Motion Graphics and Compositing - Project 2: Channel Bumper

6.11.2024 - 4.12.2024 / Week 7 - Week 11
Chan Wan Qing / 0350928 / BA of Design (HONS) in Creative Media
Motion Graphics and Compositing
Project 2

INDEX:

1. Lectures
2. Project 2: Channel Bumper
3. Feedbacks
4. Reflection


LECTURES 

Week 7 / 6.11.2024 

This week, Mr Fauzi explained on how file linking between different software (eg. Premiere Pro and After Effects) is important as in After Effects, we can't do the sound, so we need to link the file to Premiere Pro to insert and edit the sound. 


File Linking

It is easier to do it in After Effects first, then only in Premiere Pro. It's hard to do editing in After Effects. 

1. Make the background transparent
2. Render the file
3. Export in MOV
4. Import from Premiere Pro 


Output Settings in After Effects

Week 10 / 27.11.2024

Track Camera

- Text moves with the camera angle of the video 
- Track Solid 


Motion Tracking



INSTRUCTIONS

Project 2: Channel Bumper

In project 2, we are to demonstrate ability to explore and generate an abstract channel bumper in any creative approach with consideration of good audio tempo and visually compelling video. We are to use information for any proposed channel to create moodboard that reflects their concept/idea, style-guide that conveys final look and feel, storyboard, animatics and explore appropriate audio to uplift the motion tempo. The final outcome should be a motion graphics animation for the brand.

Requirements:

  • Compiled technical doc .pdf (*moodboard, style guides, sketches, storyboard)
  • 10 - 15 sec video (*.mp4, h2.64, 16:9 - 1440 X 1080, 25 fps, ACC, 48kHz

Brand Research

First, I went to Pinterest to find some ideas on how can I use motion graphics to advertise a brand. After saving some of the examples, I started to explore on the brands. I listed out the brands to do research on them and decide which to use for the project. 

1. Converse


Converse Logo

Converse is an American lifestyle brand that markets, distributes, and licenses footwear, apparel, and accessories. Converse has a unique brand identity that stands out in the worlds of footwear and fashion. Known for its deep roots in youth culture, creativity, and individual expression, Converse’s brand identity is a mix of minimalist design with a gritty, urban aesthetic. 

  • Brand Colours

    - Main brand colors are black and white, reflecting simplicity, timelessness, and versatility. 
    - Sometimes incorporates classic shades like red, navy blue, or muted earth tones in their campaigns.
    - Black and white give Converse a bold and clean look that contrasts well with various styles. 

  • Brand Personality, Voice and Tones

    - Creative and independent
    - Down-to-earth
    - Casual, confident and slightly rebellious 
    - Individuality, creativity and freedom
    - Connects with youth subcultures, including skaters, punk rockers, and artists

  • Brand Style and Aesthetic

    - Uses elements of DIY culture (hand-drawn doodles, graffiti, or collages)
    - Blends a classic, vintage vibe with modern style
    - Minimalist, with a raw and edgy feel that avoids over-design

  • Imagery and Photography Style

    - Showcase urban environments—graffiti walls, skate parks, and city streets
    - Feature textures like concrete, brick, and worn-down surfaces

2. Kodak


Kodak Logo

Kodak is a pioneering brand in photography, Kodak’s look and feel evoke memories of classic film cameras while also embracing the artistry of capturing life’s moments. 

  • Brand Colours 

    - Signature colors are yellow, red, and black
    - Bold colors are instantly recognizable and give the brand a sense of warmth, energy, and timelessness
    - Yellow and red together create a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of vintage film and photo processing

  • Brand Personality, Voice and Tones

    - Nostalgic and sentimental, vintage-inspired
    - Creative and artistic
    - Warm, inviting and a bit sentimental

  • Brand Style and Aesthetic 

    - Uses retro elements like film strips, camera icons, and vintage color grading in its advertising and visuals
    - Embraces a warm, vintage style with grainy, dust and scratches textures, light leaks, and soft colors 
    - Warm, vintage style with grainy textures, light leaks, and soft colors
    - Highlight candid, authentic moments that evoke strong emotions

  • Products and Packaging Style

    - A retro look with its bold yellow and red branding
    - Tend to be clean and retro-inspired, reflecting the simplicity and directness of the brand

3. JBL


JBL Logo

JBL is an American audio equipment company manufacture. JBL is positioned as a lifestyle brand that appeals to music lovers, athletes, and anyone seeking a dynamic audio experience. 

