Information Design - Final Project

WEEK1-WEEK 7

NAME: JIN RONG

I.D: 0361701

COURSE: Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

GROUP: Class 01 Sec 04

Information Design - Final Project


 INSTRUCTIONS 



WORKFILE 

Our workfile can be viewed here





Week 1

I joined a group with 9 other students to form our team, we discussed the video and reviewed the descriptions and finally voted to raise awareness of microplastics as the topic. The group leader introduced our idea to the lecturer and he asked me why we chose this topic. After our discussion, he instructed us to prepare a proposal slide and present it on the following Monday.


Title: Microplastics - Unveiling the Damage to Ecosystems

We then assigned the scope of work in terms of research and slide preparation, and I was responsible for the introduction (What are microplastics? A general overview of the problem,)





WEEK2

We made work assignments




We started to do the mood board and art direction.



WEEK3

At first, I was responsible for making the line drawings AI-ized. After my attempts, the results were not very good. I swapped jobs with my team leader and became responsible for animation production. I am very grateful to my team leader for helping me

Here are some of my attempts at digitizing line art, but it came out pretty badly.



WEEK4

Had a quick meeting with the animation team to discuss how to separate drawing layers for easier animation.


WEEK5

I need to analyze and think about the animation part I need to do, and how to achieve the desired effect.

Here are some ideas


First row (Scene zoom-in and microplastic animation)

First picture: A large scene containing the entire pool. The camera is used to zoom in at the beginning of the animation.

Second picture: Use the camera to zoom out and adjust the position to prepare for the subsequent movement transition.

Third and fourth pictures: Smooth transition through camera movement

Fifth picture (wave effect):

The wave part can be appropriately adjusted using layer deformation to produce a dynamic effect.

Microplastics can be simulated using particle tools to make them naturally distributed on the water surface.

Second row (sea surface dynamics and plastic garbage animation)

First, second and third pictures: The camera movement method is the same as the first row.

Plastic bottles and plastic bags:

Objects that need to be moved (plastic garbage, etc.) can use simple moving animations.

Sea surface dynamics: Camera movement can be superimposed to increase the layering and distance of the picture.

Fourth picture:

Select all objects and move them upward as a whole to pave the way for subsequent pictures.

Fifth picture (background change):

The background moves downward, inserts a new background layer, and completes the scene transition.

Third row (fish eaten by big fish & microplastic animation)

Movement of small fish:

Let the small fish move along the set path to the position of the big fish.

You can use the camera to track the movement of small fish

Big fish preying on small fish:

Use mask or adjust the layer position to simulate the process of small fish being swallowed.

Third picture (microplastic effect):

Microplastics can still be made with the particle tool


WEEK6

Illustration and coloring are almost done, but due to color inconsistencies, they need to be recolored. Waiting for teammates to finish the work


WEEK7

I started animating scenes 14 to 29, based on the ideas I had previously created and our Timeframe and Scene




This section has 3 scenes, which need to be connected and transitioned, which is quite difficult for me.


1. Transition Effects

  • Fade In & Out: I adjusted opacity keyframes to gradually make the scene appear and disappear, creating a smooth transition effect.
  • Slide Transitions: For some scene changes, I used position keyframes to slide the new scene in from the side or bottom, making the transition more fluid.
  • Mask Transitions: I applied shape masks or track mattes to reveal the new scene through animated effects, enhancing visual layering.

2. Layer Animations

  • Scaling Effects: I added scale keyframes to certain layers, making them grow or shrink gradually to create dynamic visual changes.
  • Rotation Animation: Using rotation keyframes, I made elements rotate, adding more motion and engagement to the visuals.
  • Movement Animation: By adjusting position keyframes, I animated layers along predefined paths, ensuring a rhythmic flow throughout the video.

3. Tracking & Compositing

  • Motion Tracking: In some scenes, I used motion tracking to make graphics follow moving objects, increasing interactivity and realism.




Here is my own exported video:

Click this link to view my project files



Final Full Video




FEEDBACK

Week 1

No Feedback


Week 2 

Narrow down your target audience. NGOs and activists are already aware of the issue, so they may not be your primary audience. Similarly, the government prefers a more formal video style, which may not align with your relaxed approach. Instead, students and children would be a more suitable audience. Additionally, try to find information on whether Malaysia's Parliament has discussed this issue. If so, including it would strengthen your content. Take care of the video length since the timeline currently not include the scene-to-scene transition yet. Your progress is advanced keep it up! Make sure your team knows how to use After Effects properly.


Week 3 

I love the drawing sketches. Impress me a lot. it is complete. I can imagine the animation already. Who draw it Discuss with the drawing team what software to use for final drawing. 

Confirm Art Direction then you could start your Final Drawing. 

Can straightaway do what you're currently doing. 

Voice Over can use AI BUT (need to mention in e-portfolio).


Week 4

No feedback given. Keep doing, good progress.


Week 5

Your group might sperate scene by using colors from light to dark tone or using background music to create the climax part. So far looking good.

Week 6 

Your final art style looks weird at this point. Make sure the color scheme was aligned to all scenes. Check all the strokes on and off make everything looks like a theme.

Week 7

No feedback.




REFLECTION


My initial task in this project was to digitize the draft, that is, to convert the hand-drawn sketches into a clear digital version. I tried my best to complete this work, but after submitting it, the team leader was not very satisfied with the result. In order to better advance the project, we decided to exchange tasks, and I began to be responsible for the production of AE animation.


In the process of making After Effects animation, I learned a lot of new knowledge and improved my skills. I used a variety of keyframe animations, transitions, and special effects to make the picture more vivid:


Transition effects: Use transparency keyframes to make the picture fade in and out, position keyframes to make the picture slide in and out, and masks to achieve more creative scene switching.


Layer animation: Use scale, rotate, and move keyframes to make elements more dynamic and visually attractive.


Motion tracking and compositing: Use motion tracking to make the graphics accurately follow the moving objects, making the animation more natural and smooth.


This experience made me deeply realize that animation is not only the application of technology, but also the art of visual storytelling. Through this project, I have improved my understanding of AE keyframe animation, especially in terms of smooth transitions, dynamic performance, and element tracking. In addition, I have learned how to deal with challenges in teamwork more effectively, such as keeping an open mind and quickly adjusting my work direction in the face of feedback to better match the overall goals of the team.


Special thanks to my team leader, who not only gave me the opportunity to adjust the task, but also provided valuable advice throughout the process. This made me realize that timely communication, flexible adjustment, and active learning are very important in teamwork. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of AE animation production and made me more aware of my shortcomings. In the future, I hope to continue to learn more advanced animation techniques to make my work more rich and professional.


Overall, although this task was challenging, it also gave me a lot of gains. I believe that these experiences will play an important role in future studies and projects.


















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