Saturday, October 27, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
ma 2241 Syllabus
The Art Institute of California—San Francisco
Course Syllabus
Course number: MA2241
Course Title: Motion Graphics
Class Meetings: Fridays, 6pm - 10pm, Room 411
Session/Year: Summer 2012
Instructor Name: Greg Lemon
Email Address: greg.lemon@gmail.com
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: email for info
Motion Graphics
Course Description:
This course will explore the use of motion graphics as a commercial communication medium and technical compositing tool. Studies will include the development of visual concepts, design, and execution of a final presentation(s). Technical skills utilized will include compositing techniques, typography, animation, and design.
Course Length: 11 Weeks
Contact Hours: 44 Hours
Lecture: 22 Hours
Lab: 22 Hours
Credit Values: 3 Credits
Course Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Analyze the features of nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Define non-linear editing and compositing terminology.
Use nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Apply principles of storytelling and continuity as it pertains to non-linear editing and compositing.
Outline non-linear video design from concept to final production.
Recommended but not required reading:
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2002. ISBN: 1578202493.
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 2: Advanced Techniques (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2005. ISBN: 1578202698
Motion Graphic Design & Fine Art Animation. Krasner, Jon; Focal Press, 2004. ISBN: 0-240-80482-1.
Materials and Supplies:
Handouts, Online Help, Textbook, CDs, note-taking materials, others as needed
Method of Instruction: Lecture and Lab
Estimated Homework Hours: 4
Technology Needed:
Hardware: Windows or Macintosh computer
Software: Adobe After Effects 7.0 Professional
Grading Scale:
All assignments must have clear criteria and objectives to meet. All students shall be treated equitably. It will be that student’s right to know his/her grade at any reasonable point that information is requested by that student. The criteria for determining a student’s grade shall be as follows (on a percentage of total points basis):
A 100-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-83
B- 82-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-73
C- 72-70
D+ 69-67
D 66-65
F 64 or below
Process for Evaluation:
Attendance and Participation - 10%
Project 1 - Channel Identity - 20%
Project 2 - Commercial / PSA - 30%
Project 3 - Title Sequence - 40%
Project grading breakdown:
Course Syllabus
Course number: MA2241
Course Title: Motion Graphics
Class Meetings: Fridays, 6pm - 10pm, Room 411
Session/Year: Summer 2012
Instructor Name: Greg Lemon
Email Address: greg.lemon@gmail.com
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: email for info
Motion Graphics
Course Description:
This course will explore the use of motion graphics as a commercial communication medium and technical compositing tool. Studies will include the development of visual concepts, design, and execution of a final presentation(s). Technical skills utilized will include compositing techniques, typography, animation, and design.
Course Length: 11 Weeks
Contact Hours: 44 Hours
Lecture: 22 Hours
Lab: 22 Hours
Credit Values: 3 Credits
Course Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Analyze the features of nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Define non-linear editing and compositing terminology.
Use nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Apply principles of storytelling and continuity as it pertains to non-linear editing and compositing.
Outline non-linear video design from concept to final production.
Recommended but not required reading:
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2002. ISBN: 1578202493.
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 2: Advanced Techniques (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2005. ISBN: 1578202698
Motion Graphic Design & Fine Art Animation. Krasner, Jon; Focal Press, 2004. ISBN: 0-240-80482-1.
Materials and Supplies:
Handouts, Online Help, Textbook, CDs, note-taking materials, others as needed
Method of Instruction: Lecture and Lab
Estimated Homework Hours: 4
Technology Needed:
Hardware: Windows or Macintosh computer
Software: Adobe After Effects 7.0 Professional
Grading Scale:
All assignments must have clear criteria and objectives to meet. All students shall be treated equitably. It will be that student’s right to know his/her grade at any reasonable point that information is requested by that student. The criteria for determining a student’s grade shall be as follows (on a percentage of total points basis):
A 100-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-83
B- 82-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-73
C- 72-70
D+ 69-67
D 66-65
F 64 or below
Process for Evaluation:
Attendance and Participation - 10%
Project 1 - Channel Identity - 20%
Project 2 - Commercial / PSA - 30%
Project 3 - Title Sequence - 40%
Project grading breakdown:
Concept/idea: 25%
Aesthetic choices: 25%
Technical execution: 25%
Delivery format/resolution: 25%
All video files should be submitted as follows:
Format: .h264 with appropriate compression.
Resolution: 1280 x 720
Student Evaluation/Grading Policies:
Class time will be spent in a productive manner.
Grading will be done on a point system.
Points for individual activities will be announced.
All work must be received by the set deadlines.
