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
- Review: 4 Types of Transitions in Motion Graphics
- Review: 6 Essential Motion Design Transitions
- Review Match Cuts: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/match-cuts
After Effects Demo + Exercise
Raw Inspiration:
- Watch After Effects Top 20 Effects (these are many I planned to demo in a short 10m video)
- Review After Effects Effect List
- Read Effects and Animation Presets in After Effects
- After Effects User Guide
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
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.
Exercise 3 Rubric
| Exercise #3: Power of Transformation | WEAK / MISSING | AVERAGE | GOOD | EXCEPTIONAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theme Execution (Transformation): Demonstrates a clear, cohesive transformation or evolution in the composition. | 0 | 2.25 | 2.5 | 3 |
| 3–5 Images Selection and Masking: Thoughtful image choice, with clean, effective use of the pen tool and alternative masking techniques. | 0 | 2.25 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Effects and Text: Appropriate application of image and text effects that enhance the transformation without overwhelming the design. | 0 | 2.25 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Motion and Transitions + File Setup/Duration: Smooth transitions, pacing, well-timed movements, composition duration (8-10s), and accurate dimensions (1920 x 1080). | 0 | 2.25 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Formal Design Qualities: Effective use of color, space, image, and typography to create a visually cohesive and polished composition. | 0 | 2.25 | 2.5 | 3 |
Due Next Class:
- P2 3 Styleframes (not flexible)
- P2 Rough Storyboard (flexible): minimum of 12 frames (title slide + 8 principles + consider transitions)
- Thursday 10.2 will be a remote critique and studio. Zoom Link: https://pennwest-edu.zoom.us/j/92633765683
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