#organizationalstructures

[sandylcurcio]

Week 4 - Story Journal

This week I reflected on my last week at work. It was a sad week because it was one full of goodbyes and full of lasts. Though I started this job about a year and a half ago my coworkers became sort of my family. I mean I practically saw them longer than I saw my own family. It’s crazy how the people at work sort of become part of you. This job really let me spread my wings as a designer. I started this job as a Marketing Assistant with no idea on just how much I’d be doing. I learned so much and was able to use my full design skills in a lot of projects that I ended up managing. I was able to understand the printing process and how to get the artwork printer ready. This week made me appreciate the fact that I get pretty lucky with jobs because I’m able to find these great positions and find that later they are so hard to leave.

I noticed that there is a theme throughout this journal and it is family. Family is something that’s always been extremely important to me. Whether it’s my work family or my actual family it’s the relationship I treasure the most.

An emerging story kernel that I see from this week’s journal could deal with family. There are so many stories to tell when it comes to family. The drama, the comedic moments, and the moments that just make you cry. Family is such an essential dynamic in storytelling because it really is what kind of forms you.

[sandylcurcio]

Organizational Structures: Week 4 Mastery Reflection

     Overall the material this month was quite challenging, incredibly engaging, and I was able to understand the After Effects software more effectively.  Some of the concepts I learned were creating a dynamic vision board by using movement and non-diegetic sound. Being able to understand movement and the way movement works together with a brand also helped in conveying the message of my assigned city’s brand. 

     We also learned how preparing a storyboard for your motion video always makes the process of creating it easier. The same way with design there is a research and development process that must be done to create a compelling motion.

Liz Blazer says the following about storyboarding:

As you begin the process of storyboarding you’re creating individual frames of action. You start out rough and gradually add needed details. This process ensures the story is first understanding and then allows you to add the nuances that make the story more complex and interesting. (Blazer, 2015)

We reviewed diegetic and non-diegetic sound, the non-diegetic sound is the sound whose sources isn’t visible on screen, like a commentary and diegetic sound is the latter, ambiance or someone speaking directly to someone.

Motion in Context Video

Dynamic Vision board

Storyboard

Connecting/Synthesizing/Transforming: Some of the research I conducted and utilized to arrive at my design decision is the way that kinetic typography can grasp the audience’s attention and how the city of Pretoria’s brand can benefit from it. Van Leeuwen and Djonov argued the following about kinetic typography, “Many writers see kinetic typography as restoring to writing the expressiveness of speech and voice quality” (Van Leeuwen, Djonov, 2015).

Problem Solving: The design problem I was trying to solve was attempting to convey Pretoria’s brand narrative through a motion graphic using kinetic typography. The design problem for my selected medium brings a good solution according to my industry because in using kinetic typography to depict the brand’s narrative it makes for a more lasting memory. Brownie emphasizes the following about Kineticism, “Graphic design critic Michael Worthington (1998, p.9) observes, “In a time-based medium, type has additional expressive qualities, additional layers of significance” (Brownie, 2014). I solved the problem by creating an engaging kinetic typographical motion that engaged the audience and tied into the brand’s theme.

Innovative Thinking: My work in comparisons to others in the industry is innovative because I decided to focus my city’s narrative on a less common themed brand to a more academically inclined description. When I first started this project, I knew I wanted to do something completely different that isn't a common approach with the city of Pretoria. Throughout my research of this city, I saw much information regarding the Industrial Research side of it, so I knew this is what I wanted to explore. Using kinetic typography in an innovative way to depict the narrative of the city is something that isn't common.

Acquiring Competencies: I learned that the motion graphic process is long and a bit tedious especially if you want to produce something with quality. I had explored After Effects before and made a couple of motion graphics during my undergrad but this project assisted me in delving deeper into the program, and I was able to learn a lot.

    Additionally, my overall experience with the course was great. I wouldn’t personally choose to explore group projects again, that par was somewhat frustrating. After this course, I hope to delve myself deeper into motion graphics, though it was tedious it is something I thoroughly enjoyed.

