Week 8 Links & Notes
(specific to this week)

Live Sessions This Week:

📺 Watch: Mon 10.13 Review + Live 15s Crit Recording → [Watch Here] – 15m

Looking Ahead (Week 9)

Next live (recorded) session: Mon Oct. 20th @ noon (only live session in Week 9)
*non-holiday weeks we will meet on Mondays

This week’s deadlines:
Monday, Oct. 20th @ noon

Next week, Project 2 is due at the end of the week, and we will begin Project 3.

Weekly Content

Week 8 (though not required, it is recommended you move through in sequence. All items need to be completed by the end of the week):

1. Attend or watch a recording of Monday Zoom. We will review this week’s content.
   
   SECTION I – The Motion Script (moved to next week)
   
2. This content was moved to next week to allow less project overlap. Next week, we will ideate our P3 themes and write our first narrative draft, but we are using this week to focus fully on completing as much of P2 as possible. Keep in mind, there is an inevitable slight project overlap next week.
   
   SECTION II – P2 Development
   
3. Continue development of P2: Principles of Design in Motion
4. Review P2 Submission Guidelines.
5. Due Wed.: P2 Crit #2 –Participate in Monday Zoom Critique or Post/Comment to Discussion Board on D2L “P2: 15s” by Monday @noon. Comment on 3 others by Wednesday @noon (if you do not attend Monday’s ZOOM). You only need to participate in one or the other.
6. Due Mon. 10.20: 30s of P2 development in AE (post to Vimeo – and medium, if possible)
7. Due Mon. 10.20: 30s Critique: P2 Crit #2: IF you do not plan to participate in next Monday’s Zoom critique, you are required to post your 30s to our critique
8. Due next Wed. 10.22: (post by Mon @ noon / 3 comments by next Wed @ noon). Post your link to your uploaded motion or Vimeo file and describe your audio and how you want it to feel. Make a note if you are looking for feedback on anything specific.
   
   SECTION III – AE
   
   9. Due Mon 10.20: Complete and submit Exercise 3
   10. Watch Demo AE Videos
   11. Review AE Resources

SECTION II – P2

3. Project 2: Principles of Design in Motion – due: Monday 10.27 (extended)

Continue development of P2: Principles of Design in Motion (due at the end of week 9). This week, we will focus on the development of our motion designs with our final 30s critique.

4. 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
  • In zipped folder, final rationale
• All process work (PDFs, JPEGs, PNGs) needs to be on Medium post (not in zipped folder)
  • 20 themes
  • thumbnails/brainstorming/mindmaps
  • storyboard
  • 3 style frames (resubmit in this folder)
  • motion iterations

SECTION III – AE

10. AE Demos

In After Effects, this week we will review Cameras + Light Layers, 3D layers, compound shapes, merge paths

11. AE Resources

• Parallax Effect in After Effects (this method uses null layer parenting)
• Cameras in After Effects | School of Motion
• Camera and Lights in AE | Adobe Helpx
• One vs. Two-Node Camera
• After Effects Merge Paths

Video Footage Resources

• Free Stock Creative Commons Videos 
• Stock Video | Pexels
• Stock Video | Videovo
• Stock Video | Pixabay
• Light and Dust Overlays
• 10 Free Glitch Sound Effects

Week 7 Links & Notes
(specific to this week)

📹 Watch Now: Week 7 Review (pre-recorded) → [Watch Here] 40m – required

Live Sessions This Week:

📺 Watch: Mon 9.29 Review + Live Styleframe Crit Recording → [Watch Here]

Looking Ahead (Week 8)

Next live (recorded) session: Mon Oct. 13th @ noon (only live session in Week 8)
*non-holiday weeks we will meet on Mondays

This week’s deadlines:
Monday, Oct. 13th @ noon

Next week, for P2, we will work towards our 15s P2 crit on a Zoom or Discussion Board Critique. We will also begin discussing P3 so you can begin considering your topic. No process work will be due for P3 until after we complete P2.

