Introduction
This blog will act to document my journey, and development as Motion Graphics Artist, as part of my Technologies Practice module for Creative Technology MSc at Leeds Beckett University. I will be using the blog to document and reflect upon my work as I go as part of my iterative approach, as well as to document what I’ve learned, and how I have developed as part of a final critical self-reflection.
The ultimate goal is to create a series of test studies that showcase how understanding and using expressions, sliders, and plug-ins have allowed me to develop professionally, and also highlight the importance that these methods have in creating visually appealing content for end-users. I will also show how understanding and utilising these tools also allows motion graphics artist themselves to be more effective, adaptable and resilient.
(My showreel created from my ungraduate work.)
For my undergraduate course I studied Broadcast Media Technologies BSc, and during my time at university I worked for Leeds Beckett University as a Digital Media Developer for the Distance Learning Unit. During my final year I also spent 3 months working in NYC, as an editing intern for a creative agency. Whilst this has all built a solid foundation of knowledge of Adobe After Effects, I hope to use my master’s to develop my understanding, and practice professional workflows.
Aims & Objectives
1.Enhance Workflow & Efficiency
Conduct analysis of current personal workflows to identify areas for improvement.
Research and utilise specific plug-ins, and techniques that can make workflows more efficient.
Create a series of iterative projects, and case studies to evaluate the time saved and improvements made using the new workflow.
2. Integrate Professional Best Practices
•Use research to understand the workflows and methodologies of established motion graphics professionals.
•Incorporate the use of expressions, control sliders, and plug-ins in Adobe After Effects to create industry standard work.
•Develop small projects, initially using less efficient methods, and then refine them iteratively, with professional techniques, documenting the differences in processes and results throughout.
3. Evaluate & Iterate throughout the Process.
•Use feedback from peers, potential audiences, and my supervisor to gather a range of insights on the effectiveness of used techniques.
•Reflect upon personal growth and technical development after each project to identify strengths and areas for further development and refinement.
•Continuously refine workflow based on feedback and personal evaluations.
Methodology
I will be creating an iterative series of test studies to showcase my development as a Motion Graphics Artist. I will initially create my videos using inefficient methods, and will keyframe every aspect of my animations. The expected idea is that utilising expressions, sliders, and plug-ins wont just make my workflow more efficient, but will also make me more adaptable and resilient as I will be able to make changes required during any part of my workflow.
Using the Action Research Helix Model, I will reflect at the end of each iteration of the process.
What is the Action Research Helix Model?
The Action Research Helix Model is the idea of looking at your problem, thinking about it, and then acting upon that, whether that be based on research, or seeking feedback, looking at your output and going again, continuously.
(Hine, Action Research Helix, 2013)
The Action Research Helix Model resonated with me, and what I hope to achieve through this project as I have:
Observed & identified current inefficencies within my workflow.
Reflected upon the causes of these inefficiencies.
Researched best industry practice, and workflows to inform my project.
I will act upon this research by creating an iteration of a test study that showcases development.
I will evaluate at the end of each iteration how I felt the process has gone, as well as seeking feedback from peers, and industry professionals. I will then go through the process again.
By blogging as I go, I will be able to accurately track how I've felt throughout each iteration of the proces and this will aide with the reflection aspect of the Action Research Helix.
(Gantt Chart showing expected timeframe.)
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