Motion Graphics and Compositing - Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

21/04/2025 - 18/05/2024 (Week 01 – Week 04)

Wang Yifan / 0368363

Montion Graphics & Compositing / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Task 1: Individual Task - Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

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INTRODUCTION

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LECTURE

Week 1

Practical:

Fill up the details below:

1. E-Portfolio link

2. Pinterest Board:

3. List down 3 of your favourite Motion Graphics works and explain why you like it the most.

Fig 2.1 Week 1 Practical Class, Week 1 (25/4/25)

Week 5 

Practical:

1. Follow instructions on the Tutorial demo during online class. 

2. Create your own composition based on the requirements below:

3. Download all of the design elements from this link:

• https://bit.ly/3cHoqZ6 
• Create 1080 x 1920 size poster (I.G Stories size) on Photoshop
• Trace and crop the images using the Pen tool.
• Create 1 composition and attach below (I.G poster)
• Animate the composition for 5-16 second loop with sound (I.G video story)

Firstly, before I imported the composition to After Effects to animate it, I have done a composition in Adobe Photoshop using the images provided which I have cut and scale them accordingly.

Photoshop

Final Composition (jpg)

I imported the layered Photoshop file into After Effects and enabled 3D layers for each element. Then, I added keyframes for position and scale to create basic entry animations. For example, characters move slightly forward while the background stays still, building a sense of depth between foreground and background

Layer Animation Setup

To control the scene as a whole, I created a Null Object and parented the camera to it. By animating the Null, I achieved a zoom-in camera movement. I also added rotation to the background lines to increase visual tension and make the scene more dynamic.

Adding Controller and Camera

In the final step, I fine-tuned the scale, position, and timing of the character and building layers. For instance, the foreground character was slightly enlarged to draw attention, and certain elements were delayed to create a smooth, layered motion rhythm across the scene.

Animation Timing Adjustment

Final Outcome for Week 5 Practical:

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Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities

In the first project, we are to develop our motion graphics sensibilities by increasing our technical proficiency and knowledge in Adobe After Effects. First, we need to download the template provided by Mr Fauzi that includes 8 motion graphics that shows different principles including movement, hierarchy, balance, direction, symmetry, focus, scale and rhythm. 

Part 1: Pre-composition 

In part 1 of the project, we need to use the template and create 4 motion graphics with different principles which are symmetry, focus, scale and rhythm. Then, we should render the composition.

Before starting to create motion graphics in Adobe After Effects, I went to Pinterest and YouTube to explore some ideas that match with each principle. I also sketched out a few ideas. As it should be simple and not too advanced, I mostly used basic shapes such as circles and rectangles.

References

05. SYMMETRY 2

In this animation, I explored the principle of symmetry by arranging multiple circles around a central point in a mirrored layout. I used duplication and rotation to create a visual balance both horizontally and vertically.

start screen

To enhance rhythm and visual dynamics, I added rotation animations and opacity transitions. The circles fade in, rotate around the center, and then fade out. Keyframe interpolation was carefully adjusted using “Ease In & Out” to smoothen the motion. I used pre-compositions to group symmetrical elements for easier control.

Animation later stage

Motion Graphics - Symmetry

06. FOCUS 2

This segment emphasizes visual focus. A central white circle serves as the focal point, while surrounding rectangular lines animate inward, directing attention to the center.

Wireframe generation

To reinforce focus, I animated four guide lines from the corners toward the center, mimicking a camera zoom-in effect. Using scale and position keyframes, the elements build up gradually. The appearance of lines and frames is staggered to create visual layering. All animations converge at the center point with slight scale emphasis.

center complete focus

Motion Graphics - Focus

07. SCALE 2

This animation explores the principle of scale by using three white squares of varying sizes. Each square is positioned to form a triangle layout, creating balance and contrast.

initial ratio

I animated the scale property of each square with offset timing to create a dynamic rhythm. The smallest square enlarges first, followed by the medium and large ones. Eventually, all return to their original sizes. This timing contrast enhances the visual hierarchy and rhythm.

Zoom to maximum state

Motion Graphics - Scale

08. RHYTHM 2

This part is the most rhythmically dynamic. I used horizontal bars and a bouncing circle to represent musical rhythm, simulating the feel of electronic beats.

Beat starts

Bars appear and resize at different intervals while the circle moves vertically in sync with the beat. I used Position and Scale keyframes to animate the bars and the bouncing motion of the circle. The animation timing is closely aligned with the tempo of the background music “tech-house-loop.mp3.”

throbbing orgasm

Motion Graphics - Rhythm

Final Part 1: Pre-composition [Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities]

Final Part 1 - Composition

Part 2: Composition Remix

In this 16-second creative animation, I brought together the core design principles (scale, symmetry, focus, and rhythm) into one continuous sequence.

To maintain continuity and visual consistency, I reused key animated components from Part 1, such as circles, squares, and directional lines. These elements were modified in scale, rotation, and timing to feel fresh but cohesive. They were layered in different arrangements to build more complex sequences. 

initial stage

I divided the full 16 seconds into four distinct segments, each roughly 4 seconds long, with each one representing a different design principle:

• 0–4s: Scaling squares respond to bass beats (scale principle)

• 4–8s: Symmetrical circle rotation builds visual balance

• 8–12s: Central focus effect with converging lines and shape grouping

• 12–16s: Rhythmic bouncing and scattered motion reflect tempo variation

These sections were animated with different timing curves and layer interactions to keep visual interest while matching the audio pulse.

beat beat

To keep my workspace organized, I used multiple pre-compositions—each section was grouped and nested into the main timeline. This made it easier to manage effects, transitions, and syncing without cluttering the main composition view. I also used adjustment layers to apply effects consistently.

Final Part 2: Composition Remix [Project 1: Technical and Motion Graphics Sensibilities]

Final Part 2: Composition Remix

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REFLECTION

Experiences

Throughout this project, I worked with core motion design principles such as symmetry, focus, scale, and rhythm, applying them in both isolated exercises (Part 1) and an integrated music-synced animation (Part 2). In Part 1, I experimented with each principle using basic shapes and focused on clean, clear keyframe transitions. In Part 2, I developed a 16-second animation that combined these principles with audio timing, which was a more complex but rewarding creative experience.

Using Adobe After Effects, I improved my skills in keyframe animation, composition management, and audio synchronization. I learned how to translate abstract concepts into visual movement and how to structure a layered timeline efficiently.

Observations

I noticed that the principles work best when applied with clear visual logic and spacing. For example, symmetry needs balance in placement and motion, while rhythm benefits from consistent spacing and variation. I also observed that motion feels more dynamic and intentional when Ease In/Out is applied thoughtfully.

In Part 2, I observed how music affects the pacing of visuals. Matching animation to beats made the piece feel more engaging and unified. I also realized that using pre-compositions helped avoid a cluttered timeline and made it easier to control complex interactions between shapes.

Findings

One key finding was that simplicity can be powerful—even basic shapes like circles and squares can communicate strong design ideas when animated with clarity and purpose. I also found that working with sound adds a new layer of meaning to motion graphics, requiring not just visual design skills but also rhythmic awareness.

Finally, I discovered that my workflow became more efficient when I planned out timing and motion first before animating. Storyboarding or marking audio cues helped reduce trial-and-error during production.