11.11 – final crit (30s)
  8. 11.13 or 11.18 – due: P3 
  9. 11.18 – p4 brainstorming / mood boards / 20 sketches

Project 4 Schedule (50 pts)

  1. 11.6 – introduce P4 /Lecture: Motion Unconstrained
  2. 11.18 – demo backup: stop motion; due: brainstorm 3 events + keywords list, 3 mood boards + 20 sketches for selected event(type, color, imagery, texture, etc)
    • 11.25 – no class; Friday classes
    • 11.27 – no class; thanksgiving break
  3. 12.2 – 2 static designs + storyboards crit + initial motion test crit
  4. 12.4 – Final Crit – Motion Poster
  5. 12.6 – due: P4

10.16 | on-ground | p2 studio

Due Today: E3 Due at 4:45 (end of class)

For Today:

  • Discuss P3: Motion Infographic-Explainer. Next week, we will learn about writing a narrative script, research THREE topics, narrow to our top ONE direction, and write our first draft of our narrative script.
  • Studio

Due Next Class: 

  • Final Project 3
  • Consider P3 topics that might interest you over the weekend.

Due next Thursday (P3):

  • for 3 ideas – concept/visual brainstorming (in the past, I’ve required research on 3 topics, but this term, I’d like you to spend some time brainstorming/ideating on 3 directions you could go in with research as needed). Document rough sketches/brainstorming/ideation.
  • for 2 ideas – create 2 mind maps – 1 should be more robust as you narrow to 1 idea. Post 2 mind maps.
  • for 1 idea – sketches and research. For research, collect statistics, facts, and credible info to support your topic. Post more resolved sketches and research. It’s okay if you don’t have this step done, but do some initial research and bring in your ideas and prepare to discuss.

P3 Student Examples

Project 2 Schedule

10.16 – P2 Studio; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations;

10.14 | on-ground | p2 final crit, cameras + light layers

Due Today: 20-30s for Full Class Critique (posted to Vimeo before class)

http://motion.cassreese.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/camera-demo-1.zip

 

camera-demo-1Download

For Today: AE Demo: Cameras + Light Layers, Full Class Critique

Secondary Sound: https://motionographer.com/2013/10/02/leftchannel-motion-2013-opener/

P2_Principles_of_Motion_Graphics-1
 
Focus for Critique:

CONCEPT:
What is the overarching idea (thinking, logic, thread) for your design?

NARRATIVE:
What is happening in each scene? Is each principles of motion graphics clear? Does the movie have a clear beginning/middle/end?

TIMING:
Look at speed and feel for "sticky spots." Does everything flow? Do any areas feel too slow/fast? 

TRANSITIONS:
Do any scenes enter/exit at the wrong time? Are there any transitions that seem out of place or lacking?

FORMAL CHOICES: Then…how are your design choices communicating the above? Type, color, imagery, etc. Is there unity throughout? Color coding? How did the designer use repetition with variation through the sequence?

Due Next Class: Exercise 3, Continue finalization of P2 for your deadline

P2 Final Submission Guidelines – For Review
  • Project 2 Final: Final motion design uploaded to Vimeo. Upload your final files in a ZIPPED folder named “lastname_p2_lastname_p2_PODinMotion” to the assignments folder on D2L “Project 2”.
    • In zipped folder, FINAL .aep file
    • In zipped folder, FINAL movie rendering @1080p or 720p (do not need process renderings)
    • In zipped folder, Design Boards (file for download) *remember to revise subtext and save as PDF
  • All process work (PDFs, JPEGs, PNGs) needs to be on Medium post (not in zipped folder)
    • 20 themes
    • thumbnails/brainstorming/mindmaps/moodboard
    • storyboard
    • 3 style frames (resubmit in this folder)
    • motion iterations
Project 2 Schedule

10.14 – Crit #3 – 20–30s; AE Demo: Camera & Light Layers
10.16 – P2 Studio; Exercise 3 due; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations

10.9 | puppet pin, trim paths, repeaters


For Today: AE Demo: Puppet Pin tool, Repeaters, trim paths

AE Demos

In After Effects, this week we will learn about trim paths, repeaters, and the puppet pin tool. Please watch the video below and review the resources.