Weekly Content

Week 7 (though not required, it is recommended you move through in sequence. All items need to be complete by the end of the week):

1. Watch Weekly review recording (above). We will review this week’s content.
   
   SECTION I – Context
   
2. Review of Context Resources
   
   SECTION II – P2
   
3. Continue development of P2: Principles of Design in Motion
4. Define 3 descriptive words. Post to or share to your 15s critique.
5. Due Mon 10.13@noon: Audio Selection (post to Medium)
6. Due Mon 10.13@noon: 15s of P2 development in AE (post to Vimeo – and medium, if possible)
7. Due Mon 10.13@noon: 15s Critique: P2 Crit #2: IF you do not plan to participate in next Monday’s Zoom critique, you are required to post to our critique (post by Mon @ noon / 3 comments by next Wed @ noon). Post your link to your uploaded Vimeo file (or upload) and describe your audio and how you want it to feel. Make note if you are looking for feedback on anything specific.
8. Due Thurs 10.9 @noon: P2 Crit #1 – Styleframes+Storyboard -Comment on 3 others by Thursday@noon (if you do not attend Wednesday’s ZOOM). You only need to participate in one or the other.
   
   SECTION III – AE
   
9. Watch Demo AE Videos
10. Review After Effects Resources
11. Due Mon 10.20@noon: Exercise 3

SECTION I – Context

2. Context Resources

Following up from last week’s content, let’s revisit the principles of design and animation together here. Watch:

• Review: 2025 Motion Design Trends
  • Check out Bennett Pimpinella who paints directly on film!
  • Check out this style by Podenco that explores collages.
    • Consider: What trends resonate with you? How might imperfections enhance storytelling?

SECTION II – P2

P2 Process Work

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

• 5. Audio Selection – Include a link to your audio choice (or upload) post to the bottom of your P2 Ideation Story on Medium
• 7. P2 Styleframe Critique Feedback – add more
• 4. If you haven’t yet defined how to articulate your concept, clarify 3 Words to Describe your work as we move into development.
• 6. 15s of Project 1 rendered and uploaded to Vimeo WITH your audio. If necessary, continue revising storyboard or styleframes per the feedback received in crits this past week.
• 7. 15s Critique: P2 Crit #2 –Participate in Monday Zoom Critique or Post/Comment to Discussion Board on D2L “P2: 15s of Development” (post by Mon @ noon / 3 comments by Wed @ noon. In D2L, go to Communications > Discussions). You only need to participate in the D2L critique if you do attend the Monday Zoom. Post your link to your uploaded Vimeo file and describe your audio and how you want it to feel. Make note if you are looking for feedback on anything specific.

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?

SECTION III – AE

9. 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)

Week 6 Links & Notes
(specific to this week)

Live Sessions This Week:

📺 Watch: Mon 9.29 Review → [Watch Here]

Looking Ahead (Week 7)

Weekly review will be pre-recorded, and week 7 will open Tues. Oct. 7th @noon due to In Service Day on Mon. October 6th.
Next live (recorded) session: Wed. Oct 8th @ noon (only live session in Week 7)

This week’s deadlines:
Tuesday, Oct. 7th @ noon

Next week, we have Exercise 3, numerous AE demos, and continue our P2 development.

Next week, for P2, we will revise our storyboards, 2s motion test (Wednesday), and move on to developing our first 10–15s of P2 (Monday) for a Zoom or Discussion Board Critique. Next week includes additional AE Demos on Compound shapes, merge paths, trim paths, 3D shapes.

Weekly Content

Week 6 (though not required, it is recommended you move through in sequence. All items need to be complete by the of week):

1. Attend or watch recording of Monday Zoom. We will review this week’s content.
   
   SECTION I – Transitions
   
2. Review of Transition Resources
   
   SECTION II – P2
   
3. Continue development of P2: Principles of Design in Motion
4. Due next Tues 10.7: Project 2 ideation (brainstorming, mindmaps, sketches to Medium)
5. Due next Tues 10.7: 3 Styleframes (post to Medium)
6. Due next Tues 10.7: Rough Storyboard (post to Medium)
7. Due next Tues 10.7: Post your 3 styleframes and storyboard to D2L “P2: Styleframes & Storyboard” by Tues @noon OR attend next Wednesday’s ZOOM Critique.
   