References

Brownie, B. (2015). Transforming type: New directions in kinetic typography. Retrieved March 20, 2019, fromhttps://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/novasoutheastern/reader.action?docID=1868824

Leeuwen, T. V., & Djonov, E. (2015). Notes towards a semiotics of kinetic typography. Social Semiotics,25(2), 244-253. doi:10.1080/10350330.2015.1010324

[sandylcurcio]

Wk3- Story Journal

This week I reflected on what my week looked like and how hectic it is. Though, I was able to reflect on my future and where I see myself after I finish school. What will I do with all of my free time? Other than designing and perfecting my practice of course. For such a long-time art has always been my creative output and it’s always been my escape; lately, it’s my work and school. I wonder if it’s something I’ll want to do with my free time. Don’t get me wrong I love being a designer though times it gets exhausting and pretty extensive I don’t see myself doing anything else other than this. I am excited to see what the future holds and with starting my new job soon, I’ll be able to branch out into an industry that’s entirely new for me. Granted, I’ll still be designing, but it’s going to a nice change of pace.

I noticed that there is a theme throughout this journal and it deals with the future, specifically mine. I wrote about imagining where I see myself after I finish my masters. Writing these story journals have helped my creative process and put things in perspective. The future is something that can be so daunting to some and even me at times, but it’s something pretty exciting when given a chance to clear your mind and explore it.

An emerging story kernel that I see from this week’s journal could deal with my future. Where my life will lead me to as a designer and how this new job will help open many doors that weren’t there previously. I was also able to relax a little by going to the beach that led me to think of my future. Sometimes clearing your head and being able to unplug is the best way to get your creative juices flowing.

[sandylcurcio]

Story Journal Week 2

This week I reflected on what it meant to be a designer. I feel extremely lucky to be able to create the things that sort of pop into my head. I thought about how amazing it was to be able to be the lead designer of a whole festival. Storyfest is a literacy festival that the library where I work at hosts each year. This year I created all of their signage, banners, programs, posters, website, and any marketing assets that were used. It was a nice feeling to see my work make a little bit of a difference.

I noticed that there is a theme throughout this journal. I wrote a lot about how my experience as an artist has molded me into a great designer. It gives me the ability to look at things in different perspectives and being able to put yourself in the audience’s shoes is something that is really big in the designer world. I’m glad that I’m able to get out of my head a little bit and see a different view every now and again.

An emerging story kernel that I see from this week’s journal could deal with my experiences as a graphic designer so far. The art and skill that graphic design entails is so huge and often gets misconstrued to creating a logo or graphic and it’s so much more than that. It’s having the ability to see the bigger picture and that not everything you create is for your satisfaction, it’s in fact intended for the audience. 

This is something that I’m getting accustomed to in my current position because I want everything to be calculated and I want to be able to control the look and outcome of it and it doesn’t always work out the way you intended it to. You kind of just have to go with what the audience wants and that’s okay. 

[sandylcurcio]

Story Journal - Week 1

This week I noted a lot about Storyfest and food. I realize that work and food experiences really do inspire me to be creative. My position as Marketing Assistant has me doing just about everything creative you can think of so it really helps that I can use everything I’ve learned at Full Sail in real-world experience.

I noticed that there is a theme throughout this journal. I wrote a lot about my food experiences. I take those moments extremely seriously, I love connecting with my food and creating a permanent memory.

An emerging story kernel that I see from this week’s journal could deal with food and an out of this world experience.

[carawaydesigns]

Reflections: 6.4.1 Organizational Structures

This month has been a learning experience in motion graphics, understanding the basics, how to best implement those graphics for branding, and how to use After Effects for the first time.  The month started with learning about the basics of motion graphics and how to animate a logo.  The ability to animate a logo not only increases the excitability of the logo but also further pushes the branding statement.  The first two weeks were spent understanding how to create storyboards for upcoming motion graphics.  Time was spent understanding how to share the brand story and message by animating the logo and keeping the story hierarchy succinct.  Time was spent fostering creativity by spending time daily writing in story journals and then weekly evaluating those journal entries for story kernels.   Week two found designers offering critiques to other designers regarding their storyboards and messages, while also pushing the design process forward by choosing whether or not to implement the information garnered from the critiques in the designs.  

