Untitled

Web Schedules

Fall 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024

One Credit Courses

Fall 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024

No Cost Textbook/Resources Courses

Fall 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024

Low Cost Textbook/Resources Courses

Fall 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024

Course Planning by Program

2024-25

Essential Objectives

Course Syllabus

Revision Date: 07-Aug-24

Fall 2024 | ART-2090-VO01 - Motion Graphics

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Location: Online
Credits: 3 (45 hours)
Day/Times: Meets online
Semester Dates: 09-03-2024 to 12-16-2024
Last day to drop without a grade: 09-16-2024 - Refund Policy
Last day to withdraw (W grade): 11-04-2024 - Refund Policy
This course has started, please contact the offering academic center about registration

Faculty

Richard Doubleday
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Dana Lee

General Education Requirements

This section meets the following CCV General Education Requirement(s) for the current catalog year:

VSCS Arts & Aesthetics

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

In this project-based course, students develop technical and design skills used in the production of motion graphics and visual effects. Students use Adobe After Effects to create visual messages through innovative and compelling use of design elements including 2D graphics, typography, video, music, and sound. The course explores the application of motion graphics and visual effects to a variety of contexts including social media, film, animation, and web. Prerequisite: Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent skills.

Essential Objectives

1. Discuss the history of motion graphics and explore current trends in the application of motion graphics and visual effects.
2. Develop conceptual designs for motion graphics that include attention to purpose, message, and audience.
3. Effectively use motion graphics to clarify visual representations of data, or otherwise dense and complex information.
4. Discuss and apply principles of motion design and animation styles.
5. Demonstrate effective management of a variety of common media file types to achieve desired effect.
6. Integrate visual and audio effects such as in motion tracking, chromakeying, rotoscoping, music, and sound synchronization in the creation of short, effective, motion graphic projects.
7. Create multiple short, effective, motion graphic projects from still, video, and audio assets.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Generative AI and Use of Artificial Intelligence*

All course work must be your own, and produced without the use of other people, third party tools or unauthorized software. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that all work submitted for this class is their own original work.Artificial Intelligence may not be used to impersonate you in the classroom context, such as by using unauthorized tools to compose discussion board posts, write essays or to complete assignments is strictly prohibited in this class.Students shall be required to provide native software files, specific file formats and resource citations as stated in individual project criteria.Students suspected of cheating by using unauthorized software such as artificial-intelligence programs could be made to undergo face-to-face questioning with the instructor, (division Dean, and/or the Academic Affair office).Any work submitted for grading that is not your own original work is considered plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Any evidence of plagiarism will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will be met with disciplinary action.

*Use of AI is only allowed if it is indicated in the assignment.

AI is changing education and professional work of all kinds. In this course, we will use AI tools in the early stages of the research process. However, the purpose of the formal writing assignments in this course is to demonstrate students’ ability to communicate and build an effective argument, therefore students are discouraged from using AI to generate rough or final drafts of formal writing assignments. Because AI creates writing modeled on what’s already been written and privileges the most common writing on a topic, students will be expected to go deeper into their topic and to discuss key sources in detail.If you do use AI in any way to draft work for this course, you must acknowledge this in comments on the assignment.Include specifics about how you used the program and cite the program in formal essays used following the guidelines. Furthermore, AI-generated text that you have not modified to make your own is NOT acceptable for any course assignments. Canvas provides an AI and plagiarism detection tool which will be used in this course. If there are any concerns about the integrity of an assignment, you will be asked to discuss the matter with the instructor; failure to do so will result in a zero for the assignment.

“AI writing tools such as ChatGPT are welcome in this class, provided that you cite when and how you use the tool.

Methods

Motion design is an introduction to methods and processes of creating motion graphics for broadcast and cinema. You will explore the relationship between still and time-based design elements—such as type, image, composition, pacing, rhythm, sequencing, and sound—to create graphic communications. You will explore the variable of motion in a series of narrative graphic design projects that build in complexity over the course of the semester. You will work in analogue and digital formats to learn how software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Apple iMovie, Adobe Animate, and Adobe After Effects are valuable tools used to create motion graphics and can complement a student’s individual aesthetic.

