W2
My Animation Workflow: Step by Step
Here’s how I plan to create my animation for this project:
1. Storyboarding with Figma
I started by making a storyboard for Figma. It’s a tool I’m familiar with, and it’s great for quickly drafting ideas and designing graphics. This step helps me visualize each scene clearly before moving forward.
2. Creating 2D Previsualization in After Effects
Since I have a background as a 2D motion graphic designer, I use After Effects (AE) to create a 2D previs. This lets me experiment with simple geometric motions and plan transitions. The 2D previs serves as a guide for animating in 3D, saving time and ensuring consistency in style, color, and camera angles.
3. Modeling in Cinema 4D
Next, I model in Cinema 4D (C4D), focusing on a simple design style. I render tests during this phase to see how the 3D visuals align with my style frames and overall concept. Modelling takes time, especially since rendering involves complex processes like lighting, texturing, and camera settings. I use HDRI lighting frequently because it’s reusable and adds a consistent quality across scenes.
4. Animation in C4D and Maya
For animation, I divide my project into two parts: countdown animation and character animation. The countdown animation features numbers animated in an abstract, dynamic way with fun transitions. For the character animation, I work in Maya to refine the movements and then export them into C4D to integrate into the full scene. Adding a character brings more life and energy to my motion graphics.
5. Rendering and Compositing
Once the animation is complete, I render everything in C4D and move to AE for composition. In AE, I fine-tune elements like speed, colouring, and effects. One of my favourite steps is adding glow effects to shiny 3D objects, making them pop and feel more dynamic.
6. Music Selection
Music is crucial to my process. I chose to find the background music first and early, during the 2D previs stage, as it sets the tone and provides specific timing for key moments like transitions or high-energy peaks. The rhythm and tempo guide the pacing of my animation.
This workflow helps me balance creativity and efficiency, ensuring my final animation is both cohesive and visually engaging.
Storyboard for My Final Project
My final project is divided into four chapters, each building the narrative and visual flow:
1. Establishing Stage:
The story begins with the main character sitting and studying late at night. This sets the scene and introduces the mood of the animation.
2. Transition:
The girl suddenly realizes there’s only one minute left before 2025. She is shocked and surprised at how fast time has flown. Originally, I planned to include a bucket list segment as a transition, showing her checking what she had achieved during the year. This would tie into the visual theme, as numbers on the bucket list could lead smoothly into the countdown. However, I decided to remove it from the final version as it felt too extra and didn’t fit well with the fast-paced music. Keeping the story simple made it easier for the audience to follow the main idea: 2025 is coming, and the character is overwhelmed and surprised.
3. Countdown:
To emphasize the passage of time, I added a side character, Mr. Time, who is shaped like a clock. He appears and runs across the screen just before the countdown begins, making it clear to the audience that time is ticking away. This playful addition adds energy and makes the concept of time more visually engaging.
4. The Final Moment:
The animation culminates with the countdown to 2025, capturing the character’s emotions and the excitement of the new year.
By simplifying the story and focusing on strong visuals and pacing, I aimed to create an engaging and cohesive animation that aligns with the music and keeps the audience immersed.
2D style frames
Storyboard Introduction: Chapter One
The focus of my animation is on dynamic motion graphics, with a simple yet engaging storyline. The overall style has a vibrant, colorful look, similar to modern advertising, designed to capture the audience’s attention.
- In the first chapter, the main character is introduced, setting the stage for the story. The key theme is that 2024 is coming to an end, highlighted by a clock alarm displaying “23:59” across multiple scenes to emphasize the passing of time.
- As the scene builds, the countdown begins, synchronized with the tempo of the background music. This initial countdown represents the character’s mental preparation, leading into the main countdown to welcome the new year. It establishes the pacing and tone for the animation while keeping the visuals exciting and impactful.
Storyboard Introduction: Chapter Two +Final Chapter
- Final Countdown Begins: The second chapter focuses on the final countdown to the new year.
- Mr. Clock’s Reveal: Following the faster tempo of the music, Mr. Clock is introduced, guiding the main character toward the final moment.
- Time Transition: The clock transitions from 23:59 to 00:00, marking the start of the new year, 2025.
- Character Action: The main character flies up to catch the alarm, symbolizing that time is up.
- Playful Countdown: A creative and dynamic number transition builds excitement as the countdown unfolds.
- Celebratory Finale: The animation concludes with colorful fireworks and the main title, Happy New Year, celebrating the arrival of 2025.
Designing the Countdown
When designing the countdown, I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process of figuring out how each shape transitions into the next. This part was especially fun because it allowed me to experiment with cool 3D visuals without needing to overthink or explain every detail.
- It’s a space where creativity and design come together seamlessly!
