Illustration Typography - BLINK
Introduction
The Self-initiated Project is the last project of the second year, and I decide to create something for the incoming internship. One of the animation Studio I wish to work there is called Blink in London.
I like using Cinema 4D because it is an exciting tool to experiment and put my creative idea into reality. I had only learnt cinema 4D eight months ago, and for this project, I am modelling as my starting point to get the fundamental part of cinema 4D.
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Photography
This project is an open object that we can do whatever we want. During the Berlin trip and the Easter break, I have been taking photography as my inspiration for this particular project.
Sketch
I haven't decided which colour palette will entirely fit with the combination of the light and shadow at the point. I choose to approach the typography in an experimental way. I have adjusted a bit of setting in the rendering and turn out quite surprisingly colourful.
Inspiration on Colour palette
Collaboration App Design App Design - Project
Intordutction
The app “Project” is a powerful mobile app to bring your creative team together to collaborate on a project. We aim to provide an effective way for communication for any design business. The most significant feature is the tool inside allow members and clients comment and make marks specifically on the job in real time. Designers will receive a clear view on where to be improved and read feedback on the phone which can make design process faster and better. It is indeed handy tool for creative team for planning schedule to meet the deadline for each project.
Sketch
I use Sketch for building the layout for the app which is new to me. In fact, I found it is
Re-imagining Narrative - The Bogeyman
Inrtroduction
The challenge of this brief is using only words to recreate the story of a mythical creature, Bogeyman. As in many cultures, it always used by adults to frighten the children into good behaviour. Therefore, the story is set up from a kid's point of view.
The story begins in the middle of the night. An opening door sound awakened the kid. He stayed under his blanket to keep out of harm while watching his parents were killed and dragged by the bogeyman into his room. He pretended to sleep, but he can't because he knew it was under his bed and waiting to strike.
The brief is to create a narrative that references fairy tales, myths, fables or legends (either ancient or modern) or urban myths, and to present them a new and innovative way.
As a designer, the rule of the brief is to use words only and explore the use of kinetic typography to present the story, as animation. I found an audio video on the youtube that inspire me to make the following scripts.
I heard the door open
like the terrified child i was
I peeked from under my blankets to see what was going on
I could see something dragging my dead parents into the room
he scribbled a message onto the wall and then positioned itself under my bed waiting to strike
I don’t want to look at it because it’s terrifying to think about
but i feel i need to see before i’m killed
I peek in the creatures masterpiece and it says
I know you are awake.
Therefore, I use a mythical creature, Bogeyman in many cultures used by adults to frighten children into good behaviour. I really think the bogeyman is a good idea to start with because it doesn’t have any specific appearance in the mind of an adult or child.
Research
When I have come up with an idea with the story of the bogeyman, I do some research on how I can approach this project with using the only type. I begin to look at artofthetitle.com where feature plenty of innovative and professional title sequence. From there, I discover a minimal title sequence for Spain's Typomad 2014 conference directed by Jeroen Krielaars from design studio Calango. He was interviewed, and he talks about the original concept behind the animation and how he developed the visual puzzle ideas. I was fascinated by his ways to distort, hide and reveal typography. It inspirated me to use toys as the object to approach on this project as it is generally a horror story for the kid. And the scripts are based on the childhood's precespective, so it might be a fun way to tell the narrative.
I also looked at some wooden toys for toddlers, some antique toys from 80s to 90s. I also found out the typeface used in ouji box are quite unique and it got its mystery taste on both graphics and typeface.
Sketch
I illustrate some toys to generate how I can use them as a communication tool to reveal the word. First of all, I think of some wooden alphabet blocks, lego, UNO cards, Rubik's cube, letters box and puzzle. Imagine those props are accidentally dropped from the shelf in the middle of a silents night, it will create a scary and spooky atmosphere in the whole scene.
Process
I use I.F.C. LOS BANDITOS BOLD FONT on illustrator and composition them into a sentence.
Then I transform them into an outline and import them to cinema 4D for building up some letters for those toys. I put some grain effects on lighting and shadow which present some spooky feeling. When I had built up all the asset for the animation in Cinema 4D, I tried to animate them using dynamic. I found out it is tough to control where the objects drop in the order. For the first part of the animation, it seems natural for the prop fall on the group, but when it contains dynamic in there, it will affect the others props position. I tried and rotated those blocks at the start point of falling and then put an invisible box for each word to place them into order.
I end up making two part of the animation in Cinema 4D and then create genetic type in After Effects. I add a liquid effect, displacement map, chalk writing to make it look creepy. I like the ending scene with that fleshy type floating from the meat or brain. I know it is gosh, that's the reason why I put it at the end.