Evaluation Criteria

Assignments presented in this course are assessed for evidence of student achievement with regard to (1) conceptual skills, which involves examining the work presented for evidence of the application of original ideas and creativity, plans and intentions; (2) motion graphic skills, which involves examining the work for evidence of the application of visual, organizational and aesthetic design qualities; (3) content, which involves examining the work for evidence of the application of visual, organizational, and aesthetic design qualities in the work presented; (4) execution, which involves examining the work presented for evidence of quality of craftsmanship, effective representation, and professional presentation standards.A rubric is provided to you and applies to all module assignments in the course.

Your grade in this class will be based on a number of factors:

Attendance -Attendance at each class is mandatory, you must contact me in advance if you need to miss a class. If you have more than one un-excused absence your mark will be lowered by one full grade. If you are late, or absent you must follow up with me, as you will still be responsible for the work.

Class Participation -Part of the job as a motion designer is communicating effectively, on a design team, in a studio environment or with clients. You will be expected to be an active member of the class, particularly during forum critiques as all feedback is important. The weekly homework assignments and forum discussions are also considered part of your class participation requirements.

Project Execution -All projects should be given your full attention and effort. Each component of your projects will be reviewed, projects need to be submitted on deadline and should be complete according to project brief. Projects must be completed by the due date. Late work will be penalized.

Project Process -You are expected to document the process of each of your projects throughout the semester. This means, saving all sketches, writings, storyboards, mock-ups etc. You are required to formally document your process however it may be helpful as we may ask to refer to your process documentation in order to understand how you arrived at a solution. It will be particularly important to have these posted as part of the discussion forums for each project.

It is expected that you as a class will help and support each other throughout this course and others for that matter. That said, I am of course fully accessible outside of class. I will be available for virtual office hours via Zoom by appointment. Please email me to set up a time.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

High Low

A+ 100 98

A Less than 98 93

A- Less than 93 90

B+ Less than 90 88

B Less than 88 83

B- Less than 83 80

C+ Less than 80 78

C Less than 78 73

C- Less than 73 70

D+ Less than 70 68

D Less than 68 63

D- Less than 63 60

F Less than 60

P 100 60

NP Less than 60 0

Weekly Schedule

Week/Module	Topic	Readings	Assignments

1	Animated GIF	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Animated GIF This introductory assignment explores visual storytelling in its simplest form. Choose a subject, define the subject’s personality or behavior and illustrate the subject performing this behavior over five or six key frames. Create an animated GIF using hand drawings, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Apple iMovie, and Adobe Animate. Objective To introduce and become familiar with elements and processes of time-based design including rhythm and pacing—as expressive, communicative devices. To introduce and become familiar with narrative development processes (ie, outlining a story using key frames).

2	Animated GIF	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description This introductory assignment explores visual storytelling in its simplest form. Choose a subject, define the subject’s personality or behavior and illustrate the subject performing this behavior over five or six key frames. Create an animated GIF using hand drawings, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Apple iMovie, and Adobe Animate. Objective To introduce and become familiar with elements and processes of time-based design including rhythm and pacing—as expressive, communicative devices. To introduce and become familiar with narrative development processes (ie, outlining a story using key frames).

3	Stop Motion Animation	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a topic and tell its story using stop motion animation. You can use and/or create literal or imagined imagery to tell a straightforward or surreal story. The focus is on developing a linear narrative that communicates your idea clearly using stop motion animation. Consider how image editing, pacing and sequencing help convey your perspective. Also consider the image and sound relationship: is it sympathetic, antithetical or synthesized? How does this relationship impact the mood of your narrative? An important step in your execution should be to storyboard your image sequences to get a handle on the stories beginning, middle, and end point. This step will help in formulating and fleshing out your ideas before you go into production mode with respect to setting up your scene and making choices about your method of filming your animation. Objective The purpose of this project is to tell a visual story through using an image sequence. To explore elements of time-based design—including rhythm, pacing, and sound—as aids to develop a sophisticated narrative. To introduce and become familiar with technical basics of time-based software to narrate a story. To use sound as the foundation for storytelling. Through storyboarding, learn to experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills. Gain an understanding of sequential or transitional continuity and duration. Functionally utilize motion graphic software (i.e. Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate) as an aspect of design methodology. Use visual language effectively to elaborate on your own ideas and reach a consensus on the final project. Through storyboarding, experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills.

