Motion Graphic and Compositing / Task 4: Abstract Motion
Derin / 0354969 / Design in Creative Media
INSTRUCTIONS
Students will synthesize the knowledge gained from Tasks 1, 2, and 3 for application in Task 4. The task is to create a theme-based abstract motion graphic video, which can be presented in 3D/2D, mixed media, or any experimental visual format with a strong thematic focus. Students are expected to describe and reflect on their competencies within the design studio context, supported by evidence. Reflect on how to empathize with others in group settings, interact positively within a team, and foster stable and harmonious relationships for productive teamwork. This reflective writing is part of the TGCP (The Graduate Capabilities Portfolio).
Requirements
- Use information for any proposed channel (existing or fictional).
- Create a mood board that reflects your concept/idea.
- Develop a style guide that conveys the final look and feel.
- Prepare a storyboard.
- Produce animatics.
- Explore and incorporate appropriate audio to enhance the motion tempo.
Submission
TASK 4: ABSTRACT MOTION
Mr. Fauzi mentioned that for this project, we need to create something that reflects our hobbies or interests—an abstract motion graphic based on a specific theme or concept using any platform or application. With this in mind, I brainstormed several ideas, aiming to create something intentionally confusing and nonsensical, as the project requires an abstract approach.
Moodboard
I was particularly inspired by a graphic poster design by @unardent, which is part of an eight-fold zine exploring the fictional concept of dissecting an angel and examining its parts. Additionally, I drew inspiration from artwork by @PodoroVines, which features something that appears normal at first glance but becomes increasingly obscure upon closer inspection.
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| Fig 1.0 Inspirations |
In crafting my mood board, I focused on a few guiding keywords: obscure, graphic, and abstract. I browsed through Pinterest and selected images that would help shape the outcome I envisioned. I wanted the video to have a vintage feel with glitchy effects, giving it a haunting and eerie atmosphere.
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| Fig 1.1 Moodboard |
Abstract Motion Concept
Title
After finalizing my mood board, I began developing the animation concept, which I titled "breathing_flesh.avi all in lowercase" The use of underscores and the .avi file extension ties into the old, glitchy aesthetic I aimed for, while "breathing flesh" is a strange and unsettling way to describe humans, perfectly aligning with the project's eerie and abstract theme.
Storyline
My idea was to create a narration that explores the human body in an unusual way, interpreting idioms literally—like "heavy heart" and "losing one's mind"—and linking these expressions to their corresponding organs. Here's a summary of what I came up with:
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The Heart
At the core of existence lies the heart, not merely a muscle but a vessel of cryptic emotion. It throbs with the weight of guilt and desires,
They speak of “heavy hearts”, bearing the weight of unspoken regrets. The heart burns with a fire fueled by desire and longing. An organ both fragile and fierce. Such a burden cannot be carried by willpower and physical strength alone. Thus, humans are bestowed with wings within to carry this load.
The Lungs
These folded wings, the lungs, expand and contract with each breath of the void. The lungs and heart go hand in hand, but when the burden is too heavy, the wings falter. The lungs collapse, the human suffocates, and apprehension gives way to death. In such moments, air becomes an annoyance, an irritation.
The Mind and The Soul
Humans have the need to know. The mind orchestrates thought, dreams, and consequences. The psyche is made of light and all of its forms: grace, empathy, ambition, and most importantly, love. But a human is never without violence. When a human loses their mind, it ends up with inconceivable darkness in its soul. This is always caused by human prejudice. This harms the human, to the point of death. What have you done?
The Skin
The skin is the page, telling stories written in scars, a tactile diary of the human’s life.
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After presenting my idea, Sir advised me to focus on "The Heart" and "The Mind and The Soul" to keep the animation concise and under one minute. I agreed, as these elements are interconnected and together they provide a cohesive exploration of the theme.
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| Fig 2.0 Finalized Abstract Motion Concept Script |
I used an AI to read the script since my voice alone wouldn’t fit the narrative of the video. I compiled them into Adobe Audition and added sound effects along with it. I used Louie Zong’s song “The Biggest Rodent” from his album “Capybara”. It was surprisingly a good fit so I kept it like that. I had like a recorder sound effect at the end and beginning of the audio.
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| Fig 2.1 AI Voice https://play.ht/studio/ |
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| Fig 2.2 Adobe Audition Timeline |
Assets
Me thinks incorporating realistic 3D objects into a 2D animated space can significantly heighten the spookiness of the scene by creating a striking contrast between the detailed, lifelike 3D elements and the flat 2D environment. The enhanced texture, depth, and intricate lighting effects of 3D models introduce a sense of realism and dimensionality that can make the animation feel more unsettling and atmospheric. This juxtaposition, combined with the unnatural blend of visual styles and complex movements of the 3D objects, evokes a sense of the uncanny and disorients the viewer, intensifying the eerie quality of the animation.
I got the model of the heart and starburst through Sketchfab.
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Fig 2.3 Heart model by user neshallads |
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Fig 2.4 Starburst model by user Trockk |
I recorded the turnaround for the 3d models and remove its background using the Roto Brush Tool in After Effects for the both of them.
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Fig 2.5 Removing the background for the heart |
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Fig 2.6 Removing the background for the starburst |
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Motion Graphic Process
Applying the Analog Glitch Effect
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| Fig 3.0 Glitch Effect https://youtu.be/WbD5N8xGWbk?si=8r7YEuFml9u8yK9y |
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| Fig 3.1 Applied effect on starburst |
Gathering the Assets
As I progressed with the video, I continued gathering more assets, and here they are compiled together! I primarily used a lot of stock images throughout the project. Additionally, I used AI to generate an image of a pair of lungs shaped like wings for a specific segment, adding a unique and surreal element to the video.
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| Fig 3.2 Assets |
Fonts and its Animation
I used two fonts throughout this video, it’s made by @yuta_ptv on Twitter. One is the main font used to label each parts of the body and the body text. I wanted the body text to be illegible to have an alien-like look. For the animation, I used trim path for the line and shape masking technique to make it look like it appear from the line.
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| Fig 3.3 Fonts |
Graphics and its Animation
For the wavy line motion, I used Turbulent Displace and followed a tutorial for its parameters. For the cut-open hole on the torso animation, I wanted to make it appear as though it was opening in order. To achieve this, I unconstrained the scale proportions and animated it to create the effect of it opening. The rest are normal animations using the Transformation tab.
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Fig 3.4 Wavy line motion |
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| Fig 3.5 Scaling the opening |
Final Outcome
Fig 4.0 Presentation Slides
Fig 4.1 breathing_flesh.avi
FEEDBACK
REFLECTION
Working on the theme of "breathing_flesh.avi" was a new and exciting challenge for me. It was my first time delving into a spooky aesthetic, and I had a lot of fun experimenting with how to bring that eerie atmosphere to life. I learned a lot about using effects in After Effects, particularly in creating glitchy, unsettling visuals. This experience not only expanded my skills but also opened up new creative possibilities that I hadn't explored before.