   Looking ahead (next Tues–Thurs): P2 Crit #1 – Styleframes -Comment on 3 others by Thursday@noon (if you do not attend Wednesday’s ZOOM). You only need to participate in one or the other.
   
   SECTION III – AE
   
8. Watch Demo AE Videos
9. Review After Effects Resources
10. Begin Exercise 3 (due Mon. Oct 13th)

SECTION I – TRANSITIONS

P2 Process Work

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

• 4.Project 2 Initial Exploration:
  • Brainstorm 20 different themes. Then, select 8 principles and create 3 Mind Maps based on your top 3 themes; Consider the animation principles that may be used to correspond with each design principle. Research all principles and decide on a theme that can connect all of the ideas together and demonstrate the principles. Begin thumbnails for the top 3 themes.
  • Narrow to 1 concept after exploring and documenting 3 ideations.
  • Continue thumbnail sketches on 1 theme (brainstorm the animation principles that may be used to correspond with each design principle). Begin exploring concepts.

• 5. 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 Medium Process story you created last week.
• 6. Rough Storyboard: (suggested methods: index cards OR .ai artboards OR storyboarding paper above): Brings together the script with the visuals. Indicate framing, as well as how elements will enter, exit, move throughout the frame. Minimum of 12 frames (title slide + 8 principles + consider transitions)
• Optional: Create 1 moodboard on top 1 concept (include type exploration, image/illustration style, color, keywords).
• 7. P2 Crit #1 –Post your 3 styleframes and rough storyboard to Discussion Board on D2L “P2: Styleframes” (post by next Tues @ noon / 3 comments by Thurs @ noon. In D2L, go to Communications > Discussions). You only need to participate in the D2L critique if you do attend next Wednesday’s noon Zoom Critique.
  
  Looking ahead (next Tues-Thurs): P2 Crit #1 -Comment on 3 others by Thursday@noon (if you do not attend Wednesday’s live ZOOM). You only need to participate in one or the other.

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 on the principles within 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: How can 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.)

8. AE Demos

In After Effects, this week we will review Pen Tool, Bezier Shapes, Adjustment Layers, Masks on images, Effects + Presets

9. AE Resources

1. File Setup and Management:
Create a Composition: Set the duration to 5-10 seconds with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Background: Choose a background image or texture that supports your concept (Unsplash, Lost and Taken, or similar).
File Management: Organize your project files appropriately for ease of use and efficiency.

2. Theme: Transformation Transition:
Concept: Define what is transforming (an object, mood, or scene).
Decide how the change begins, how it progresses, and how it ends.
Make sure the viewer can see the evolution—don’t just “cut” between unrelated images.

3. Image Selection and Masking:
Select 3–5 Images: Choose 3-5 images from Old Book Illustrations, Unsplash, or personal photos that represent different stages of your transformation.
Masking Techniques: Mask at least one image using the pen tool. The other images can be masked using different techniques (e.g., shape masks or track mattes). Integrate the images so they feel like part of the same space or visual world.

4. Effects and Text:
Transformation Effects: Apply 1-3 effects per image that reflect or enhance the transformation theme (e.g., blur, color shift, distortion). Make sure the effects contribute to the narrative and don't overwhelm the composition.
Quote and Text Effects: Choose a quote that relates to your transformation theme. Animate the text using 1-2 effects (e.g., opacity changes, scaling) to integrate it into the composition.

5. Motion and Transitions:
Animate and Choreograph: Ensure smooth transitions between the images, with thoughtful use of scaling, rotation, or position changes. Each image should enter and exit the composition in a way that emphasizes the transformation.
Overall Flow: Pay attention to timing so that the elements move harmoniously, avoiding any dead space or abrupt transitions.

6. Rendering and Submission:
Render Your Composition: Render in H.264 format using the Vimeo 1080 preset. Upload to D2L + Vimeo (if possible). If possible, submit the link via D2L.