Motion — Project 1 Process Post

For my first-ever Motion Graphics project, I decided to create a stop motion animation depicting both my secret word and my passion for a cappella music.

Notes from my first brainstorm for the project

I started out with a brainstorming session, thinking about alternate meanings for my secret word, passions of mine that I wanted to incorporate into my piece, and ways that I could connect these two factors through visuals.

I also initially was not planning on working with stop motion. In my first storyboard sketches for the project, I mapped out a few scenes as regular video. After some filming, however, I decided I wanted to push myself to do stop motion, and work in the field of animation.

My initial storyboard work for the project

My first trial for Project 1, prior to choosing to work in stop-motion

Storyboards for potential stop-motion sequences

After my first trial of the project, I drafted more storyboards, thinking specifically about creating scenes frame by frame with musical imagery. I also planned to convert some of my older storyboards into stop motion sequences as well.

Working with stop motion was definitely challenging; however, I learned a lot from this tedious process. For my set-up, I used my Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II, and a steady tripod––essential for my project.

My set up for many of my sequences in Project 1

After showing James & Sophie the beginnings of my second draft, James gave me some advice on how to diversify my shots and add human elements to my stop motion animation––an idea I had previously nixed because I thought my friends wouldn’t be able to stand still. James then showed me some successful human stop motion videos, giving me hope that I could re-create the effect. Later, I re-brainstormed ideas of how to incorporate the human body into my video.

Ideas from another brainstorm session (yellow & blue ink)

Voice part ideas for one of my arrangements, Think (opb H.E.R.)

I also incorporated bits of paper in my video that had to do with my arranging process/music in general. When I arrange music for my a cappella group, I often scribble down voice part ideas, or use my phone’s voice notes app to record harmonies. I love having these resources, because once the arrangement is over, I’m left with artifacts from the musical process that I can bring into my visual work. In this case, I crumpled up some notes in my first sequence, and use bits of sheet music in my last sequence.

Sheet music from an old arrangement that I cut for the project

Overall, I’m really glad I switched gears and started working with stop motion for Project 1. Although difficult and monotonous, the process made me slow down and re-wire the way my brain works a bit. Working with stop motion also helped me grasp working with frames––an essential skill I’ll need to continue developing if I choose to pursue forms of animation in later projects and in life.

Without further ado, below is my final video!