  • Download: bird.png (for “3. Puppet Pin Tool” Demo)
AE Resources

Today’s Resources

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Due Next Class: 

  • P2: 20-30s of development for final critique
  • Watch #11 light layers demo under Video Demos above

Extended to end of class next Thursday: Exercise 3 (upload to D2l + Vimeo)

Project 2 Schedule

10.9  – AE Demo: Puppet Pin, Trim Paths, Repeaters
10.14 – Crit #3 – 20–30s; AE Demo: Camera & Light Layers
10.16 – P2 Studio; Exercise 3 due; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations

10.7 | on-ground | image masks, adjustment layers, effects + p2 10s crit

Due Today: P2 7–10s

For Today:

AE Demo: Adjustment Layers/Masks on Images/Effects

  • 7–10s discussion “paper” crit
    • How do you want this to feel?
    • What is your concept? Could it be strengthened?
    • 3 areas that are most successful and 3 areas that could use further refinement.
    • If you do not have one, brainstorm an idea for ALL principles together.
Focus for Critique:

CONCEPT: What is the overarching idea (thinking, logic, thread) for your design? NARRATIVE: What is happening in each scene? Is each principles of motion graphics clear? Does the movie have a clear beginning/middle/end?

TIMING: Look at speed and feel for "sticky spots." Does everything flow? Do any areas feel too slow/fast?

TRANSITIONS: Do any scenes enter/exit at the wrong time? Are there any transitions that seem out of place or lacking?

FORMAL CHOICES: Then…how are your design choices communicating the above? Type, color, imagery, etc. Is there unity throughout? Color coding? How did the designer use repetition with variation through the sequence?

AE Demos

demo-filesDownload

demo-filesDownload

After Effects Demo

AE Resources (for review)

Due Next Tuesday: 

  • P2 progress (30s next class with audio)

Due Next Tuesday: Exercise 3

Project 2 Schedule

10.7 –  Crit #2 – 10s / revised storyboard
AE Demo; Image Masks/Effects
10.9  – AE Demo: Puppet Pin, Trim Paths, Repeaters
10.14 – Crit #3 – 20–30s, Exercise 3 due; AE Demo: Camera & Light Layers
10.16 – P2 Studio; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations

10.2 |remote p2 styleframe crit

Due Today: P2 3 Styleframes + Rough Storyboard

Illustrator to After Effects

For Today:

Focus for Critique: 

TOPIC: What is the theme you are using to communicate the principles.What is the overarching idea (thinking, logic, thread) for your design? Brainstorm with your group a 1–2+ ideas for each of the principles with your theme. (for example: If your theme is a game of pool, alignment could show the balls aligning together. If your theme is a designer's process of creating, alignment could show the final works pinned on the wall together in alignment.)

STYLEFRAMES: Which styleframe is most successful in communicating the visual style for your theme? Type, color, imagery, etc. Is there unity throughout? Color coding? Suggestions for improvement. 

MOTION: Brainstorm ideas for how the motion could communicate the theme. (for example: A nature theme might connect the motion to the movement of growing. A magic show theme could connect the motion to the forms appear or disappearing.)

Due Next Class (10.7): 

  • Revised, completed Storyboards and first 7-10s (rough development – start with title scene (principles of design in motion) and first 1–2 principles.)
  • Render before class and bring headphones.

