Nikki Dunsire

This course explored the fundamentals of image manipulation and animated graphics using Photoshop and After Effects.  Emphasis was on interface exploration, cross-platform workflows, color management, layering, masking, effects, animation, and compositing. No prior Photoshop or After Effects experience was required. 

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Upon successful completion of this course, the student should have been able to:

 

Successfully navigate and utilize the tools presented in Photoshop and After Effects, to manipulate and enhance digital images, create original works through color theory and drawing techniques and animate graphical components. The primary objectives of this course were the following:

• Practice effective file management and organization

• Develop technical skills in Photoshop and After Effects

• Development efficient workflows within the software

• Utilize the software to achieve design tasks

• Analyze digital imagery with a critical eye and be able to speak to the technical components that comprise an image

• Demonstrate the layering of light in space to create mood, emotion and theme

• Become familiar with the principles of texture, lighting, resolution, depth of field and overlapping graphical components

• Gain basic concepts and understanding of tools related to compositing and motion graphics in After Effects. Topics including by not limited to: interface fundamentals, creating and animating assets.

 

Software used: Photoshop, After Effects

Credits: 3 | 1 Quarter

 

Student Examples: Motion Graphics

Projects represented below:

• Option 01: Create a compelling 45 - 60 second advertisement for a product (actual or fictional), event or message of your choosing. This project should not be just footage. Rotoscoping, keying, tracking and stabilizing are all a part of this. This project must be comprised of motion assets and graphics…still images, animated shapes and masks, text layers, etc. Think Infographic meets product advertisement. 

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• Option 02: Same idea as above, but rather than working toward info graphics or advertising, create a narrative or message of your choice. Your goal is to tell a compelling story (remembering you only have about 30-90secs) that is extenuated by graphical content and interesting cuts…again Rotoscoping, keying, tracking and stabilizing of footage in addition to the graphical work are included.

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Note - several of the students went the subvertisement route.

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