ABSOLUTELY NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE FINAL CLASS MEETS WEEK 11.
Classroom Policy:
No food allowed in class or lab at any time. Drinks in sealable bottles allowed in classroom.
Edible items brought to class or lab must be thrown out.
If student elects to eat/drink outside class or lab door, missed time is recorded as absent.
Attendance is taken hourly. Tardiness or absence is recorded in 15-minute increments.
Break times are scheduled by the instructor at appropriate intervals.
No private software is to be brought to lab or loaded onto school computers.
No software games are allowed in lab (unless in course curriculum).
Headphones are required if listening to music during lab. No headphones are allowed in lecture.
Any student who has special needs that may affect his or her performance in this class is asked to identify his/her needs to the instructor in private by the end of the first day of class. Any resulting class performance problems that may arise for those who do not identify their needs will not receive any special grading considerations.
Disability Policy Statement:
It is our policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs, activities, or services. If you have a disability-related need for adjustments or other accommodations in this class, contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at 415-276-1060.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty while pursuing their studies at AiCA-SF. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism and cheating; misuse of academic resources or facilities; and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Student work that appears to violate AiCA-SF’s standards of academic honesty will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Honesty. If the work is judged to have violated standards of academic honesty, appropriate sanctions will be given. Sanctions include but are not limited to course failure and academic termination.
Projects:
Channel OR Website Identification Piece – Due start of class Week 4.
0:10 second minimum with sound.
20% of final grade.
Create a 0:10 second channel ident piece for an existing or fictional television channel or website of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Commercial OR PSA – Due start of class Week 7.
0:20 second minimum with sound.
30% of final grade.
Create a 0:20 second commercial for an existing or fictional product or PSA campaign. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction, sound/animation relationships and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Title Sequence – Due start of class Week 11.
0:30 second minimum with sound.
40% of final grade.
Create a 0:30 title sequence for a movie/tv show/videogame of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction, mood/pace development and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Suggested Course Outline
WEEK 1
Lecture: AfterEffects overview
File management. Projects, compositions, etc.
Animation + Effects (color corrects, blurs).
Class time will be spent in a productive manner.
Grading will be done on a point system.
Points for individual activities will be announced.
All work must be received by the set deadlines.
ABSOLUTELY NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE FINAL CLASS MEETS WEEK 11.
Classroom Policy:
No food allowed in class or lab at any time. Drinks in sealable bottles allowed in classroom.
Edible items brought to class or lab must be thrown out.
If student elects to eat/drink outside class or lab door, missed time is recorded as absent.
Attendance is taken hourly. Tardiness or absence is recorded in 15-minute increments.
Break times are scheduled by the instructor at appropriate intervals.
No private software is to be brought to lab or loaded onto school computers.
No software games are allowed in lab (unless in course curriculum).
Headphones are required if listening to music during lab. No headphones are allowed in lecture.
Any student who has special needs that may affect his or her performance in this class is asked to identify his/her needs to the instructor in private by the end of the first day of class. Any resulting class performance problems that may arise for those who do not identify their needs will not receive any special grading considerations.
Disability Policy Statement:
It is our policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs, activities, or services. If you have a disability-related need for adjustments or other accommodations in this class, contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at 415-276-1060.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty while pursuing their studies at AiCA-SF. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism and cheating; misuse of academic resources or facilities; and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Student work that appears to violate AiCA-SF’s standards of academic honesty will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Honesty. If the work is judged to have violated standards of academic honesty, appropriate sanctions will be given. Sanctions include but are not limited to course failure and academic termination.
Projects:
Channel OR Website Identification Piece – Due start of class Week 4.
0:10 second minimum with sound.
20% of final grade.
Create a 0:10 second channel ident piece for an existing or fictional television channel or website of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Commercial OR PSA – Due start of class Week 7.
0:20 second minimum with sound.
30% of final grade.
Create a 0:20 second commercial for an existing or fictional product or PSA campaign. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction, sound/animation relationships and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Title Sequence – Due start of class Week 11.
0:30 second minimum with sound.
40% of final grade.
Create a 0:30 title sequence for a movie/tv show/videogame of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction, mood/pace development and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Suggested Course Outline
WEEK 1
Lecture: AfterEffects overview
File management. Projects, compositions, etc.
Animation + Effects (color corrects, blurs).
Solids, text tool. Type tool. Grunge maps + free silouettes. Layer blending modes.
Lab: Practice new techniques, create rough storyboards for channel identification piece.
Homework: Animatic for channel identification project.