By week three the design process had migrated from the storyboard to the computer utilizing Adobe After Effects.  Having never utilized this software before this course or created a motion graphic, the task at hand immediately felt daunting.  The research was conducted regarding the various motion graphic animations and how to best implement those animations within a motion graphic for the desired effect for the brand.  Various motion graphic techniques were analyzed for their ability to evoke emotion and tone along with their ability to best share the brand's story.  The motion graphic animation Kinetic Typography was chosen for the Kyoto design.  It was decided that the animation would be combined with the traditional Motion Poster animation, thus creating a new and exciting dynamic.  The challenge was to keep Kinetic Typography as the primary voice and tone of the motion graphic and not allowing its influential voice to become drowned out by the Motion Poster animations.

Further reasoning for choosing the animation style of Kinetic Typography is based in the animation’s keen ability to evoke emotion and tone.  While Kyoto has seen motion graphics with various animation stylings including basic Kinetic Typography, as of the time research was conducted none existed with the combination of Motion Poster with the emphasis on Kinetic Typography.  Creating this visual element where Kinetic Typography was laced over, and in-between Motion Poster elements became a challenging quest to create elements that looked appropriate to the brand’s story without becoming cartoony.  Week three’s design struggled in the implementation of the desired design elements, as most iterations saw the desired effects looking cartoony and thus minimizing the Kinetic Typography's voice.  

After extensive research on how to use Adobe After Effects, along with how to create various realistic effects, and how to ensure Kinetic Typography’s voice remained strong when blended with other design elements the final iteration and storyboard were completed.  The final iteration gave the designer a sense of accomplishment with a motion design project that would have never been dared before the course began.  While skill level can still vastly improve, the designer is impressed with the level of understanding and knowledge regarding motion graphics that was garnered from this course.  While this may without a doubt be the most challenging course the designer has had to date; it so far has been the most rewarding.

Week 1 & 2

Iteration #1 - Planning for Motion

The storyboard and designs are based in traditional Kyoto, Japan.  Everything about these boards will evoke the emotions and traditions of Kyoto.  The viewer is first introduced to a scene of blue skies and clouds. As the clouds move out the viewer is then introduced to the scenic beauty of Kyoto, Japan.  The picturesque scene will evoke the emotions and scenery of traditional Kyoto.  The research was conducted to find the exact image that could convey traditional Kyoto, while not either being too busy or singling out only one aspect of the traditional city.  The picturesque scene will begin to fade to the background as the letter K - Y - and T individually spin into the foreground.  Once the T has spun into view, the dragon will begin to fade in to view.  The dragon is not only a symbolic creature of traditional Kyoto but will also create the missing O’s in the spelling of Kyoto.  Once the dragon had fully manifested, flames will shoot from the dragon's mouth “burning” the other letters and changing their color from black to red.  The scene will end with the picturesque city of Kyoto in the background and the logo in the foreground. 

Iteration # 2 - Planning for Motion

The story begins by intriguing the viewer with a smoke-filled sky and Japanese style music playing in the distance. As the smoky clouds begin to fade away, the city of Kyoto begins to come into focus, but now sounds of a crackling fire can be heard over the music.  After the clouds have entirely moved from view, a raging fire can be seen with the city of Kyoto in the background.  From the fire emerges a fire-breathing dragon, bellowing a fiery furnace from his mouth.  The flames begin to fade along with the crackling sounds of the fire, to reveal the Kyoto logo.  The final scene depicts the Kyoto logo with the city of Kyoto in the background with only a soft playing Japanese style music.  The scene ends with a pure sound of a gong.

After reviewing two critiques regarding the original storyboard changes were implemented to give a stronger focus to the message and eliminate confusion.  Professor Baldowski asked two critical questions regarding the strength of the message, “Could the dragon breath fire first to reveal the name? Does having the dragon come in in the middle deliver your message strongly enough?” (Baldowski, 2018)  After reviewing these questions, the design began to evolve into a more cohesive message allowing the viewer to be pulled into the traditional feel of Kyoto and emphasize the strength of the message of a traditional Kyoto.  The design was shifted to bring the dragon more to the forefront of the message, thus cohesively keeping its key to the message as it is a key graphic in the logo.  The idea brought forward by Professor Baldowski of  “having the dragon breath fire first to reveal the name”  (Baldowski, 2018) was implemented in scene four of the storyboard.  Scene one through three builds the anticipation for the dragon, with scene four allowing the dragon to make his grand appearance.  The research was conducted to understand how to best implement dragon breath and the resulting fire (Surfaced Studio, 2017).  Further research was also conducted to understand how to implement the engulfing fire in scene three, four, and five.  In order to represent realism as best possible, research revealed that “a good fire has heat waves and less smoke is better than more.” (Realistic Fire - Free AE Template, 2018).

