Kent State University / 2009 - 2010
3 Credits
Download the Syllabus
At Kent State University I teach a course called Kinetic and Sequential Graphic Design 1:
Linear Design: Designing Motion and Time-based Messages.
Students are exposed to the many facets of motion design. This course covers the elements of motion design, the role sound plays and integration of photography, video, and animation. Students are introduced to the principles of traditional animation, the picture plane, representation, time frames, and storyboarding. We study the application of motion design, and how it is technically implemented. Students are introduced to Aftereffects, iMovie, and Flash animation. We explore where these messages live, whether it is on a kiosk, on a large cinema billboard, projected on a building, distributed on a video portal website, shown on a television channel, or projected as a film title.
Students look at the various uses for motion graphics: to inform, to persuade and to entertain. We look at semantics and semiotics and how they are tied to motion design. Students will move beyond the creation of “flying type” and will learn how to create time based messages that communicate, motivate and evoke emotional responses. Students ultimately discover how motion design can enhance visual form, communication and meaning through a richer, more memorable experience.
I authored the course syllabus, the course lectures, and the project descriptions for projects #2, #3, and #4. Project #1 was created by R. Brian Stone, of The Ohio State University.
Student Samples:
Project #1. Visual Equations
The Assignment: Select a word with multiple meanings / different connotations. Examine the different definitions. Through motion define the word with a specific meaning. Depict the details through the kinetic and expressive attributes of the typography.
The Objectives: To gain an understanding of working with storyboards, applying animation design principles, and becoming familiar with motion design software.
Software Used: Flash or AfterEffects
Graft (2010) by Ruth Turner on Vimeo.
Unfold (2009) by Emir Bukva on Vimeo.
Refine (2010) by Will Pearce on Vimeo.
Introvert (2010) by Mike Caparanis on Vimeo.
Stop Motion project 1 from Nate Johnson on Vimeo.
Struggle from Cody Wallis on Vimeo.
Project #2. Information Translated
The Assignment: Select a journey, and emotion, or a simple how to lesson. Use stop motion to describe the event through a sequence of images. Consider color, hierarchy, composition, shape, light and scale.
The Objectives: To learn to communicate through a sequence of images, to use storyboarding as a means to plan and prepare time based messages, and to demonstrate knowledge in basic editing, sequencing, framing, timing and composing
Software Used: Quicktime Pro, Photoshop, and Flash or AfterEffects
How to Make Coffee (Spring 2010)Kyle Skunta on Vimeo.
MacBook Pro Battery Replacement (Spring 2010) Matt Markiewicz on Vimeo.
An Unpleasant Surprise (Spring 2010) byWill Pearce on Vimeo.
How to Make a Quiche from Ben Dansby on Vimeo.
Journey to Virginia Kendall, by Michael Carlson from grinnert on Vimeo.
A Ruby Day from Blake Ferguson on Vimeo.
Project #3. Persuasive and Motivational Design
The Assignment: Create a message that persuades the viewer. The message can be selling someone an idea, a campaign message, a political idea, a debated topic, or even a public service announcement. Determine the location and context for your message, and include this information when developing the project, as it will alter the outcome of your design. Topics must be approved by the instructor.
The Objectives: To learn to communicate through graphics and type in a time based format. To test explore the motivational, emotional & persuasive techniques in
motion design through type and graphics. And finally, to demonstrate knowledge in basic composition, information design and soundtracking.
Software Used: Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash and/or AfterEffects
The Importance of Educating Girls (Spring 2009) by Khou Vue on Vimeo.
Rethinking Measurements (Spring 2009) byBen Dansby on Vimeo.
Fair Trade (Spring 2009) by Eric Celedonia on Vimeo.
Support Local Businesses from Joe Ianni on Vimeo.
The Truth About Bottled Water from Ryan Sprowl on Vimeo.
Project 4- Solarize America ad from Kevin McKenzie on Vimeo.
Project #4. Narrative Design
The Assignment: Creating a narrative interpretation, film titles or advertisement sequence.
The Objectives:
To use storyboards as a means to plan, develop and implement linear messages.
To test and explore the narrative and storytelling techniques necessary for creating motion design sequences, and to explore how a message can enhance, reinforce, or change verbal meaning.
Software Used: Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash and/or AfterEffects
KSG Project 4 - Film Titles: Mullholland Dr. from Dan Mosora on Vimeo.
The Shawshank Redemption Advertisement from Joe Ianni on Vimeo.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Promo from Erin Monsman on Vimeo.
The Color Purple_Film Titles from Flannery Haas on Vimeo.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest rerelease trailer from Mike Caparanis on Vimeo.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Spring 2009) byBen Dansby on Vimeo.
Jack and the Tree (Spring 2009) byEric Celedonia on Vimeo.