4	Stop Motion Animation	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a topic and tell its story using stop motion animation. You can use and/or create literal or imagined imagery to tell a straightforward or surreal story. The focus is on developing a linear narrative that communicates your idea clearly using stop motion animation. Consider how image editing, pacing and sequencing help convey your perspective. Also consider the image and sound relationship: is it sympathetic, antithetical or synthesized? How does this relationship impact the mood of your narrative? An important step in your execution should be to storyboard your image sequences to get a handle on the stories beginning, middle, and end point. This step will help in formulating and fleshing out your ideas before you go into production mode with respect to setting up your scene and making choices about your method of filming your animation. Objective The purpose of this project is to tell a visual story through using an image sequence. To explore elements of time-based design—including rhythm, pacing, and sound—as aids to develop a sophisticated narrative. To introduce and become familiar with technical basics of time-based software to narrate a story. To use sound as the foundation for storytelling. Through storyboarding, learn to experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills. Gain an understanding of sequential or transitional continuity and duration. Functionally utilize motion graphic software (i.e. Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate) as an aspect of design methodology. Use visual language effectively to elaborate on your own ideas and reach a consensus on the final project. Through storyboarding, experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills.

5	Stop Motion Animation	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a topic and tell its story using stop motion animation. You can use and/or create literal or imagined imagery to tell a straightforward or surreal story. The focus is on developing a linear narrative that communicates your idea clearly using stop motion animation. Consider how image editing, pacing and sequencing help convey your perspective. Also consider the image and sound relationship: is it sympathetic, antithetical or synthesized? How does this relationship impact the mood of your narrative? An important step in your execution should be to storyboard your image sequences to get a handle on the stories beginning, middle, and end point. This step will help in formulating and fleshing out your ideas before you go into production mode with respect to setting up your scene and making choices about your method of filming your animation. Objective The purpose of this project is to tell a visual story through using an image sequence. To explore elements of time-based design—including rhythm, pacing, and sound—as aids to develop a sophisticated narrative. To introduce and become familiar with technical basics of time-based software to narrate a story. To use sound as the foundation for storytelling. Through storyboarding, learn to experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills. Gain an understanding of sequential or transitional continuity and duration. Functionally utilize motion graphic software (i.e. Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate) as an aspect of design methodology. Use visual language effectively to elaborate on your own ideas and reach a consensus on the final project. Through storyboarding, experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills.

6	Stop Motion Animation	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a topic and tell its story using stop motion animation. You can use and/or create literal or imagined imagery to tell a straightforward or surreal story. The focus is on developing a linear narrative that communicates your idea clearly using stop motion animation. Consider how image editing, pacing and sequencing help convey your perspective. Also consider the image and sound relationship: is it sympathetic, antithetical or synthesized? How does this relationship impact the mood of your narrative? An important step in your execution should be to storyboard your image sequences to get a handle on the stories beginning, middle, and end point. This step will help in formulating and fleshing out your ideas before you go into production mode with respect to setting up your scene and making choices about your method of filming your animation. Objective The purpose of this project is to tell a visual story through using an image sequence. To explore elements of time-based design—including rhythm, pacing, and sound—as aids to develop a sophisticated narrative. To introduce and become familiar with technical basics of time-based software to narrate a story. To use sound as the foundation for storytelling. Through storyboarding, learn to experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills. Gain an understanding of sequential or transitional continuity and duration. Functionally utilize motion graphic software (i.e. Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate) as an aspect of design methodology. Use visual language effectively to elaborate on your own ideas and reach a consensus on the final project. Through storyboarding, experiment with and develop visual ideas using basic sketches enhancing your visual literacy skills.

7	Sound Video	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a piece of sound or music and develop an ambient narrative to illustrate what we are hearing. Analyze and deconstruct the sound sample. Isolate the different noises. Assign forms to each of those noises and animate the forms according to the rhythm of the sample. Infilmmaking,ambience(also known asatmosphere,atmos, orbackground) consists of thesoundsof a given location or space. One of the most powerful tools for this type of storytelling is audio. I believe audio is the unsung hero of any successful motion graphic. While it’s easy to focus on the most immediately apparent element in a motion graphic (the visuals), crafting the right audioscape for your motion graphic is a critical component in achieving the video’s goals. The goal is to tell a story so compelling that the audience is moved to take some sort of action. Three types of digital audio used in sound design include music, sound effects, and spoken word (voiceovers, narration, and previously recorded material). The goal is to develop a visual language comprised of visual components: shapes and forms, color, texture, and possibly live action moving fluidly within a virtual three-dimensional space and time—Creating structure and narrative. Music is an excellent paradigm for the micro-aesthetics: visual and temporal properties, syntactic relationships and interaction between visual elements moving through both space and time. Objective To understand how rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and sound impact ambient storytelling. To introduce and become familiar with the technical basics of using time-based software to tell a story.