As the reviewer, Lynn Larsen observed consideration also needed to be given to changing the opening scene to “have the smoky look be smoke and not clouds in the beginning as there is a dragon in the area. That way the city could be seen or obscured by smoke based on the dragon’s flames. The smoke then becomes part of the story.” (Larsen, 2018)  The research was again conducted to understand the best ways to create a smoke-filled opening scene. (Vox Lab, 2013)

Furthermore, while the audio identity for the brand did not change a few sounds were added to enhance the storyline.  The crackling fire was added to enhance the intensity of the dragon. The final sound of the gong was added to solidify the ending of the graphics and to further enhance the feel of traditional Kyoto.

After reviewing all of the information provided in both critiques and in the research on how to effect change with various animations, the research and discoveries allow for the transformation of the once simple traditional Kyoto logo into a dynamic and transformative engaging motion graphic that will transport the viewer to traditional Kyoto.  The motion graphic will create such a unique visual experience that the viewer will feel that have transported to a simpler enchanted Kyoto, one of the legends and idyllic imagery.  

References:

Baldowski, A. (2018, October 3). 1.4-Critique. [Online course comment].

      Retrieved from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/33261/modules/

      106541/activities/696178

How to enhance your marketing with motion graphics. (2017, March 13).  

       Retrieved from https://rottmancreative.com/blog/how-to-enhance-your-

       marketing-with-motion-graphics-20170313

Larsen, L. (2018, October 4). 1.4-Critique. [Online course comment]. Retrieved

       from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/33261/modules/106541/

       activities/696178/discussion

Surfaced Studio (2017, February 20). Retrieved October 6, 2018, from https://

      www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0xbBI6fUfE

Realistic Fire - Free AE Template. (2018). Retrieved from 

       https://www.rocketstock.com/free-after-effects-templates/fire-in-after-

       effects/

Vox Lab, (2013, May 22). Retrieved October 6, 2018, from

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf3z60OSc7I

Week 3 & 4

Iteration # 3 - Ideas in Motion

Animation Style and Rationale

The chosen animation style is Kinetic Typography, due to the need for the animation to evoke strong emotion and connection with the viewer. Kinetic Typography is “the act of telling a content-based story through animated words, enhanced by illustrations, outlines, photographs, and additionally video.” (Henry, 2018) This type of animation allows the designer to “create emotion and convey tone where previously existed.” (Cousins, 2015) In order to bring to life a once static logo and marry it properly to the emotions and tone that are traditional Kyoto, the chosen animation style needed to have the ability to evoke emotion and tone with full force. For the viewer to feel transported to a mystical time and place that was old Kyoto, more than mere graphics were required. The graphics merely begin to set the tone while the Kinetic Typography married together with the graphics, audio, and the story will allow the viewer to transfer themselves to a land of yore mentally.

Story and Message

Kyoto a city of mystical allure, a city of legends, building on years of traditions and culture that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Stepping onto the streets of Kyoto is to step into the culture and traditions of long ago. While Kyoto has modernized, it has managed to keep its culture in traditions steeped in its rich heritage. This is a city that allows the traveler to fully immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the past because those things are not just stories of what once was but are a living and breathing part of this modern city. Traveling to this city is like stepping back into time, feeling the mysticism and lore meet head-on with the traditions and culture of the past and present.

The motion graphic will not only convey the rich traditions and culture that is Kyoto but will allow the viewer to be mentally transported back to a time where dragons roamed, and legends were made. The pounding of the drums in traditional Kyoto music married with smoke clouds will begin to stir the viewer’s curiosity. As traditional Kyoto emerges, so does its fire-breathing dragon bringing together mysticism, and intensity and the dragon breathes its firey breath burins everything in sight. The intensity and mysticism are enhanced with the typography that appears in flames. The same flames that dance to the beat of the drums we met in scene one. As the flames began to fade away, the viewer is fully transported to the mysterious land with the appearance of the Kyoto logo. The motion graphic will end in the most traditional of ways with the banging of a gong, thus fully awakening the viewer from their trance and creating the desire for them to travel to the land they were just transported.