WEEK 2 - PROJECT 1 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 1 animatic critiques.
Lab: Practice new techniques, create rough storyboards for channel identification piece.
Homework: Animatic for channel identification project.
WEEK 2 - PROJECT 1 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 1 animatic critiques.
Lecture: Paths and Masking, pen tool, animating masks, text on paths, paths as keyframes, animating strokes and paths. Turning text into masks. Pre-comping and parenting, making characters.
Lab: Practice new techniques, finish project 1.
Homework: project 1 first pass animation.
WEEK 3 - PROJECT 1 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 first pass critiques.
Homework: project 1 first pass animation.
WEEK 3 - PROJECT 1 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 first pass critiques.
Lecture: Animate text parameters, text animations in Adobe Bridge Ramps, noise and fractals, distortion effects. Track mattes, color keying, layer styles.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on storyboards for project 2.
Homework: Final animation for project 1.
WEEK 4 - PROJECT 1 - FINAL PASS DUE
Homework: Final animation for project 1.
WEEK 4 - PROJECT 1 - FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 final submission critiques.
Lecture: Track Mattes, audio to keyframes, video motion tracking, video time warping, distort effects.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: Animatic for project 2.
WEEK 5- PROJECT 2 - ANIMATIC DUE
Lecture: Track Mattes, audio to keyframes, video motion tracking, video time warping, distort effects.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: Animatic for project 2.
WEEK 5- PROJECT 2 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 2 animatic critique
Lecture: Particle systems and simulation tools. Particles + blurs and color correction.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: First pass animation for project 2.
wiggler expressions. Title sequences that rule.
Lab: Practice new techniques, dev ideas/storyboards for project 3.
Homework: animatic for project 3.
WEEK 7 - PROJECT 2 FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 final pass critique
Lecture: Particle systems and simulation tools. Particles + blurs and color correction.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: First pass animation for project 2.
WEEK 6- PROJECT 2 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 1st pass critique
Lecture: 3D in After FX. 3D cameras and layers. Importing 3d text from photoshop. Expressions and advanced animation tools. Wiggly text,wiggler expressions. Title sequences that rule.
Lab: Practice new techniques, dev ideas/storyboards for project 3.
Homework: animatic for project 3.
WEEK 7 - PROJECT 2 FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 final pass critique
Lecture: Advanced particle effects, advanced color correction and lighting tools.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on animatic revisions.
Homework: animatic for final project.
WEEK 8 - PROJECT 3 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: review Project 3 animatics
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on animatic revisions.
Homework: animatic for final project.
WEEK 8 - PROJECT 3 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: review Project 3 animatics
Lecture: Advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: 1st pass for final project.
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: 1st pass for final project.
WEEK 9 - NO CLASS FOR MA2241 section B (Monday evening)
Dailies: review Project 3 1st pass
Lecture: review 1st pass. advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: work on final project.
WEEK 10 - PROJECT 3 - 1st/2nd PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 3 1st/2nd pass critiques.
Lecture: review 1st pass. advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: work on final project.
WEEK 10 - PROJECT 3 - 1st/2nd PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 3 1st/2nd pass critiques.
Lecture: Review of final project 1st pass
Lab: Time to work on Final Project
Reading: CMG, vol 2, chapter 30
Homework: finish final project
WEEK 11: FINAL PROJECT DUE
Lecture: Critique projects, enjoy your break!
Schedule subject to change based on class need.
Lab: Time to work on Final Project
Reading: CMG, vol 2, chapter 30
Homework: finish final project
WEEK 11: FINAL PROJECT DUE
Lecture: Critique projects, enjoy your break!
Schedule subject to change based on class need.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Geometry in art
Wikipedia on geometry...
Geometry (Greek: γεωμετρία; geo- "earth", -metria "measurement") is a branch of mathematics concerned with questions of shape, size, relative position of figures, and the properties of space
Learning to design the geometry of your compositions for optimal aesthetic appeal is a great first step for a motion graphics artist.
Friday, September 28, 2012
After FX file management and workflow
Basic AfterFX workflow:
1. Import and organize footage
2. Create, arrange and composite layers in a composition
3. Modify and animate the layer properties
4. Add effects, modify and animate the effects properties
5. Preview
6. Render and export
File management:
After FX is a program that allows you to animate pictures, video and sound. When you save an AfterFX project, AfterFX saves the compositions, effects, and keyframes you have created.
1. Import and organize footage
2. Create, arrange and composite layers in a composition
3. Modify and animate the layer properties
4. Add effects, modify and animate the effects properties
5. Preview
6. Render and export
File management:
After FX is a program that allows you to animate pictures, video and sound. When you save an AfterFX project, AfterFX saves the compositions, effects, and keyframes you have created.