8	Sound Video	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a piece of sound or music and develop an ambient narrative to illustrate what we are hearing. Analyze and deconstruct the sound sample. Isolate the different noises. Assign forms to each of those noises and animate the forms according to the rhythm of the sample. Infilmmaking,ambience(also known asatmosphere,atmos, orbackground) consists of thesoundsof a given location or space. One of the most powerful tools for this type of storytelling is audio. I believe audio is the unsung hero of any successful motion graphic. While it’s easy to focus on the most immediately apparent element in a motion graphic (the visuals), crafting the right audioscape for your motion graphic is a critical component in achieving the video’s goals. The goal is to tell a story so compelling that the audience is moved to take some sort of action. Three types of digital audio used in sound design include music, sound effects, and spoken word (voiceovers, narration, and previously recorded material). The goal is to develop a visual language comprised of visual components: shapes and forms, color, texture, and possibly live action moving fluidly within a virtual three-dimensional space and time—Creating structure and narrative. Music is an excellent paradigm for the micro-aesthetics: visual and temporal properties, syntactic relationships and interaction between visual elements moving through both space and time. Objective To understand how rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and sound impact ambient storytelling. To introduce and become familiar with the technical basics of using time-based software to tell a story.

9	Sound Video	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Choose a piece of sound or music and develop an ambient narrative to illustrate what we are hearing. Analyze and deconstruct the sound sample. Isolate the different noises. Assign forms to each of those noises and animate the forms according to the rhythm of the sample. Infilmmaking,ambience(also known asatmosphere,atmos, orbackground) consists of thesoundsof a given location or space. One of the most powerful tools for this type of storytelling is audio. I believe audio is the unsung hero of any successful motion graphic. While it’s easy to focus on the most immediately apparent element in a motion graphic (the visuals), crafting the right audioscape for your motion graphic is a critical component in achieving the video’s goals. The goal is to tell a story so compelling that the audience is moved to take some sort of action. Three types of digital audio used in sound design include music, sound effects, and spoken word (voiceovers, narration, and previously recorded material). The goal is to develop a visual language comprised of visual components: shapes and forms, color, texture, and possibly live action moving fluidly within a virtual three-dimensional space and time—Creating structure and narrative. Music is an excellent paradigm for the micro-aesthetics: visual and temporal properties, syntactic relationships and interaction between visual elements moving through both space and time. Objective To understand how rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and sound impact ambient storytelling. To introduce and become familiar with the technical basics of using time-based software to tell a story.

10	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

11	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

12	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

13	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

14	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

15	Movie Title Sequence	Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, John Krasner	Project Description Design a movie title sequence for your film. Explore visual metaphor and create new images to serve as content for your animation. Your title sequence should be at least 20 seconds in length and showcase the film’s title and main characters. Objective The objective is to generate visual form based on a concept and to explore visual metaphor as a communication strategy while exercising communication strategies of connotation (imply, suggest, expressive) and denotation (literal, straightforward, factual) with greater sophistication. The goal is to investigate communication strategies in a time-based medium and to learn the basics of rhythm, pacing, sequencing, and how sound affects meaning.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Part of the job as a motion designer is communicating effectively, on a design team, in a studio environment or with clients. You will be expected to be an active member of the class, particularly during forum critiques as all feedback is important. The weekly homework assignments and forum discussions are also considered part of your class participation requirements.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Projects must be handed in on time. Turning in projects late will reduce your grade by one letter grade, ergo: a B becomes a C. This concern for timeliness very much parallels the “real” world. Your participation, promptness, and ability to verbally and visually articulate your ideas are important in the field of fine arts and design.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

CCV strives to mitigate barriers to course access for students with documented disabilities. To request accommodations, please

Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

CCV has a commitment to honesty and excellence in academic work and expects the same from all students. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, can occur whenever you present -as your own work- something that you did not do. You can also be guilty of cheating if you help someone else cheat. Being unaware of what constitutes academic dishonesty (such as knowing what plagiarism is) does not absolve a student of the responsibility to be honest in his/her academic work. Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may lead to dismissal from the College.