week 11 | online | 11.3–11.9

Read First:

📌 Weekly Structure (applies every week)

Week 11 Links & Notes
(specific to this week)

Live Sessions This Week:

👉 Join Live: Mon 11.3 @ noon – Weekly Review → [Join Here]

📺 Watch: Mon 11.3 Weekly Review Recording → [Watch Here]

Looking Ahead (Week 12)

Next live (recorded) session: Mon Nov 10th @ noon (only live session in Week 12)
*non-holiday weeks we will meet on Mondays

This week’s deadlines:
Monday, Nov 10th @ noon

  • 5. P3 Narrative Draft Peer Reviews – D2L Feedback: Feedback on 3 drafts must be specific (avoid saying only positive remarks without any critical suggestions).P3_Narrative_scripts_F25.pptx by Wednesday 11.5@noon
  • Part 2: Following the peer review feedback, refine your narrative draft
  • 6. P3 Crit 1: Styleframes – Participate in Monday Zoom Critique or Post/Comment to Discussion Board on D2L “P3: 3 Styleframes Critique” 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.
  • 7. 15s of P3 development – Develop in AE. Render. Post to Vimeo + Import to the bottom of your Ideation Story on Medium (if you struggle to post to Medium, please just post to Vimeo).
  • Audio selection – Include a link to your audio choice (or upload) post to the bottom of your P3 Ideation Story on Medium – Final audio recording of your voice-over isn’t due until the following Wednesday.

Looking ahead: Exercise 4 is due Monday 11.17 @noon (double-dip the direction of this assignment with P3).

Next week 11, for P3, we will have our 10s crit.

Weekly Content

Week 11 (though not required, it is recommended you move through in sequence. To stay on schedule, it is recommended you have complete all items by end of the week):

  1. Attend or watch a recording of Monday’s Weekly Review ZOOM.

    SECTION I – Secondary Sound Effects
  2. Read + Watch: Form in Nature Process
  3. Review Free Sound Effect Resources

    SECTION II – P3 Development
  4. Continue development of P3: Motion Infographic-Explainer
  5. P3 Narrative Draft Peer Reviews – D2L Feedback: Feedback on 3 drafts must be specific (avoid saying only positive remarks without any critical suggestions).P3_Narrative_scripts_F25.pptx by Wednesday 11.5@noon
    Part 2: Following the peer review feedback, refine your narrative draft
  6. Mon 3th–Wed 5th @noon: Styleframe Critique: P3 Crit #1 – Participate in Monday Zoom Critique or Post/Comment to Discussion Board on D2L “P3: 10s” 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. Prioritize reviewing those drafts without reviews, or less reviews than others.
  7. Due Mon. 11.10: 10s of P3 development in AE (post to Vimeo – and medium, if possible). Post to D2L “P3: 10s of Development” for next week’s critique. (post by next Mon 11.10 @ noon / 3 comments by Wed 11.12 @ noon_. In D2L, go to Communications > Discussions)

SECTION III – AE

This week’s demos are to next week so you can focus on P3 development and our final E4.

SECTION I – Secondary Sound Effects

Secondary sound effects, often referred to as Foley sounds or SFX, play an essential role in enhancing the overall impact and immersion of a motion design piece. By supporting the visuals, they can make animations feel more tangible, relatable, and alive. Let’s delve deeper into how you can utilize secondary sound effects effectively in your projects:

  • Purpose Over Presence: Secondary sound effects are not there just for the sake of it. They give depth to a scene, reinforcing the visual elements or even filling in gaps where visuals might not tell the whole story. Think of them as a bridge between the viewer’s senses of sight and hearing.
  • Match the Mood: The sound effects you choose should complement the mood of the scene. A delicate flutter might be appropriate for a butterfly in a serene scene, whereas a more exaggerated flap could work for a comedic or exaggerated animation.
  • Subtlety is Key: While these sounds are vital, they should not overpower primary sounds or dialogues. It’s all about balance. Often, the subtlety makes them more effective.
  • Layer for Depth: Sometimes, a single sound effect might not do the job. By layering multiple sounds, you can create a more complex or unique sound that fits your scene better.
  • Prioritize Quality: Always make sure you’re using high-quality sound effects. Low-quality or poorly recorded sounds can detract from the overall experience. There are numerous libraries online where you can purchase or find free high-quality SFX. Check out Soundly and the list below.
  • Perfect Timing: The precise moment a sound effect plays can make all the difference. If a ball bounces on the screen, the associated sound should sync perfectly with the visual. Even a slight misalignment can feel jarring to the viewer.
  • Environment Matters: Sound changes based on surroundings. Match effects to the setting.
  • Seek Feedback: A fresh set of ears can catch inconsistencies or mismatches.
  • Serve the Story: While secondary sound effects can be a lot of fun to incorporate, always remember the story you are trying to tell. The sound should always serve the narrative, not distract from it.

