COMD-217-S001 Course Outline
In this course we will explore the increasingly important role of motion in communication design. With increased access to high speed data on both desktop and mobile devices, there is a growing demand for motion based content as an engaging alternative to traditional static images, graphics and text.
This course will look at how to apply traditional design principles to kinetic type, motion graphics, and basic video production, while discovering opportunities to enhance or transform your notions of what it means to practice as a graphic designer.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to apply design principles and rhetorical devices to the production of motion-based projects and will develop familiarity with a variety of different applications that will enable them to work with both motion (Adobe Illustrator, After Effects and Premiere) and sound (Audacity or Ocenaudio, as examples). Finally, students will learn how to begin creating projects that incorporate self-produced video, kinetic type, motion graphics, and audio in one complex and engaging communication design project.
Students will ideally have their own laptop, access to the Internet and software. Digital cameras, mobile phones, gimbals, external hard drives and such will be helpful but can be sourced through the university or other means, as necessary. Additional resources such as reading material or online tutorials will also be provided as necessary throughout the course.
- Participation 10%
- Project 01: Motion Graphic20%
- Project 02: Kinetic Type40%
- Project 03: Video Advertisment30%
Week 01: Jan. 8th: Course Introduction
Introduction to the course, instructor, and peers, overview of tools, software and projects. Project 01 Assigned.
Week 02: Jan. 15th
Introduction to After Effects and basic audio. Discussion on basic transitions, rhythm, and sync. P01 storyboard due, along with graphic assets.
Week 03: Jan. 22nd
After Effects (rendering etc.) and uploading. In class work session.
Week 04: Jan. 29th
Project 01 Due and Project 02 Assigned.
Week 05: Feb. 5th
Precedents and Exemplars. After Effects (easing, paths, masks). Project 02 typeface choice, precedents and storyboard due.
Week 06: Feb. 12th
After Effects, the 3D workspace.
Week 07: Feb. 19th
READING WEEK: NO CLASSES
Week 08: Feb. 26th
In class working session.
Week 09: Mar. 4th
Project 02 Due and Project 03 Assigned.
Week 10: Mar. 11th
Equipment Demos (cameras, gimbals, drones, settings etc). Project 3 precedents and storyboard due.
Week 11: Mar. 18th
Intro to Premiere (getting video and audio in)
Week 12: Mar. 25th
Bringing in After Effects elements such as motion graphics or effects. Graphic and Effects Footage Due
Week 13: Apr. 1st
Final Project Due.
Week 14: Apr. 9th
Review and Assessment Week.
Week 15: Apr. 15th
Review and Assessment Week.