  • Brand Colours 

    - JBL’s signature color is vibrant orange
    - Often pairs orange with black or white in its branding, creating a clean and modern look

  • Brand Personality, Voice and Tones

    - Adventurous and sociable
    - Approachable and universal
    - Includes a sense of reliability and high performance
    - Emphasizes excitement, fun, friendly, upbeat, and inviting

  • Brand Style and Aesthetic 

    - Sleek and clean, with minimal distractions
    - Incorporates visuals that emphasize ruggedness and durability

  • Products and Packaging Style

    - Compact, functional, and boldly coloured (use iconic orange with contrasting text and visuals)
    - Emphasize key features like waterproofing, bass quality, and battery life
    - Modern aesthetic, using minimalistic layouts and sharp typography

Brand Proposals 

I prepared brand proposals for Kodak and Converse to compare them and choose one of them for the project. 


Brand Proposal - Converse


Brand Proposal - Kodak

Then, I consulted with sir, we concluded to continue with Converse since the brand have more exposure and it's combination of old and new school.

Storyboard

Then, I came out with 3 storyboards. The first one and the third one are similar, but the ending is different. I liked the 3rd one more and also the first one seems a bit too long. 


Storyboard 1


Storyboard 2


Storyboard 3

Composition

I decided to use the third storyboard. After that, I compiled all the graphics elements. And I came out with a composition using the graphics elements in Adobe Photoshop. This composition serves as a guide when I animate them in After Effects. 


Composition

Motion Graphics - After Effects

I then imported the Photoshop file to After Effects. Then, I created a new composition and move part of the graphics elements to the 1st composition. Then, I added camera and null object as a controller in the composition. I on the 3D mode for all the layers. I linked the null object, named as controller to the camera; I also linked the other layers to controller before I started to add the keyframes. 

Next, I started to add keyframes to the position of the controller. I adjusted the values of position so that it gives the effect of zooming in from one object to another object. Simultaneously, I also adjusted the values of position of other layers like the sneakers so that it added depth to those layers and make the final outcome to have depth. I kept on adjusting the position each time I moved an object so that the focus point is correct and the objects won't be out of frame. 


Composition 1 - Controller


Composition 1 - Depth

After adding depth to every layers, I adjusted the position of some of the layers at the end of the composition so that they could come off at the same time. I added the keyframes to position them. I also masked some of the layers so that the whole composition has some "movement" and make it more interesting.


Composition 1 - Masking


Composition 1 - Position

Then, I added a new composition and named it as COMP_2. I moved some layers from the original composition from Photoshop and create a composition as the second part, continuing from the first composition. Similarly, I added camera and null object (controller) to the composition. I adjusted the position like how I did for composition 1 to give the effect of zooming in. 


Composition 2 - Controller


Composition 2 - Position & Depth

I also added a mask layer on the text "Since 1908". Then, I rotated the pair of hanging shoes and moved down the position so that it connects with the next composition. 


Composition 2 - Masking (Text)


Composition 2 - Rotation

For the last composition, similarly I started with a new composition. The last composition is for logos. I added camera and null object (controller) and moved the controller from the top to centre, like pushing the hanging sneakers down in composition 2. Then, I adjusted the duration of each layer so that one logo cuts to the next logo. 


Composition (Logo) - Controller


Composition (Logo) - Cut to Transition

Lastly, I moved all the three compositions to a new composition and added a background. I adjusted the timing and applied scale and position to the composition. 


Final Composition & Scale

Finally, I added background music to the final composition in Adobe Premiere Pro. I chose 2 background music but I think the first one suits the motion graphics better.


Motion Graphics - Background Music 1


Motion Graphics - Background Music 2

Final Project 2: Channel Bumper 


Final Channel Bumper - Motion Graphics


Final Channel Bumper - Slides


FEEDBACKS

Week 9 / Project 2

Based on branding, Converse have more potential for a good portfolio as the brand have more exposure and it's combination of old and new school. Can proceed with the brand. 

Week 10 / Project 2

Can add scale and zoom in to the focus point (the shoe) instead of having them in the same scale. 


REFLECTION

Working on the channel bumper project was a hectic and creative journey that allowed me to dive deep into the brand’s identity and heritage. I was very lost initially but through extensive research and conceptualization, I was able to highlight Converse’s iconic style, blending its classic appeal with modern trends with motion graphics. The challenge of aligning bold visuals and storytelling with their youthful and expressive branding pushed me to think innovatively, ensuring the final concept resonated with both the brand’s core values and its audience. This project also allowed me to refine my skills in using After Effects, particularly in creating depth and dynamic compositions. By keyframing positions, layering elements, and incorporating a camera with a null object as a controller for smooth transitions, I was able to animate the graphic elements and text with different motion and spatial depth. It was a fulfilling experience that enhanced my technical and creative abilities for Converse’s timeless impact on fashion and culture.

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