Connecting, Synthesizing, Transforming

Extensive research was conducted to develop this motion graphic. The research was explored in the areas of the execution of graphic design elements and in the understand and usage of the animation style. While more research is needed on creating a more realistic styling to the smoke and flames, along with the adding of Kinetic Typography to those elements, the research that was conducted allowed for a somewhat successful first draft of the motion graphic.

While extensive research has been conducted, further research is required to elevate this graphic to the vision desired. Further research beyond the initial videos such as fire-breathing (Tuts,

2013) to give a more realistic appearance is needed to allow the motion graphic to evoke the desired emotion.

Problem Solving

The main problem to solve was how to fully engage the viewers and evoke their emotions and desire to travel to this mystical land. It is essential for a designer to understand the how and why of selecting a motion graphic animation style and how it will impact their final project. (Blazer, 2016) Also, as stated by Professor Baldowski, “more emphasis needed to be placed on the why and how” (Baldowski, 2018) to allow the reader to understand the transportation of the viewer. The designer took note of these issues and elevated the thought process to show the connections and dynamics between the elements and the viewer’s imagination. The elevated thought process as described above allows the reader to understand the process and allow themselves to transport to the mystical city of Kyoto. With the elevated thought process and descriptions, further research was conducted to bring these elements to life. While most of the elements will need further research on how to best execute them in order to convey the desired message and story, the ones that have been implemented at this point were somewhat successful.

Innovative Thinking

Kinetic Typography is nothing new under the sun; as it has been around for over 50 years, it still has something unique to offer in the way of emotion and tone. Due to this innate ability, Kinetic Typography has been used “for everything from advertising and promotion to art to music videos to a storytelling tool for journalists” (Cousins, 2015) and has even recently seen a resurgence to

one of the top motion graphic trends. (The Top 20 Motion Graphic Trends of 2018, 2018) What makes this motion graphics innovative is its unique ability to marry the graphic elements with the Kinetic Typography. While Kinetic Typography videos have been made for the city of Kyoto, none have managed to merge fantasy with typography in a way that this motion graphic does allow for the viewer to not only be full transfixed on the movements to become lost and transported to that mystical city.

Audio Identity

The audio identity of the graphic is steeped in the rich traditions of Kyoto. The music that will be played will not be a relaxing tune; rather it will engage the viewer as they are transported to this magical city. The pounding of the drums will add to the intensity and curiosity of the viewer as they are transported to a land far away. While the final sound of the banging gong will awaken, the viewers from their trance to evoke their need to travel to this mystical land.

References

Baldowski, A. (2018, October 10). 1.2b Planning for Motion [Online Course 

       Comment]. Retrieved from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/33261/

       modules/106541/ activities/696179

Blazer, L. (2016). Animated Storytelling: Simple Steps for Creating Animation

       and Motion Graphics. San Francisco, CA: Peachpit Press. Retrieved from

       http:://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/animation-and-3d/9780134133812

Cousins, C. (2015, August 05). Kinetic Typography: An Introductory Guide.

       Retrieved from https://designshack.net/articles/typography/

       kinetic-typography-an-introductory-guide/

Henry, P. (2018). What Is Kinetic Typography And How You Can Use It For

       Marketing. Retrieved from https://videoanimationinc.com/blog/

       kinetic-typography-for-marketing/

Trentemollermix. (2018). KYOTO city panoramic vector water color illustration 

       [AI/EPS]. Adobe Stock. Retrieved from https://stock.adobe.com/images/

       kyoto-city-panoramic-vector-water-color- illustration/112706602

The Top 20 Motion Graphic Trends of 2018. (2018, May 10). Retrieved from 

       https://pixflow.net/ blog/top-motion-graphic-trends/

Tuts, J. (2013, October 23). Fire Breathing - No Stock Footage - After Effects 

       CS6 Tutorial. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?

       v=J8_knWzrdXU

Iteration # 4 - Ideas in Motion

 Animation Style and Rationale with Changes

Kinetic Typography remains the chosen motion style based on the ability of this style of motion graphics to evoke strong emotion and connection with the viewer, allowing the designer to “create emotion and convey tone where none previously existed.” (Cousins, 2015)  To best marry together motion graphics and the traditional Kyoto logo, the animation style represented needed to have the ability to evoke such strong emotions that the viewer becomes lost in the motion graphic. This logo style needs not only to have the ability to evoke such strong emotion but the capability to also blend with other graphic styles to create something new and innovative. This unique feature of Kinetic Typography will allow the viewer to feel transported to a mystical time and place that was old Kyoto, more than poor graphics were required. The use of motion graphics such as Motion Poster merely set the stage for the ever powerful Kinetic Typography that drives home the emotion of the motion graphic. 