Evaluation
After this project, it makes me realised it takes a lot of time while using Cinema 4D to create animation. Even though it is enjoyable to modelling and experiment, it becomes harder when it comes to animation part, and indeed it takes longer to render video on a laptop. Nevertheless, I have learnt more shortcut and commend on this project in a way to faster my workflow.
Eastbourne Christmas Light Show - Neon Noel 2017
Introduction
At night before Christmas, Tim and Jane were going to sleep, but some noise downstairs drew Tim’s attention, He went down to find out the source of a sound. Timmy’s stirring awakened Jane and she was set off in search of her brother. Timmy spot Santa and climbs into his sack silently. Jane saw this from upstairs. Santa hoists his tackle and heads for the magical chimney after he completed placing the gifts. He ducks in and vanishes. Meanwhile, Jane bounds down towards the vent and race after her brother. Jane reaches the chimney portal just before it closes.
Design different worlds
The character will enter the world, and there will be a chase or adventure through the Christmas world of your design.
Brief Guideline
Eastbourne Christmas Light Show - Neon Noel 2017
Objective: Create 30 seconds animation that forms a narrative related to the whole animation.
Target Market: Families and Residents from Eastbourne ( Public )
Characters: Tim, Jane, and Santa
The Plot: “Night before Christmas”
Initial Idea
First things first, when we were first given the brief, we have a group brainstorm section discussing what things will be related to the topic of "Night before Christmas" on the class to generate some ideas for the animation. In the beginning, we talk about some films and stories that related to the Christmas. Secondly, we thought about the feeling of the Christmas which give us some inspiration for the visual approach. We also thought what the world we are going to build in the animation such as North pole, wrapped gift world is...
It is really helpful that it gave me some direction and option on how to approach the brief.
One thing that helps me to create animation is the book that I read called "Animated Storytelling" written by Liz Blazer. It is a handbook that gives some guidelines that take me through the stages of concept development, pre-production, Storyboarding, and design.
One of the chapters is storytelling that stated a methodology on how to think a story based on three-act story structure.
The first act is setting up characters, world, and conflict. It is about introducing the characters, establish what the want, and also present a problem standing in the way of them getting what they want.
The next step of the act is working towards a solution in which the character attempts to overcome the problem. The style here fully commits to solving their problem and comes up against all sorts of roadblocks that make explaining it seems even less likely. This stage is telling the audience about what motivation drive them to solve the problem also though the chance of solving it is slim.
The last step is attaining the great solution. In Act 1 and 2, the character should be facing their problem head-on. Through their effort, an unexpected resolution happen. Act 3 is also an essential part of the story that establishes what deep down message we are trying to explore the story.
After all, I attempt to follow this three guideline to generate an idea for the theme and the plot which will relate to the main topic of the brief.
Story Structure & Storyboard
Elf workshop Theme
Act 1: Problem
Jane attempt to find Tim and Santa while accidentally entering the elf workshop. She wanted to locate a way out.
Act 2: Attempt to solve
Jane went through the whole buildings by riding in the box followed by the path.
Act 3: Resolution
Eventually, she was packed in the present and those present went to the Santa’s sleigh through the tunnel.
Retro Theme
Act 1: Problem
Jane walked through the wood, and she saw a house appear a mountain.
Act 2: Attempt to solve
Jane picked up the lantern and follow the path to the end trying to find her brother.
Jane made it to the house. The next things she saw in the house is Tim clicking button on the machine.
Act 3: Resolution
The machine turns up to be twisting and turn into a pole which covers with glass on it.
The whole machine is shaking and teleporting to somewhere at light speed.
Start at night and when she got to the top, warm light coming from the house.
Steam Punk Theme
Act 1: Problem
After going to the portal, Jane woke up on a train. She got off the train and wondering where her brother is.
Act 2: Attempt to solve
She picked up the lantern and walk through the castle.
She got to the top and opened the door.
Warm light is blooming in the background.
Act 3: Resolution
She saw Santa is running the machine. Gear start to run and steam, smoke come up from the engine covering the whole scene. Smoke fade out and the building disappeared.
Sketches for the animated world
Ideas for the Elf workshop
Ideas for Steam Punk and Retro Theme
Research
I have looked at some youtube videos that related to projection mapping. I found some artists create an extraordinary visual effect on the animation that creates depth of field on the building. The video "box" inspire me to think how should I approach and produce my animation to look more three-dimensional when it was projected on the building. And of course, I also looked at the video of Neon Neal Festive 2015 and 2016 which provide information of what area of the building will be projected the footage. Based on the Clocktower of Eastbourne, the middle part of the building is a cuboid, and I want to deconstruct it to a cylinder in a way that looks more three-dimensional.