It does NOT save the media (pictures, sounds, video) you are using. You are responsible for managing these assets.
The best ways to do this:
1. Work off your local computer's hard drive. Save all assets and project files to this local drive.
2. At the end of the day, back up your project and media files by copying them to a flash drive, drop box, or other form of storage.
When saving media and project files, using an organized folder structure is extremely helpful. Below is the folder structure I use for my projects.
Project One...
>Input->
>Project Files
>Media Files->
>Images
>Movies
>Sounds
>Output->
>Renders
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Suggested directory structure
- Thumb Drive or DropBox
- AfterFX
- Project 1
- input
- images
- movies
- sound
- output
- renders
- project_files (save After Effects projects here)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Today's agenda
- Review Project 1 final submissions
- Lecture: Contrast and Affinity
- Demo: Textured Text with Grunge transparency
- Demo: Burn-through reveals with animated circles, noise and displacement
- Demo: Stylizing photos and video in AE
- Workshop: Practice new techniques, brainstorm project 2.
- Lecture: Rendering and compression
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Expressions and After FX
http://www.motionscript.com/
http://www.motionscript.com/expressions-lab-ae65/table-of-contents.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/table-of-contents.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/language-beginning-1.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/language-beginning-4.html
http://www.motionscript.com/expressions-lab-ae65/table-of-contents.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/table-of-contents.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/language-beginning-1.html
http://www.motionscript.com/mastering-expressions/language-beginning-4.html
Friday, July 13, 2012
MA 2241 (Beginner) Project Delivery Standards
MA 2241 (Beginner) PROJECT DELIVERY STANDARDS:
Folder Structure:
For this class, you will keep one (1) folder in the class folder on my faculty drive.
Your folder should be named:
Your folder should be named:
Firstname_Lastname
Work that is not placed in the correct (your) folder ...
...WILL NOT BE GRADED!
Submission checklist:
ALL Projects MUST include the following to be reviewed in class AND
considered for grading:
considered for grading:
- HD 720 resolution .H264 movie file, named as follows:
- lastname_project_iteration
- example:
- "lemon_commercial_Animatic.mp4"
- "lemon_commercial_1stPass.mp4"
- "lemon_commercial_Final.mp4"
- Fade in/out to black at beginning and end of animation
- Fade sound in/out at beginning and end of animation
Animatics
Animatics must include the above requirements, in addition to the following:
- Clean, easily readable drawings or placeholder assets
- All MAJOR MOVING visual elements MUST be separate assets with ROUGH animation in place.
- Color AND visual style roughly indicative of final product.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Rendering in AfterFX
1. Save your project.
2. Make sure the composition you want to render is currently active, and that the resolution is set to 1280 x 720.
3. Go to Edit>Preferences>Output and click the "Show Depreciated Formats in Output Module Settings" box.
4. From the menu, choose Composition --> Add to Render Queue.
5. In the Render Queue, do the following:
2. Make sure the composition you want to render is currently active, and that the resolution is set to 1280 x 720.
3. Go to Edit>Preferences>Output and click the "Show Depreciated Formats in Output Module Settings" box.
4. From the menu, choose Composition --> Add to Render Queue.
5. In the Render Queue, do the following:
- Next to Output Module, click on Lossless, and set the following options:
- Format: H.264
- Click Audio Output if you have audio in your piece
- Next to Output to, click Not yet specified and choose the location and file name for your movie
MA 4405 - Week 1 Agenda
- Intros
- Syllabus
- Sample work
- Project 1 discussion
- After FX overview
- project management
- directory structure, exporting projects from AE
- nested compositions
- basic animation
- effects
- blur
- color correction
- generate (shapes, stroke, scribble, etc)
- noise + grain
- distort
- text tool
- masking
- particles
- basic 3D
- import audio
- rendering
- Transparency and compound effects
- fire demo
- Power of greyscale
MA 4405 (Intermediate) - Project Delivery Standards
MA 4405 (Intermediate) PROJECT DELIVERY STANDARDS:
http://ma4405.blogspot.com/2014/01/project-submission.html
For this class, you will drop files into my class dropbox folder. Details and the submission link are in the following link:
Submission checklist:
ALL Projects MUST include the following to be reviewed in class AND considered for grading:
- HD 720 resolution .H264 movie file, named as follows:
- MG_lastname_firstname_project_iteration
- example:
- "MG_lemon_greg_project1_Animatic.mp4"
- "MG_baker_john_project2_1stPass.mp4"
- Fade in/out to black at beginning and end of animation
- Fade sound in/out at beginning and end of animation
- Title Slate (see below) prefacing animation
- Each project MUST incorporate at least 2 out of 3 of the following techniques:
- 3D animation/lighting/camera movement
- 2D or 3D Particle Systems
- 2D animation (character, shape, stroke, mask)
Title Slate
Your movie files should fade in from black at the beginning and end of your animation. At the beginning of your animation, you MUST fade into a READABLE title card against a black background before you show your project.
