Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Visual structure motion studies
Jennifer Bernstein
Pratt Institute
Following an introduction to basic principles
of narrative and animation, students created
a series of ten-to-fifteen-second motion
studies to communicate a specific visual
principle or structure using abstract type and
basic forms. The goal of the sequence was to
combine the more static visual language of
traditional graphic design (composition, color,
shape, depth, tension, and contrast) with the
dynamic visual language of cinema and film
(pacing, rhythm, and sequence). Elements
included in the motion studies are letterforms,
abstract shapes and forms, and sound.
Students selected a principle from
the following list: rhythm and repetition,
progression, symmetry and asymmetry,
contrast, randomness and order, figure and
ground, spatial layering and overlapping,
grid. They then began to research, sketch,
and plan their sequences as storyboards.
Four rough-draft animations were assigned
and then refined into final animations over
three weeks (Figs.
11- 32
and
11- 33
). Play,
discovery, and exploration were encouraged.
Work was evaluated in the context of
how the motion sequences communicated the
chosen principle and how they functioned
as visual narratives over time. Discussion
and critique addressed the potential of
typography as a vehicle for both denotative
and connotative messaging through kinetic
behavior and orchestration with sound.
11-32
Rhythm.
(Designer: Xiaozhou Li)
11-33
Randomness.
(Designer: Napasawan
Sirisukont)