Other than that, I looked at the Hong Kong Pulse Light show which takes place at the HK Cultural Centre and the Clock Tower. The reason I look at it because it got Clock Tower in Hong Kong that is similar to the one in Eastbourne and I want to know what animation will they project on the clock tower. One of the animations is by removing the front layer of the tower and reveal the gears inside the building. After watching it, I have come up with the idea of the steampunk theme.
Asset Building
Process
After getting feedback from the client, I choose the retro theme for the animation. I started up by building the world in cinema 4D. Since I am a beginner in cinema 4d, I start watching online tutorials on how to make a low poly structure, spinning movement, snowing effect. During the process of building, I gain some knowledge of the camera movement and lighting which is very useful for making the idea come to life. I think learning to use cinema 4D is not as difficult as I expected but it takes time to know the setting and how the system works. Apart from that, I feel satisfied with the outcome that I made, and I am looking forward to learning more about it.
The above video is a transition that I have suggested for the animation. The idea was ban which is a pity because the line part is too detailed that will not be adequately shown when it was projected on the building. The client wants them to be more simple than that, so I take the mountain collapse part and get rid of the atomic effect part.
West End Studio
I have spent two weeks on making the whole animation in West End Studio, What I have done during the first week is building the characters for the scene. I have learned how to use Adobe Fuse to create the characters and import them to mixamo where they have auto rig system and animation sequences to download. It is practical tools for creating animation with the use of motion clip in Cinema 4D. After downloaded all the motion clip that I need, I started to keyframe all the position of the character to make the action more natural. I finished half of the animation in the first week, but it turns out I have made a big mistake with the pivot point. The preview looks fine, but the character started twisting her legs while running to the lantern in the final render.
Therefore, the second week is all about fixing the bug and keyframing the rest of the animation. The mistake that I made is quite severe that I have to rebuild the movement of the character again. However, the staffs in Westend studio are willing to help and make solutions by editing them in after effect to make it looks smooth. I am happy that I work with them that they always give us support if we got the problem and they are careful to cooperate. I also gain a lot of knowledge technically using cinema 4D, after effect and process of making AR and VR.
Character Design
Final Outcome
Here is the outcome of the video. Enjoy.
It was nice to see the whole animation in the actual place and see the reaction of people watching it. It is worth spending time on this project after seeing people react to it.
Evaluation
When I have first received the project, I feel excited that my work can be showcased in one of the festivals in the UK. It is first time I create animation for projection mapping an I have less experience with it. I don't have much knowledge on making an animation with after effect and Cinema 4D, so I decide to learn it from youtube step by step. I enjoy the process of making it not just because of the final result; it also gives me an opportunity to learn something new. It gains me some confidence in working as a motion designer in the future but still got many to learn and develop.
Regarding working in Westend studio, it is also an excellent start for me working as a designer in the UK. Besides the technical skill I have to learn from them, I also get some advice from the experienced designer. I want to give big thanks for the help and patient from David and Julian. They explain things detailed to help me understand the need for them.
Throughout the project, I made a lot mistake which slows the process and the quality of the animation. I have learned the lesson, and I wish I could do better next time. I am looking forward to learning more about Cinema 4D and After effect from Jon's experience to develop my skills in motion graphic more further.
Penguine Book Cover Competition
Student Design Award 2018
The Penguin Random House Student Design Award is a competition open to students who are interested in pursuing a career in design to experience real cover design briefs first-hand. Students may enter a maximum of one design in each of the three categories. This Year, three briefs are Adult Fiction Cover Award - Animal Farm by George Orwell, Adult Non-fiction Cover Award - A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and Children's Cover Award - Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman.
I decied to choose a political satire book Animal Farm written by George Orwell.
Research
I have done some research on 1950 modern designers such as Alvin Lustig, Paul Rand, Rudolph de Harak.
Analysis
Theme: resolves around how power corrupt and precisely how it corrupts a resolution, mindless Greed and dishonesty within a government towards those who are being governed
Story purpose:
Through an imaginary story based in a farm to mocking the history of Russia Communism
Criticise the events of Russian Revolution and injustices.
Character analysis
Old Major based on the German political economist Karl Marx and Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Napoleon based on Joseph Stalin
Snowball based n Leon Trotsky
Squealer represents Propaganda and Vyacheslav Molotov
Boxer represents proletariat workers and labourers
The Nine Dogs represents NKVD- Stalin's police force
Mr Jones based on Tsar Nicholas II
Mr Frederick based on Adolf Hitler
Mr Pilkington represents the capitalist governments of England and the United States.