The title card should be on screen for 5 seconds against a BLACK BACKGROUND. The title slate should contain the following information:
- Your name
- Class name and number ("MA4405 Intermediate Motion Graphics")
- Project description ("Website ID: Kotaku")
- Iteration ("Animatic, First Pass, Final Pass")
- Date ("MM/DD/YY")
A timeline of your video playback should look like this:
- Fade in from black to TITLE SLATE against black.
- Hold title slate for 5 (five) seconds
- Fade from TITLE slate to BLACK
- 1-second fade-in from BLACK to ANIMATION, also fade in SOUND.
- 1-second fade out to BLACK from ANIMATION, also fade out SOUND.
Animatics
Animatics must include the above requirements, in addition to the following:
- Clean, easily readable drawings or placeholder assets
- All MAJOR MOVING visual elements MUST be separate assets with 1ST PASS ANIMATION in place.
- All moving background elements MUST have rough ANIMATION in place.
- 3D Animation/Camera movements MUST BE VISUALIZED in the ANIMATIC.
- Color AND visual style roughly indicative of final product.
MA4405 Intermediate Motion Graphics Syllabus
ma 4405 Syllabus
The Art Institute of California—San Francisco
Course Syllabus
Course number: MA4405
Course Title: Intermediate Motion Graphics
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 6pm - 10pm, Room 612
Session/Year: Summer 2012
Instructor Name: Greg Lemon
Email Address: greg.lemon@gmail.com
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: email for info
Motion Graphics
Course Description:
This course will explore the use of motion graphics as a commercial communication medium and technical compositing tool. Studies will include the development of visual concepts, design, and execution of a final presentation(s). Technical skills utilized will include compositing techniques, typography, animation, and design.
Course Length: 11 Weeks
Contact Hours: 44 Hours
Lecture: 22 Hours
Lab: 22 Hours
Credit Values: 3 Credits
Course Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Analyze the features of nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Define non-linear editing and compositing terminology.
Use nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Apply principles of storytelling and continuity as it pertains to non-linear editing and compositing.
Outline non-linear video design from concept to final production.
Recommended but not required reading:
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2002. ISBN: 1578202493.
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 2: Advanced Techniques (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2005. ISBN: 1578202698
Motion Graphic Design & Fine Art Animation. Krasner, Jon; Focal Press, 2004. ISBN: 0-240-80482-1.
Materials and Supplies:
Handouts, Online Help, Textbook, CDs, note-taking materials, others as needed
Method of Instruction: Lecture and Lab
Estimated Homework Hours: 4
Technology Needed:
Hardware: Windows or Macintosh computer
Software: Adobe After Effects 7.0 Professional
Grading Scale:
All assignments must have clear criteria and objectives to meet. All students shall be treated equitably. It will be that student’s right to know his/her grade at any reasonable point that information is requested by that student. The criteria for determining a student’s grade shall be as follows (on a percentage of total points basis):
A 100-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-83
B- 82-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-73
C- 72-70
D+ 69-67
D 66-65
F 64 or below
Process for Evaluation:
Attendance and Participation - 10%
Project 1 - Channel Identity - 20%
Project 2 - Commercial/PSA - 30%
Project 3 - Title Sequence - 40%
Project grading breakdown:
Course Syllabus
Course number: MA4405
Course Title: Intermediate Motion Graphics
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 6pm - 10pm, Room 612
Session/Year: Summer 2012
Instructor Name: Greg Lemon
Email Address: greg.lemon@gmail.com
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: email for info
Motion Graphics
Course Description:
This course will explore the use of motion graphics as a commercial communication medium and technical compositing tool. Studies will include the development of visual concepts, design, and execution of a final presentation(s). Technical skills utilized will include compositing techniques, typography, animation, and design.
Course Length: 11 Weeks
Contact Hours: 44 Hours
Lecture: 22 Hours
Lab: 22 Hours
Credit Values: 3 Credits
Course Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Analyze the features of nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Define non-linear editing and compositing terminology.
Use nonlinear editing and compositing software.
