Motion Graphics Assistant

Objective: Develop a comprehensive concept and storyboard for a 30-second animated piece that promotes a fictitious brand. This project will test your ability to conceptualize a narrative, plan motion sequences, and translate ideas into visually appealing storyboards.

Task Details: Over the course of 30-35 hours, you are required to craft a detailed storyboard that outlines key scenes, camera angles, transitions, and animation techniques. Your storyboard should be accompanied by a written concept note that explains the narrative, the intended audience, and the design rationale behind each scene. The storyboard can be drawn digitally or scanned from hand-drawn sketches; however, ensure that it is legible and professionally presented in a PDF format before submission.

Key Steps:

• Research and select a fictitious brand or product concept.
• Create a narrative and visual theme that aligns with a hypothetical marketing objective.
• Plan out each scene with sketches and notes on transitions, timing, and motion effects.
• Compile the storyboard and the concept note into a single PDF document.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clarity and creativity of the concept.
• Detail and legibility of the storyboard panels.
• Consistency of visual style and planning of motion sequences.
• Professionalism in file presentation and submission format.

Objective: Create a short motion graphic animation using your preferred software (such as After Effects, Cinema 4D, or similar) to demonstrate your grasp of key animation principles and timing. The focus will be on smooth transitions, dynamic motion, and layering of effects.

Task Details: You are tasked with executing a 30- to 35-second animation that includes at least three distinct animated scenes. Each scene must incorporate basic animation principles such as easing, anticipation, and follow-through. Design each scene with attention to detail, ensuring that plugins or effects are used effectively to enhance the storytelling aspect of the piece. Your final deliverable should be exported as a video file (MP4 preferred) and accompanied by a brief text file summarizing your approach, animation techniques used, and any challenges encountered.

Key Steps:

• Brainstorm and outline the animation concept with a focus on key motion principles.
• Produce rough sketches or a quick animatic to map out the structure.
• Create the animation in your chosen software with careful attention to transitions and effects.
• Export the final animation as a video file and prepare a text document detailing your process.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Technical proficiency and smoothness of motion.
• Effective use of animation principles.
• Creativity in integrating visual effects with storytelling.
• Clarity and completeness of the process documentation.

Objective: Design a project that emphasizes advanced motion graphics techniques by incorporating dynamic transitions and layered visual effects. This task is intended to push your creative boundaries and technical skills, challenging you to produce a visually sophisticated animation.

Task Details: In approximately 30-35 hours, create a 45-second motion graphics piece that demonstrates your command over complex transitions and effects. Your project should feature at least five different transition techniques between scenes, using a blend of keyframed animations, masking, and effects layering. Additionally, the piece should include at least one example of advanced techniques such as particle effects, 3D layering, or simulated camera movements. The final deliverable should be a high-quality video file (MP4 or MOV) accompanied by a written explanation (minimum 300 words) that describes the techniques used, the rationale behind scene transitions, and any software-specific innovations you employed.

Key Steps:

• Conceptualize and plan the sequence of scenes and transitions.
• Create a rough timeline and list the advanced techniques you wish to implement.
• Construct the animation using your motion graphics software, paying close attention to technical execution and visual coherence.
• Export the final video and prepare a detailed explanation in a text document.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Complexity and creativity of transitions.
• Technical proficiency in using advanced motion graphics techniques.
• Visual impact and overall fluidity of the piece.
• Depth and clarity of the accompanying written explanation.

Objective: Develop a motion graphics animation that integrates sound design and visual effects to create an immersive multimedia experience. You will learn to synchronize motion graphics with sound tracks, enhancing the narrative and emotional depth of the piece.

Task Details: For this weekly task, create a 30 to 35-second animation that is tightly synchronized with a soundscape of your own design. You may use royalty-free music and sound effects available online, ensuring that you adhere to copyright considerations. The assignment involves both the creation of visuals and the curation or creation of accompanying audio. Your file submission should include the final video (MP4 file) and a separate project file or documentation that explains your sound selection, synchronization process, and any modifications made to align audio with visual cues.

Key Steps:

• Plan the visual storyline alongside the audio track selection.
• Draft a timeline that matches key audio beats with visual transitions.
• Produce the animation ensuring careful synchronization between the soundscape and visual elements.
• Compile the final video and documentation into a deliverable package.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Effectiveness in synchronizing audio with visual motions and transitions.
• Quality and creativity of both audio and visual elements.
• Technical execution and integration of sound design.
• Clarity and thoroughness of the accompanying documentation.

Objective: Combine multiple skills learned during the internship into a comprehensive project that simulates a real-world client brief. This task will require you to develop a complete motion graphics presentation that conveys branding, narrative storytelling, advanced animation techniques, and audio-visual synchronization.

Task Details: In this final task, you are to create a 60-second motion graphics showcase that effectively communicates a brand identity for a fictitious company. The project should include detailed animated logos, cohesive scene transitions, integrated sound design, and a consistent visual style that aligns with the hypothetical brand’s identity. You should prepare a well-documented project file that outlines the process from initial concept creation to final execution, including mood boards, sketches, and briefs. As part of your submission, provide both the final video (in MP4 format) and a detailed project report (in PDF format) that covers your conceptual approach, technical innovations, design considerations, and how you addressed the client brief.

Key Steps:

• Develop a fictitious brand brief and define the target audience.
• Create initial concept sketches, mood boards, and storylines.
• Design and animate key components such as logos, brand elements, and transition scenes.
• Integrate sound design to complement the visual narrative.
• Compile and document your entire workflow, then export final deliverables as a video and PDF report.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Coherence and creativity in brand identity articulation.
• Technical proficiency across various motion graphics techniques.
• Integration of sound, visuals, and branding elements.
• Professionalism and comprehensiveness of the project documentation.