Idea of a Pier Short Film Challenge - De La Warr Pavilion
Introduction
Brief:
Make a short film that conjures up your idea of a pier. If your view of a pier a place of adventure, coming of age, romance, dazzling engineering, ghosts of the past, a misspent youth, melancholy, or something else altogether? The selected films will be screened at the De La Warr Pavilion, and a cash prize of £300 will be awarded to the winning entrant.
Context:
At the turn of the last century, almost a hundred piers existed: now only half remain and several faces an uncertain future. Original plans for the De La Warr Pavilion included a pier: a two-level structure that led out to see. Too expensive to pursue, this pier was never made, and only exists in models in the Bexhill Museum, and in the imagination.
Initial Idea
Story Structure & Storyboard
The First idea I have come up with is a romantic story in which happen in the pier.
Act 1:
The pier was the place where they first meet. The girl leaves him eventually for some reason.
Act 2 :
The man is trying to get her back so he said to the girl that he will wait for her to get back and promise he will wait for her every Christmas until the pier was built.
Act 3:
Therefore, he goes to the pier every year and hoping the girl will come back to her one day. After a year, he heard the news that the dock wouldn't be built and he realised that he should let it go
The Second idea is a comedy
Act 1 :
Seagull try to capture the pier.
Act 2:
All seagulls went to the pier, pooping everywhere.
Act 3:
People in Brighton attempt to scared them to leave which make them more aggressive. People can't take back control of the pier and accidentally burn down the dock.
The third idea is inspired by a Jazz song "What you won't do for love" performed by Bobby Caldwell. It is about a man can't let go of the past which I think it is very emotional that related to the pier. The most significant moment on the pier is watching the sunset. It is beautiful that I think I could share this moment with someone special. The pier is a great place to give me a peace of mind and make me reflect what I have done in the past. I listened to the song on the pier and tried to stand on the point of view of the character. I want to produce a blue story that was talking about infatuation deep down in the man's heart, and I think it is very romantic.
Act 1:
A man was standing on the pier and daydreaming.
He opens his jacket and grabs the bottle with a letter in it. Then throw it into the sea.
Act 2:
He looks down to the ocean and see his reflection and bring into the ma throating into the deep sea in his imagination. He thinks of the scene of their first kiss. The woman begins to fade away refer that she is going away.
Act 3:
When he is drowning in the thickest part of the ocean, he sat down on the chair and wrote the letter about what things want to say to the lady he loves. It is the part that reveals where the bottle came. The camera follows the bottle rise up back to the top of the sea. It follows the waves and floats back to the pier. Eventually, it lands on the rock.
The next scene is someone in the present moment pick the bottle up and find the letter.
As the final outcome, there is a slight change in the original idea. When I am building the scene of the animation, I started to think about what kind of thing that held the character, there should be something big and serious has happened to him which make him to write the letter. I think it also the important part that makes sense to the whole story. Therefore, I bring the classical plot of film noir that someone got shot and he gets a mental breakdown.
The Letter to Horizontal is basically an animated story about a man who was going to marry his fiancé but she was killed due to the fact that she was a famous performance in the theater. After she got shot, the man couldn't forget her so he wrote all his thoughts on the letter and store it in the bottle. He throws it into the sea to hope the message will delivery to her in heaven. The Horizontal refers to the idea of heaven. When we are looking at the horizon from the pier, we can see a clear line where we cannot reach. What I mean is the horizon refer to the heaven where people cannot reach unless you died. At the end of the animation, we can see the footage is more realistic and we can hear someone walk on the sand that I want to reveal that his fiancé has successfully received the letter in heaven.
Evaluation
This is my first time on using After Effect to create an animation. Through the project, I have learned how to use the two-node camera and one-node camera to shot the scene, it let me experiment the focus point of the camera and explore the visual effect of the shadow and contrast. What I also learn is to arrange 2D layers in 3d that I found it is similar to using the 3D software once I knew the short keys.
I also learned how to use the puppet tools in after effect that help me bring the character to live. It is quite a struggle when I first start using as I didn't separate the body part and the arm part. As a result, when I try to move the hand, the body part move as well. Apart from that, I gain knowledge on how to use the mesh warp which can create a lifelike movement for the animation.I am pleased with animation to have come out and I think it is fitting to the brief. But I really enjoy the process of learning of after effect and play around with the camera movement.
One thing I am slightly worried about is I should change the name to " The letter to Horizon". When I first think of the name of the animation, I think " The letter to Horizontal" is quite engaging but after I have submitted to the De La Warr Pavilion, I realised there is difference between "Horizontal" and " horizon" and my original idea is to deliver the message through the bottle to horizon. I guess people who watch the title will find that confusing. I really hope that I will not make that mistake again.