Apply principles of storytelling and continuity as it pertains to non-linear editing and compositing.
Outline non-linear video design from concept to final production.
Recommended but not required reading:
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2002. ISBN: 1578202493.
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 2: Advanced Techniques (3rd Edition, Version 6.5). Meyer, Trish; CMP Books, 2005. ISBN: 1578202698
Motion Graphic Design & Fine Art Animation. Krasner, Jon; Focal Press, 2004. ISBN: 0-240-80482-1.
Materials and Supplies:
Handouts, Online Help, Textbook, CDs, note-taking materials, others as needed
Method of Instruction: Lecture and Lab
Estimated Homework Hours: 4
Technology Needed:
Hardware: Windows or Macintosh computer
Software: Adobe After Effects 7.0 Professional
Grading Scale:
All assignments must have clear criteria and objectives to meet. All students shall be treated equitably. It will be that student’s right to know his/her grade at any reasonable point that information is requested by that student. The criteria for determining a student’s grade shall be as follows (on a percentage of total points basis):
A 100-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-83
B- 82-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-73
C- 72-70
D+ 69-67
D 66-65
F 64 or below
Process for Evaluation:
Attendance and Participation - 10%
Project 1 - Channel Identity - 20%
Project 2 - Commercial/PSA - 30%
Project 3 - Title Sequence - 40%
Project grading breakdown:
Concept/idea: 25%
Aesthetic choices: 25%
Technical execution: 25%
Delivery format/resolution: 25%
All video files should be submitted as follows:
Format: .h264 with appropriate compression.
Resolution: 1280 x 720
Student Evaluation/Grading Policies:
Class time will be spent in a productive manner.
Grading will be done on a point system.
Points for individual activities will be announced.
All work must be received by the set deadlines.
ABSOLUTELY NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE FINAL CLASS MEETS WEEK 11.
Classroom Policy:
No food allowed in class or lab at any time. Drinks in sealable bottles allowed in classroom.
Edible items brought to class or lab must be thrown out.
If student elects to eat/drink outside class or lab door, missed time is recorded as absent.
Attendance is taken hourly. Tardiness or absence is recorded in 15-minute increments.
Break times are scheduled by the instructor at appropriate intervals.
No private software is to be brought to lab or loaded onto school computers.
No software games are allowed in lab (unless in course curriculum).
Headphones are required if listening to music during lab. No headphones are allowed in lecture.
Any student who has special needs that may affect his or her performance in this class is asked to identify his/her needs to the instructor in private by the end of the first day of class. Any resulting class performance problems that may arise for those who do not identify their needs will not receive any special grading considerations.
Disability Policy Statement:
It is our policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs, activities, or services. If you have a disability-related need for adjustments or other accommodations in this class, contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at 415-276-1060.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty while pursuing their studies at AiCA-SF. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism and cheating; misuse of academic resources or facilities; and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Student work that appears to violate AiCA-SF’s standards of academic honesty will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Honesty. If the work is judged to have violated standards of academic honesty, appropriate sanctions will be given. Sanctions include but are not limited to course failure and academic termination.
Projects:
Channel OR Website Identification – Due start of class Week 4.
0:15 second minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
Class time will be spent in a productive manner.
Grading will be done on a point system.
Points for individual activities will be announced.
All work must be received by the set deadlines.
ABSOLUTELY NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE FINAL CLASS MEETS WEEK 11.
Classroom Policy:
No food allowed in class or lab at any time. Drinks in sealable bottles allowed in classroom.
Edible items brought to class or lab must be thrown out.
If student elects to eat/drink outside class or lab door, missed time is recorded as absent.
Attendance is taken hourly. Tardiness or absence is recorded in 15-minute increments.
Break times are scheduled by the instructor at appropriate intervals.
No private software is to be brought to lab or loaded onto school computers.
No software games are allowed in lab (unless in course curriculum).
Headphones are required if listening to music during lab. No headphones are allowed in lecture.
Any student who has special needs that may affect his or her performance in this class is asked to identify his/her needs to the instructor in private by the end of the first day of class. Any resulting class performance problems that may arise for those who do not identify their needs will not receive any special grading considerations.
Disability Policy Statement:
It is our policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs, activities, or services. If you have a disability-related need for adjustments or other accommodations in this class, contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at 415-276-1060.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty while pursuing their studies at AiCA-SF. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism and cheating; misuse of academic resources or facilities; and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Student work that appears to violate AiCA-SF’s standards of academic honesty will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Honesty. If the work is judged to have violated standards of academic honesty, appropriate sanctions will be given. Sanctions include but are not limited to course failure and academic termination.
