Motion Graphics and Compositing | Task 1

 || Tee Zi Tong, 0366165

|| Motion Graphics and Compositing | Task 1 

|| Week 1 - Week 3

INSTRUCTION

EXERCISE 1

For this exercise, I produced a looping motion graphic in Adobe After Effects by using simple geometric shapes and basic animation techniques. The main focus of this task was to understand how keyframes and timing can create continuous movement within a seamless loop.

I started by creating a new composition and designing several circular shapes with the Shape Tool. After completing the layout, I animated the circles using the Scale property. By setting keyframes at different intervals, I was able to create an expanding pulse effect. I adjusted the timing carefully in the timeline so the movement would feel balanced and rhythmic throughout the animation.

Once the core animation was complete, I refined the motion by applying Easy Ease and modifying the curves in the Graph Editor. This process softened the transitions between movements and created smoother acceleration and deceleration, making the animation appear more natural.

To create a perfect loop, I synchronized the first and last frames precisely. This ensured the animation could replay continuously without any visible jump or interruption.

Final Outcome

Google Drive Link: Project 1 _ Motion graphics Exercise - Google Drive

EXERCISE 2

In this exercise, I explored typography animation and motion graphics composition using Adobe After Effects. The objective of this project was to combine typography, grid systems, geometric elements, masking techniques, and animation to create a visually structured and dynamic motion graphics composition. Through this exercise, I gained a better understanding of how movement, rhythm, and composition can improve visual communication in design.

I first designed the typography layout in Adobe Illustrator using the custom typography that I had created during the previous semester. After completing the design, I imported the Illustrator file into Adobe After Effects to begin the animation process.

During the class session, Mr. Martin guided us through different animation techniques. While following the tutorial, I realized that my original layout did not leave enough space around the sides of the composition. Because of this, the skew effect could not be applied properly as some of the design elements moved too close to the edge of the frame.

 
After returning home, I redesigned the composition and created a second version with better spacing and arrangement. This adjustment allowed the skew effect to work more smoothly and improved the overall balance and visual flow of the animation.

After refining the layout, I designed a series of small square elements and animated them using masks. By applying keyframes to the Mask Path property, I created a mosaic-like effect where the squares appeared and disappeared over time, adding movement and visual texture to the composition. This process helped me understand how masks can be used creatively as animation tools rather than only for hiding layers.

For the typography animation, I applied the “Characters Shuffle In” preset from the Animation Presets library. This effect created a randomized text appearance before the letters settled into their final readable form. I also added Transform and Distort effects to introduce subtle scaling and positional variations, making the animation feel more dynamic and visually engaging. In the final stage, I duplicated the layout composition and experimented with an inverted color palette by switching the background and typography colors. This created a contrasting sequence and demonstrated how color changes can significantly affect the visual mood of a motion graphics composition.

To keep the project organized and easier to manage, I grouped related layers into pre-compositions. I then created a new 1920 × 1080 composition as the final composition and placed the layout composition over a solid background color. To simplify the animation workflow, I created a Null Object and parented the typography and layout layers to it. By animating the Position and Scale properties of the Null Object, I was able to control multiple elements simultaneously and create smoother overall movement within the composition.

Final Outcome

Google Drive Link: Project 1 _ Motion graphics Exercise - Google Drive

FEEDBACK

Overall, both Exercise 1 and Exercise 2 gave me valuable experience in learning the basics of motion graphics design through Adobe After Effects. Exercise 1 helped me understand how simple geometric shapes, timing, and looping animations can create smooth visual motion, while Exercise 2 introduced more advanced techniques such as typography animation, masking, grid systems, pre-compose, and parenting layers.

Throughout the learning process, I found Adobe After Effects quite difficult and sometimes messy to manage, especially when handling multiple layers, effects, and compositions at the same time. There were moments where I felt confused while adjusting keyframes, organizing layers, and refining the animations. In Exercise 2, I also faced challenges when my original layout did not leave enough space for the skew effect, which required me to redesign the composition again at home.

However, despite the difficulties, I was happy and satisfied when I finally completed both exercises successfully. The process taught me the importance of patience, problem-solving, and paying attention to detail during animation work. I also became more confident in using After Effects tools such as keyframes, Graph Editor, masks, Null Objects, animation presets, and pre-compose functions.

Although there is still room for improvement in terms of workflow organization and conceptual storytelling, I believe this project has built a strong foundation for my future motion graphics projects.

REFLECTION

Through both exercises, I learned that motion graphics design requires not only creativity, but also strong technical skills, organization, and patience. In Exercise 1, I learned how timing, repetition, and easing can transform simple shapes into smooth and visually engaging looping animations. Small adjustments in the Graph Editor and keyframe spacing made a significant difference in the overall motion quality.

In Exercise 2, I explored typography animation and learned how composition, spacing, and grid systems contribute to better visual communication. I also gained experience using masks, pre-compose, parenting systems, and animation presets to create more complex animations. Redesigning my layout due to spacing issues taught me the importance of flexibility and adapting designs when problems appear during the animation process.

While learning Adobe After Effects, I sometimes felt overwhelmed because the software contains many tools and complicated workflows. Managing layers and animations could become messy and confusing during the process. However, overcoming these challenges made me feel more accomplished once the final outcome was completed.

The most meaningful lesson from this project was understanding that motion graphics is a combination of technical execution, composition, and continuous experimentation. Even though the process was challenging at times, I enjoyed seeing my ideas come to life through animation. Completing both exercises also increased my confidence and motivated me to continue improving my motion graphics skills in future projects.