Due 9.30 (extended to 10.7 due to later deadline listed in another post) – Exercise 2
Due 10.14 – Exercise 3

Project 2 Schedule

10.2 – Remote Crit #1 – 3 Styleframes / rough Storyboard
10.7 –  Crit #2 – 7-10s / revised storyboard
AE Demo; Image Masks/Effects
10.9  – AE Demo: Puppet Pin, Trim Paths, Repeaters
10.14 – Crit #3 – 20–30s, Exercise 3 due; AE Demo: Camera & Light Layers
10.16 – P2 Studio; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations

9.30 | paths + studio

PenTool.psdDownload

Due Today: P2 theme selection, ideation (brainstorming, sketches, mind maps, mood boards)

For Today:

  • AE Demo: Review Pen Tool/Bezier Shapes
  • Assign Exercise 3
  • Small Groups for P2 Ideation
  • Studio for Exercise #3 + P2 Styleframes

Transitions

After Effects Demo + Exercise

Raw Inspiration: 

E3

Exercise 3: The Power of Transformation (15pts)

This is the third of 4 exercises in this course. Please review the requirements and rubric before beginning.

This exercise challenges you to explore visual change over time—turning one thing into another in a way that feels intentional and connected.

Objective: Create a 5–10 second composition that clearly shows a transformation or evolution.
Transformation can be:

  • Literal: Object A becomes Object B (e.g., a caterpillar turning into a butterfly).
  • Conceptual: A feeling or idea changes (e.g., anger dissolving into calm).
  • Environmental: A scene changes over time (e.g., night becomes day, seasons shift).

Your goal is to show that change in a way the viewer can follow—avoid random image swaps. Every element should help tell the story of “before → after.”

Narrative: Define a clear visual story that shows the evolution of your objects and images. Avoid random placements—each element should have a purpose in the transformation process.

Tips: Think of this as a “mini-story”: beginning (current state), middle (change happening), and end (new state). No need for complex characters: focus on simple imagery that shows clear “before/after.” Less can be more: keep it simple, but make sure each step feels connected. Use transformation effects with purpose: don’t just add effects randomly—ask, “Does this help show the change?”

How to Show the Transformation:
You can create transitions in many ways, for example:

  • Opacity / Dissolve: one image slowly fades out while the next fades in
  • Morph-like Motion: scale, rotate, or warp elements so they appear to “become” something new
  • Color & Effects: use a color shift, blur, or distortion to signal change
  • Mask Reveals: animate masks or track mattes to reveal the next image underneath
  • Position / Motion Paths: slide one image out while the next slides in, making them overlap for continuity

Use transformation effects with purpose—ask, “Does this help show the change?”

Exercise 3 Instructions

Exercise 3 Rubric

Due Next Class: 

Project 2 Schedule

9.30– AE Demo: Animated Paths; P2 process small group Crit #1
10.2 – Remote Crit #1 – 3 Styleframes / rough Storyboard
10.7 –  Crit #2 – 10s / revised storyboard; Exercise 2 due (extended)
AE Demo; Image Masks/Effects
10.9  – AE Demo: Puppet Pin, Trim Paths, Repeaters
10.14 – Crit #3 – 20–30s, Exercise 3 due; AE Demo: Camera & Light Layers
10.16 – P2 Studio; Begin P3
10.21 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentations

Exercise 2 (submit via D2L) is due Tuesday, Oct 7th

9.25 | principles of mg – p2

Due Today: Project 1

For Today:

  • P1 Final Presentations: Approx 1 minute—briefly describe concept (narrative, mood, contrast, and formal) and formal choices.
  • Introduce P2: Principles of Design in Motion

4-principles-of-motion-graphics

Today’s Resources:

P2 Examples

Project 2 Schedule

9.25 – Begin P2; Lecture: Principles of Motion Graphics
9.30 – E2 due; AE Demo: Animated Paths/Image Masks/Effects; Exercise 3 (due 10.14); P2 process small group Crit #1
10.2 – Crit #2 – 3 Styleframes / rough Storyboard
10.7 –  AE Demo: Cameras; Exercise 4 (due 10.21); Crit #2 – 10s / revised storyboard
10.9  – Crit #3 – 20–30s
10.14 – P2 Studio
10.16 – SUBMIT P2; Final Presentation; Begin P3

Due Next Class:

Post/Post to a NEW story called “Principles of Design in Motion: Ideation” on Medium. How to post on Medium.