Motion Design & Animation 10 Weeks
Motion Design & Animation is a foundational course that covers the basics of animation, digital art and design. In this class you will learn how to use images, digital illustrations and/or drawings in combination with software such as Adobe Photoshop, Animate, & Premiere Pro in order to create an animation and learn the essential components to visual story-telling. This includes character design, icons, as well as sound elements.
We will cover the goals that motion design can help accomplish, the utilization of software and technologies in order to meet these goals. As well as the techniques you can use to make sure your work is always focused on guiding the use to better understand your projects and their intent.
Week 1 : Design for Motion
Introduces and defines the primary outcomes of Design for Motion–the use of style frames and design boards. These are the building blocks of design-driven storytelling. Style frames give form to a concept, and design boards envision how a story unfolds. This week describes the anatomy of both style frames and design boards as well as their practical application in commercial and artistic productions.
45min.
Week 2 : Creativity & Collaboration
Focuses on the creative production process, presenting broad-stroke ideas about how to effectively navigate a project from beginning to end. Strategies for working with creative briefs, project scope, and creative constraints are covered.
1hr. 10min.
Week 3 : Concept Development
Explores a variety of concept development techniques including creative writing, drawing, and searching for inspiration. These exercises help to generate ideas quickly and keep the creative process fresh, fun and exciting. Creative problem-solving is a vital skill for designers. As technology and platforms of media distribution evolve, the ability to come up with solutions to creative problems is fundamental for processional sustainability
2hrs. 27min.
Week 4 : Image-Making & Visual Storytelling
Looks at both image-making and storytelling. Classic visual principles such as composition, color, value, and contrast are discussed as related to motion design. Narrative tools such as cinematic vocabulary, thumbnail sketches, and hand-drawn storyboards are also introduced.
2hrs 1min.
Week 5 : Tools, Technology & Techniques
Examines tools, technology, and techniques. In addition to asset creation, compositing and 3D software for design are covered. Compositing is a skill that allows designers to confidently create a range of visual styles. Competence in 3D software is rapidly becoming a fundamental skill in the designer’s toolkit.
1hr. 35min.
Week 6 : Social/Mobile First
Explores “Social/Mobile-First” thinking for motion design products. The commercial industry has radically transformed to meet the needs of creating content across multiple platforms. This week introduces key terms, concepts, and best practices for creating motion design on digital platforms.
1hr. 35min.
Week 7 : Presentations & Pitches
Focuses on presentations and pitches. Documenting and professionally showing your work are vital for both students and professionals alike. This week covers best practices for creating process books and design decks.
1hr. 35min.
Week 8 : Creative Briefs for Portfolio Development
Introduces a number of creative briefs across a range of aesthetics for portfolio development. These exercises can be utilized to practice creating style frames, design boards, and process books. Every week features interviews with industry professionals sharing their unique perspectives and personal insights.
1hr. 35min.
Week 9 : Final Edits, Rendering & Exporting
Final edits to projects, collaboration, rendering & exporting.
1hr. 35min.
Week 10 : Presentations
Final presentations & critiques.
1hr. 35min.
Steph Layton (she/her)
Instructor
Is a Motion Designer & Digital Artist. Graduated from University of California-Santa Cruz with an MFA in Digital arts and New Media. She is passionate about art and innovative in technology and enjoys sharing that passion with others.
Free Tutorials
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects
Premium Tutorials
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Premiere Pro & After Effects