In the “Form in Nature” with Chromosphere and David example, observe how secondary sound effects are used to emphasize movement, establish atmosphere, and bring elements to life. As you dissect it, think about how each sound effect adds to the overall experience and story being told.

2. Read + Watch: Form in Nature Process
More Sound Inspiration:
The Art of Sound Effects
Sound Design Example
Sound Design Example 2
Sound Design Example 3

3. Free Sound Effect Resources

SECTION II – P3

4. Project 3: Motion Infographic/Explainer –
due: Monday 11.24

Continue development of P3: Motion Infographic-Explainer. This week, we will work on our 10s (due Wednesday). 30s is due next Wednesday. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to record your voiceover before Wednesday of this week.

P3 Process Work

Post/Post to a story called “Motion Infographic or Motion Explainer” on Medium. How to post on Medium.

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.

5. Part 2: Following the peer review feedback, refine your narrative draft

6. Due Wed: 10s of Project 3 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. 10s Critique: P3 Crit #2 –Participate in Wednesday Zoom Critique or Post/Comment to Discussion Board on D2L “P3: 10s of Development” (post by Wed @ noon / 3 comments by Mon @ noon. In D2L, go to Communications > Discussions). You only need to participate in the D2L critique if you do attend the Wednesday 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.

P3 Considerations for Critique

  • Hook: Is there an engaging hook? Consider emotional appeals, surprising statistics, relevant questions or quotes, metaphors, stories, provocative statements, invocations of curiosity, captivating visuals, or “imagine” statements. Suggest ways to make the hook more compelling or relevant.
  • Timing: Synchronization: Is the animation’s movement well-synchronized with the music or voiceovers? Point out specific moments that appear out of sync or incorrectly timed.
  • Transitions: Ensure no scenes enter or exit prematurely. Identify any transitions that seem jarring, out of place, or feel lacking in fluidity.
  • Formal Considerations: Do the design elements reinforce the mograph’s main idea or theme? Point out any elements that break the visual or thematic unity throughout the video.
  • Concept in Motion: Does the manner in which objects move align with the overall concept or narrative? Describe the motion using descriptive words. Discuss if the motion aligns well with the video’s intent. For a list of descriptive motion words, refer to 51 Useful Words to Describe Motion

Deadlines

  • week 11
    • w 11.5 due: critique ends – on 3 styleframes, storyboard, 2s
    • m 11.10 due: 10s development (critique begin)
  • week 12
    • w 11.12 due: 10s critique (crit end – comments due)
    • m 11.17 30s development (final critique begin); E4; Begin P4 (50pts)
  • week 13
    • w 11.19 due: 30s critique comments due
    • m 11.24 due: Final P3 deadline (100pts); p4 brainstorming / mood boards / 20 sketches
  • week 14 (Thanksgiving)
    • No deadlines until Monday, December 1st @noon.
  • week 15
    • m 12.1 11.21@noon  2 static designs + storyboards crit + initial motion test
    • w 12.3 due: Motion Poster (critique begin) – our critique will run wed-mon this week due to the holiday schedule and finals.
    • m 12.8 due: Motion poster (critique end comments due)
  • week 16
    • m 12.8 Final review live crit / one-on-one w/Cass
    • w 12.10@noon – Final P4 deadline

SECTION III – AE

Begin development of Project 3 in After Effects. Consider how you will align Exercise 4 with Project 3.