11.20 | studios + p4 ideation

Due Today: 3 event ideas, keyword list, 2 mood boards (type, color, imagery, texture, etc.), 20 sketches (10 per concept)

Motion Final Survey

For Today: Discuss MotionDesigners in the Field; Small groups on P4 ideation

In-Class Ideation Session

Clarify Intent: Write one sentence per event describing the emotion, message, or question you want viewers to feel. Which feels stronger right now, and why?
Split into two groups (narrative vs. abstract, or similar design approach).

Group Work:

Mood Board Share (10-12m) Everyone shows both mood boards (2m each). Group’s respond to:
- What’s the clearest message or emotion you see? Anything feel visually or conceptually mismatched?
- What visual directions stand out (color, style, mood)?
- Which concept feels more motion friendly, and why?
Sketches (20m). The group selects
- Top 2 sketches with the strongest storytelling.
- 1 sketch that could be refined.
- 1 sketch that doesn’t align with the started intention.
  - Discuss: What feeling is this sketch trying to create? Where does the eye want to move first? What movement does this imply?
  - Ask:
    - What if the poster revealed itself in layers / folds / wipes…?
    - What if the analog component inspired the digital? Or vice versa?
    - What if you used scale / perspective / silhouettes / abstraction…?
    - What if the typography moved like the theme?
    - You should leave with 3-5 new ways to push your best ideas.
Mini Check in with Cass:
- Share which concept feels the most aligned to the mood board.
- Discuss where you seem stuck or avoiding clarity.
Motion Strategy Sketching
- In groups, quickly sketch (2–3 each) possible motion tests for their top concept:
  - Type entering the frame
  - Shape transformations
  - Symbolic gestures
  - Rhythm ideas
  - Transitions
Before end of class:
- Which two concepts would you like to move forward with? Why?
- In my motion test, I will explore _____ (transitions/type reveal/texture. shifts/ symbolic movements).
- Storyboard beats (3-6 simple frames).
Final reflection: Is there a part of the project you’re avoiding because it intimidates you? What’s one action you can take to help you move through the resistance?
- Examples: Saying what a piece is actually about, Clarity of message, Doing more than one iteration, Sticking with the first idea that “looks cool”, Avoiding 20 sketches cecause you’re afraid the best idea hasn’t shown up yet, Not reworking messy concepts, Avoiding questions like “what movement does this imply”? or “where should the viewer enter”?, focusing on techniques instead of intention, picking effects that looks flashy even if they don’t belong, jumping into animation before having a clear plan, afraid of showing work too early, committing to a typeface, committing to a hierarchy, creating symbolic movements that say something, choosing how things enter/exit the frame, deciding how type resolves, thinking about how sound shapes viewer’s emotions, letting peers question your intentions, admitting when you’re confused, letting go of an idea that isn’t working,

MOTION IN THE FIELD

Today, we explore the work of creative professionals and studios shaping the motion design industry. These artists and organizations demonstrate diverse styles, techniques, and applications of motion design worldwide:

Stephen Ong (UK) – Playful and inventive animations
Devon Moodley (Amsterdam) – Cutting-edge motion graphics
Marta Anzana (UK) – Dynamic and visually stunning motion designs
Nuria Boj | podcast episode (Scotland)

Studios:

Tendril (Toronto, Canada) – Animation and design studio blending art and technology – created dynamic brand films for ESPN College Football Playoffs
Addict (Amsterdam & Mumbai)
Abstract Groove (Milan, Italy) – Known for storytelling through striking visuals and sound.
Imaginary Forces (Los Angeles, CA) – Iconic studio shaping the motion design landscape – produced iconic title sequences for films and television such as “Mad Men” and “Stranger Things“
Psyop (Los Angeles, CA) – Cutting-edge animation with a focus on narrative depth. – campaigns for brands including Coca-Cola, Nike, and Apple
Big Film Design (New York, NY) – Known for cinematic motion design solutions.
Brand New Schools (NYC & LA) – Multi-disciplinary studio fusing animation and live-action. Specializes in commercials, interactive media, branding consultation, and design. – projects include Google, Nike, and Starbucks
Territory Studios (London) – known for its visual effects, motion graphics, and design work. – on-screen graphics and user interfaces for sci-fi films like “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Digital Kitchen (Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA) – marketing company focusing on design, motion graphics, and film within the commercial, network, and entertainment industries. –recognized for title works such as “True Blood,” “Dexter,” and “Six Feet Under,” and have worked with clients like HBO, AT&T, and Microsoft.
Universal Everything (Sheffield, England) – studio utilizes modern technologies to create large-scale experiential works– collaborating with brands like Chanel, Nike, and Apple, and contributing to the moving image identity for the London Olympic Games 2012.

Detroit Studios:

Yeah Haus – animation meets motion design with an illustrative 2D style
Lunar North – graphic design meets 3D animation
Gunner – team-based approach // variety of animation and motion design // example work)

P4 Motion Poster Critique (post 2 static posters here: P4_Mosters_F25.pptx) – Provide feedback on 8 others on the following:

Focus for Critique: 

CONCEPT/MOOD: What is the overarching idea (thinking, logic, thread) for your design? How does the poster feel? 

CONTENT/MESSAGE: Is the topic clear? Does the content hook us? Does the poster's content unfold in a purposeful way? 

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

TRANSITIONS: Does any content enter/exit at the wrong time? Are there any transitions that seem out of place or lacking? Looping considerations. 

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

Additional Moving Poster Examples:

Due Next Class:

2 Static Posters (1000 x 1440px) , Storyboard, and 2s motion test for split critique. Include event name, location, dates, time, and any other pertinent information such as website, contact info, or event description. Consider the type of motion you will integrate into the final moving poster.

Project 4 Schedule

11.25 – no class; Friday classes
11.27 – no class; thanksgiving break
12.2 – 2 static designs + storyboards crit + initial motion test crit
12.4 – Final Crit – Motion Poster + Animated GIFs
12.6 – due: P4