Story and Message

As previously stated, Kyoto is a city of mystical allure, a city of legends, building on years of traditions and culture that are unlike anywhere else in the world.  The viewer is transported to a magical and mystical time with the smoky skies and a fire-breathing dragon, all while the beating of Japanese drums plays in the background adding to the allure of the magical land.  The dragon’s breath speaks loudly to the mystical land, through Kinetic Typography each letter of “mystical” is animated as on a typewriter, all while swooshing amongst the firey flames.  The ground beneath the dragon illuminates in the fire as the Kinetic Typography of  “spiritual” and “mysterious” rage and radiate within the flames while eliciting animation style that reinforces the mystical elements of the scene.  This sets the stage for the transportation to a mystical land, one where tradition and mysticism still reside not in spite of each other but because of the other.   As the smoky skies fade and the flames subside, the viewer is transported to a tranquil, spiritual land of long ago.  The viewer now fully immersed in the land where tradition, majesty, mysticism, and spirituality all blend into one voice is woken by the sound of a Japanese temple gong while viewing the transformation of the dragon into the Kyoto logo.  The viewer, now awake feels the need to act on their now burning desire to travel to this mystical land. 

While the message remains the same, the story has changed only slightly by placing more focus on the mysticism and mystery of this land.  The viewer is no longer confused by the imagery of a dragon possibly burning down the city (Baldowski, 2018), rather they are transported to this mystical land via the dragon and his breath of fire to the tranquil and spiritual land of yore. The Kinetic Typography remains in place as initially visioned, however, with this new adaptation of focusing on the dragon; this allows the Kinetic Typography to have an even stronger presence than the previous iteration.

Audio Identity

The playing of Japanese drums not only increases the intensity of the fire-breathing dragon and all of the mysticism he entails but also through the simple background change harkens the thoughts and imagery of a traditional long ago Kyoto. This allows the viewer to become fully immersed in the motion graphic and engaging them as they are transported to this magical city. The final sound of a Japanese temple gong will awaken, the viewers from their trance to evoke their need to travel to this mystical land.

Connecting, Synthesizing, Transforming

Extensive research has been conducted to develop this motion graphic. The research was explored in the areas of the execution of graphic design elements and in the understand and usage of the animation style.  Further research was conducted to understand how to best blend the motion graphics stylings of a Motion Poster with Kinetic Typography to allow Kinetic Typography to shine and not become lost in the blending of the two worlds.  This was seen with the blending of the Motion Poster variations of the dragon’s breath and flames while seamlessly integrating the Kinetic Typography of the text that bounced through the flames.  This allowed for the creation of something new and innovative as a blending of this style of Motion Poster with Kinetic Typography has not been produced for this mystical city.  Care was taken to ensure that the Kinetic Typography stood out amongst the other animations and was the strongest elements in the scenes.  

Problem Solving

The original iteration lacked the ability for the viewer to understand that Kinetic Typography was the lead graphic animation (Baldowski, 2018) while also failing to offer a clear story to the viewer as to the transportation to the magical land via the fire-breathing dragon (Baldowski, 2018)  It is essential for a designer to understand the how and why of selecting a motion graphic animation style and how it will impact their final project. (Blazer, 2016)  Design elements were further researched to understand how to combine various animation styles with Kinetic Typography best while not losing the uniqueness of Kinetic Typography’s voice in the process of blending the styles. Further research was conducted to understand how to best emphasis and gain the full power of Kinetic Typography within the motion graphic.