Projects:
Channel OR Website Identification – Due start of class Week 4.
0:15 second minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
20% of final grade.
Create a 0:15 second channel ident piece for an existing or fictional television channel OR website of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Create a 0:30 second commercial OR public service announcement. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Title Sequence OR Game Intro – Due start of class Week 11.
1:00 minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
40% of final grade.
Create a 1:00 title sequence/intro for a movie/tv show/videogame of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
PROJECT DELIVERY STANDARDS:
Folder Structure:
For this class, you will keep one (1) folder in the class folder on my faculty drive. Your folder should be named:
Firstname_Lastname
Work that is not placed in the correct (your) folder WILL NOT BE GRADED.
Submission checklist:
ALL Projects MUST include the following to be reviewed in class AND considered for grading:
Suggested Course Outline
WEEK 1
Lecture: AfterEffects review
File management. Projects, compositions, etc.
Animation + Effects (color corrects, blurs).
Create a 0:15 second channel ident piece for an existing or fictional television channel OR website of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Commercial OR PSA – Due start of class Week 7.
0:30 second minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
0:30 second minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
30% of final grade.
Create a 0:30 second commercial OR public service announcement. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Title Sequence OR Game Intro – Due start of class Week 11.
1:00 minimum with sound (+5 second title slate at beginning).
40% of final grade.
Create a 1:00 title sequence/intro for a movie/tv show/videogame of your choice. Grading will focus on aesthetic direction and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
PROJECT DELIVERY STANDARDS:
Folder Structure:
For this class, you will keep one (1) folder in the class folder on my faculty drive. Your folder should be named:
Firstname_Lastname
Work that is not placed in the correct (your) folder WILL NOT BE GRADED.
Submission checklist:
ALL Projects MUST include the following to be reviewed in class AND considered for grading:
- HD 720 resolution .H264 movie file, named as follows:
- lastname_project_iteration
- example:
- "lemon_commercial_Animatic.mp4"
- "lemon_commercial_1stPass.mp4"
- "lemon_commercial_Final.mp4"
- Fade in/out to black at beginning and end of animation
- Fade sound in/out at beginning and end of animation
- Title Slate (see below) prefacing animation
- Each project MUST incorporate 2 out of 3 of the following techniques:
- 3D animation/lighting/camera movement
- 2D or 3D Particle Systems
- 2D animation (character, shape, stroke, mask)
Title Slate
Your movie files should fade in from black at the beginning and end of your animation. At the beginning of your animation, you MUST fade into a READABLE title card against a black background before you show your project.
The title card should be on screen for 5 seconds against a BLACK BACKGROUND. The title slate should contain the following information:
- Your name
- Class name and number ("MA4405 Intermediate Motion Graphics")
- Project description ("Website ID: Kotaku")
- Iteration ("Animatic, First Pass, Final Pass")
- Date ("MM/DD/YY")
A timeline of your video playback should look like this:
- Fade in from black to TITLE SLATE against black.
- Hold title slate for 5 (five) seconds
- Fade from TITLE slate to BLACK
- 1-second fade-in from BLACK to ANIMATION, also fade in SOUND.
- 1-second fade out to BLACK from ANIMATION, also fade out SOUND.
Animatics
Animatics must include the above requirements, in addition to the following:
- Clean, easily readable drawings or placeholder assets
- All MAJOR MOVING visual elements MUST be separate assets with 1ST PASS ANIMATION in place.
- All moving background elements MUST have rough ANIMATION in place.
- 3D Animation/Camera movements MUST BE VISUALIZED in the ANIMATIC.
- Color AND visual style roughly indicative of final product.
Suggested Course Outline
WEEK 1
Lecture: AfterEffects review
File management. Projects, compositions, etc.
Animation + Effects (color corrects, blurs).
Solids, text tool. Type tool. Layer blending modes.
Paths and Masking, pen tool, animating masks, text on paths, paths as keyframes, animating strokes and paths. Turning text into masks.
Particle Systems. Transparency, Compound
effects,“The Power
of Grayscale”.
Lab: Practice new techniques, create rough storyboards for channel identification piece.
Homework: Animatic for channel identification project.
WEEK 2 - PROJECT 1 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 1 animatic critiques.
WEEK 2 - PROJECT 1 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 1 animatic critiques.
Lecture: Pre-comping and parenting, making characters. Understanding
3d space in After Effects. 3d transform
properties. Grouping 3d
layers.
Lab: Practice new techniques, finish project 1.
Homework: project 1 first pass animation.
WEEK 3 - PROJECT 1 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 first pass critiques.
