animated word process
DESCRIPTION
A process book describing the steps and methods taken to create an animation centered around the word "CHASE"TRANSCRIPT
ANIMATED WORD PROCESS BOOK
MICHAEL FEAVEL
TYPOGRAPHY STUDIO II - GRDS 755
PROF. MERRICK HENRY
SUMMER 2011
I feel that my process is best expressed through my sketchbook that
I keep for each class. From this, you are able to see each step and
thought that comes into my head and works its way down to my
hands and finally onto paper.
I began with brainstorming multiple words. I tried to focus on
words that would allow for strong interaction between the separate
characters of the word, rather than just the word moving. With
each word I had an animation in mind, but I felt that CHASE was my
strongest idea and I began to sketch my gut reaction to the word.
I wanted to initiate a catalyst that sparks the action of the chase, so
I casted the C as a instigator to the fun, child-like act. The remaining
characters follow far behind at the beginning and the pace builds with
the C finally being caught and ending the chase. I chose to utlitize
depth and scale to fully interact with the space given.
From the first critique, it was pointed out that my presenting the
word at the beginning and the end provided little mystery and was
redundant. I had to think of a way to not give the word away before
the animation even began. Leaving out the slap of the “C,” I was given
the opportunity for other playful interaction throughout the scene.
I created a new set of storyboards after the first critique, but the
animation was still not right. More critiques from fellow students help
me realize the ending was forced and more playful elements were
needed, such as hide and seek. I began to revisit many of the classic
Warner Bros. cartoons for inspiration in playful chase scenes.
A more realized storyboard was drawn up and the animation felt
cohesive. A sense of playfulness, anticipation and mystery while not
spelling out the word at the beginning for the viewer. I debated about
typefaces the entire time but finally chose Gotham. It has personality
but not childish; and italics were not necessary, it would be redundant.
After all the sketching and brainstorming was complete, I jumped
into Flash (after doing a little reading, of course). Not having much
experience with Flash, I first started with simple tween experiments
(Panel 1 & 2) to see if my ideas could actually be created the way I
envisioned them.
The experiments helped me get comfortable using Flash and the
simple effects I could use to create my animation. I utliized mutliple
tweens and classis motion guides to give each letter character and
humor througout the piece (Panel 3 & 4).
PANEL 1
PANEL 3
PANEL 2
PANEL 4
PANEL 5
PANEL 7
PANEL 6
PANEL 8
I continued using tweens and classic motion guides as the animation
progessed. The animation became more challenging and complicated
once I added playful elements such as jumping, sliding, and hiding.
As I got closer and closer to finishing the animation, I tested it more
and more to make sure the pacing and movement were fluid enough,
but still had some interest and contrast.
CHASEOverall, I found this project fun and challenging. I am much
more comfortable in the print environment with typography
and design. The animation gave me an opportunity to test my
design skills outside of my comfort zone and I look forward to
more motion type opportunities and building my skills in the
on-screen design environment.