Further analysis was given on how to best tell the story of Kyoto and how to animation should proceed without creating confusion or giving any “jarring” elements. (Baldowski, 2018)  To ensure the story was told in the best way to highlight the uniqueness of Kyoto, consideration was given to separating scenes where the fire-breathing dragon and the tranquil city of Kyoto intermingled. The separation of these two elements allowed for a stronger presentation and motion graphic, thus allowing the viewer to become transported to this mystical land of yore.  

Innovative Thinking

Kinetic Typography is nothing new under the sun; as it has been around for over 50 years, it still has something unique to offer in the way of emotion and tone. Due to this innate ability, Kinetic Typography has been used “for everything from advertising and promotion to art to music videos to a storytelling tool for journalists” (Cousins, 2015) and has even recently seen a resurgence to

one of the top motion graphic trends. (The Top 20 Motion Graphic Trends of 2018, 2018) What makes this motion graphics innovative is its unique ability to marry the graphic elements with the Kinetic Typography.  Basic Kinetic Typography and various other animation styled motion graphics have been created to depict the city of Kyoto. However, none have been crafted to offer the unique compilation of Motion Poster animation with the strength of Kinetic Typography.  This blending of the two motion graphics styles while keeping the emphasis on Kinetic Typography and allowing the strength and emotion of its voice to continue through the graphic, allowed this motion graphic to go beyond creations that have been created in the past.   Thus successfully merging fantasy with typography in a way that allows the viewer to become lost in the motion graphic and become transported to the mystical land of Kyoto.

References

Baldowski, A. (2018, October 18). 2.2a Planning for Motion [Online Course 

       Comment]. Retrieved from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/

       33261/modules/106542/activities/696186

Blazer, L. (2016). Animated Storytelling: Simple Steps for Creating Animation

       and Motion Graphics. San Francisco, CA: Peachpit Press. 

       Retrieved from http:://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/

       animation-and-3d/9780134133812

Cousins, C. (2015, August 05). Kinetic Typography: An Introductory Guide. 

       Retrieved from https://designshack.net/articles/typography/kinetic-

       typography-an-introductory-guide/

Henry, P. (2018). What Is Kinetic Typography And How You Can Use It For 

       Marketing. Retrieved from https://videoanimationinc.com/blog/kinetic-

       typography-for-marketing/

The Top 20 Motion Graphic Trends of 2018. (2018, May 10). Retrieved from 

       https://pixflow.net/blog/top-motion-graphic-trends/

[thadwallace-blog]

Organizational Structures: Final Reflection

Looking back over this month it has not been easy. I have not been the best version of myself and had let some things get in the way of my education but all that is behind me now. I have come out on the other side and can hang my hat on what I have accomplished in this course. This course was one of the most challenging classes I have faced but I struggled through it to find success. This class pushed me to try new things (Adobe AfterEffects) and forced me out of my comfort zone.

Looking back over the month one thing became very clear to me, “I am not a graphic designer anymore.” Before I could easily find myself settling into a design project completely content with the going about it the same way. Sure, I learned new concepts that I would apply but never had to stretch myself to try new platforms. This course forced me into the medium of video and motion graphics. This is not an area of strength for me compared to my static, 2-dimensional design strengths. At times I found myself asking, “What was the point?” At times I felt like giving up. But one day it hit me. As I mentioned before I am not a graphic designer anymore. It is too limiting. In this day and age we have so much more technology available to us. Now I can solve a problem by appealing to more than the sense of sight. I can be much more dynamic by using video, animation, sound, etc. to reach new heights. I now understand what it means to be a media designer and I look forward to adding more weapons to the arsenal as I continue through this program.    

[thadwallace-blog]

The above dynamic moodboard is my final version for my Organizational Structures class. The version below is my final draft. The difference between the two is the added score to the one above. After doing some hard thinking and reviewing of my peers’ moodboards I came to the conclusion that even though my board had sound effects it just needed something more. My board was falling short of communicating the full story. It needed some sort of musical arrangement to help communicate what Mt. Saint Helen is all about. So I decided to score this with my guitar. I wanted something ambient, serene and light enough to still let the fluttering and chirping of birds come through the mix. MSH is an eco-friendly company and the Treetop Nest package is meant to not only connect buyers with nature but transport them to a place far from the hustle and bustle of their problematic realities.

Please review the two and notice the distinguishable difference and how music is vital part in communicating a mood or feeling.