Homework: project 1 first pass animation.
WEEK 3 - PROJECT 1 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 first pass critiques.
Lecture: Animate text parameters, text animations in Adobe Bridge Ramps, basic expression
scripting.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on storyboards for project 2.
Homework: Final animation for project 1.
WEEK 4 - PROJECT 1 - FINAL PASS DUE
Homework: Final animation for project 1.
WEEK 4 - PROJECT 1 - FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 1 final submission critiques.
Lecture: Track Mattes, audio to keyframes, video motion tracking, video time warping, distort effects.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: Animatic for project 2.
WEEK 5- PROJECT 2 - ANIMATIC DUE
Lecture: Track Mattes, audio to keyframes, video motion tracking, video time warping, distort effects.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: Animatic for project 2.
WEEK 5- PROJECT 2 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: Project 2 animatic critique
Lecture: Particle systems and simulation tools. Particles + blurs and color correction.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: First pass animation for project 2.
wiggler expressions. Title sequences that rule.
Lab: Practice new techniques, dev ideas/storyboards for project 3.
Homework: animatic for project 3.
WEEK 7 - PROJECT 2 FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 final pass critique
Lecture: Particle systems and simulation tools. Particles + blurs and color correction.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on project 2.
Homework: First pass animation for project 2.
WEEK 6- PROJECT 2 - 1st PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 1st pass critique
Lecture: 3D in After FX. 3D cameras and layers. Importing 3d text from photoshop. Expressions and advanced animation tools. Wiggly text,wiggler expressions. Title sequences that rule.
Lab: Practice new techniques, dev ideas/storyboards for project 3.
Homework: animatic for project 3.
WEEK 7 - PROJECT 2 FINAL PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 2 final pass critique
Lecture: Advanced particle effects, advanced color correction and lighting tools.
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on animatic revisions.
Homework: animatic for final project.
WEEK 8 - PROJECT 3 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: review Project 3 animatics
Lab: Practice new techniques, work on animatic revisions.
Homework: animatic for final project.
WEEK 8 - PROJECT 3 - ANIMATIC DUE
Dailies: review Project 3 animatics
Lecture: Advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: 1st pass for final project.
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: 1st pass for final project.
WEEK 9 - NO CLASS FOR MA2241 section B (Monday evening)
Dailies: review Project 3 1st pass
Lecture: review 1st pass. advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: work on final project.
WEEK 10 - PROJECT 3 - 1st/2nd PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 3 1st/2nd pass critiques.
Lecture: review 1st pass. advanced fx using layered transparency
Lines and shapes in 3d
Expression controls and index values
Lab: Practice new techniques
Homework: work on final project.
WEEK 10 - PROJECT 3 - 1st/2nd PASS DUE
Dailies: Project 3 1st/2nd pass critiques.
Lecture: Review of final project 1st pass
Lab: Time to work on Final Project
Reading: CMG, vol 2, chapter 30
Homework: finish final project
WEEK 11: FINAL PROJECT DUE
Lecture: Critique projects, enjoy your break!
Schedule subject to change based on class need.
Lab: Time to work on Final Project
Reading: CMG, vol 2, chapter 30
Homework: finish final project
WEEK 11: FINAL PROJECT DUE
Lecture: Critique projects, enjoy your break!
Schedule subject to change based on class need.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
50 motion graphics tips + 28 killer mografx blogs/resources + 10 tips for good workflow!!!!
Straight from the pros!
Plus.....
Monday, January 30, 2012
Project 2
Music video/spoken word – Due start of class Week 7.
0:20 second minimum with sound
Create a 0:20 second music video/spoken word/kinetic typography piece. Grading will focus
on aesthetic direction, sound/animation relationships and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.
Kinetic Typography examples
Student examples:
http://vimeo.com/34864120
http://youtu.be/NeGMiHwmwTY
http://youtu.be/irXqJzX3iQI
http://youtu.be/alkuWr55fEY
0:20 second minimum with sound
Create a 0:20 second music video/spoken word/kinetic typography piece. Grading will focus
on aesthetic direction, sound/animation relationships and technical achievement. Work should be rendered @ a resolution of HD 720 (1280 x 720) and submitted via .H264 movie file.Kinetic Typography examples
Student examples:
http://vimeo.com/34864120
http://youtu.be/NeGMiHwmwTY
http://youtu.be/irXqJzX3iQI
http://youtu.be/alkuWr55fEY
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Video Copilot After FX Basics
Please watch the first 3 tutorials by the start of next class. We'll discuss the subjects covered, and the information is essential to your first project's success.
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