DPI Final Project: Cinemagraph - Self-Titled
17.11.2023 - 5.1.2023(Week 8 - Week 15 )
Lew Guo Ying / 0365721 / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Digital Photography and Imaging
Final Project: Cinemagraph - Self-Titled
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1. Lectures
1.1 Week 9: Flower Face Portrait
2. Instructions
2.2.1 Digitalisation
2.2.2 Final Poster
2.2.3 Final Animation
3. Feedback
4. Reflection
Lectures
Week 9: Flower Face Portrait
Using Tools
- Utilized pen tool for drawing closed paths and making selections.
- Applied blending options and gradient maps for color grading.
Portrait Editing
- Performed layer management and renaming for face and shape layers.
- Employed blending options and an eraser tool for clean edge work.
Creative Additions
- Added ivy bush and flowers, with attention to layer visibility and masking.
- Incorporated gradient maps and adjusted brightness/contrast for a final touch.
Fig9.1 Flower Face Portrait PDF
Week 10: Animation in PhotoShop
Learned how to create animations in Photoshop, one in MP4 format, and another in GIF format. The first type can represent a wider variety and complexity of motion paths, while GIFs are better at depicting repetitive motion paths.
Week 11: Adobe After Effect
The lecturer taught us the basic functionalities of using After Effects (AE), which included setting up documents, duration, canvas dimensions, and basic naming conventions. Next, we learned fundamental actions such as moving and scaling objects. Incorporating a rebound effect while moving objects in video production adds visual impact to their movement, and selecting specific settings can create smoother object motions.
Furthermore, we delved into more complex operations, creating 2.5D videos that simulate a pseudo-3D feel by manipulating layers and adjusting perspectives.
Instructions
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jUl3bnCXz_HE3tf2pwYL8DTgAyo36vr9/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Week 11: Adobe After Effect
After learning After Effects (AE), we were tasked with creating a video of the flower girl for week 9. As a result, I created a simple animation where flowers spread from the face, followed by the face exiting, and then the flowers continued to grow. Finally, a butterfly appeared. I found it quite interesting.
Week 12-15: Self-Titled
In this self-titled assignment, we were initially required to write about idea development, which consists of two parts. The first part involves composing a biography about myself, while the second part entails crafting a statement about my work.
In the statement section, finding the right quote was the most challenging. It had to align with the theme and also fit within the limited letters of my designed font. Since the letters I generated were limited, forming words, and even more so, creating interesting phrases was exceptionally difficult. Eventually, I settled on the word combination "majestic introspect" because self-reflection can delve into one's thoughts, discovering infinite possibilities and potential.
Next, the task was to search online for inspiration and similar images as references, focusing on colors, atmosphere, styles, and more. My concept aimed to evoke a sense of mystery, blending elements of astrology, sorcery, and Chinese Tai Chi with Western magical culture. Therefore, the mood board was curated with several images that would set the tone for the project.
The next stage involved visualizing the concept. To begin, I started with sketches. I designed a mask representing my zodiac sign, Aries, covering only half of the face to indicate self-representation. Additionally, drawing on my previous experience with Tai Chi, I placed a Tai Chi symbol on the hand. As an avid reader of novels, I included a book, and to reflect my passion for badminton, I added a shuttlecock to the sketch.
Digitalisation：
Step 1: Taking Photos
Following my initial concept of a half-face mask, I positioned one hand covering part of my face to create the impression of holding a mask. Additionally, I arranged my other hand to make it appear as though the book, magic circle, and shuttlecock were suspended above it. I adopted this pose. I opted for a half-body shot to highlight these other elements.
The photos I want should exude a sense of mystery, representing an unknown feeling while showcasing my personality traits and interests.
Key item elements:
1. Ram Mask: This mask represents my zodiac sign, Aries. I chose a half-face mask so that it doesn't cover my entire face, allowing recognition. Symbolically, it signifies that the zodiac doesn't define everything, representing only half of oneself, emphasizing the need for self-exploration.
2. Book: One of my interests is reading novels, so I specifically included a book. To align with the mysterious theme, I intend to make the book resemble a spellbook, blending better with the mystical theme.
3. Magic Circle and Tai Chi: Having previously studied Tai Chi, I didn't want to overtly display a Tai Chi posture in the photo, so I decided to incorporate a Tai Chi symbol instead. Since the presence of a spellbook might conflict with the Tai Chi symbol, I chose to include a magic circle, aiming for a balanced fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
4. Badminton Shuttlecock: Another interest of mine is playing badminton. I enjoy spending time playing badminton with friends, so I included a shuttlecock in the photo. Although it might seem a bit odd when combined, I persist in including it to showcase my interests.
Adobe Illustrator:
I created these main item elements using Adobe Illustrator. Subsequently, I employed Photoshop to add lighting effects, and finally, I used After Effects to generate special effects.
Fig13.2 Step Create element needed in Adobe Illustrator, Week 13 (20.12.2023)
Fig13.3 Step in Photoshop， Week 13 （20.12.2023）
I attempted to create a second poster, aiming to evoke a sense of fragmentation. To achieve this, I incorporated the shattered effect of a mirror. Additionally, I aimed to convey a lonely atmosphere using shades of blue. Overall, I'm quite pleased with the outcome.
I also added a blurred technological aspect, enhancing the colors to evoke a more futuristic and technological vibe. Additionally, I incorporated a "Filter Wind" effect for a blur sensation.
Final Digitalisation Poster：
Fig14.2 Final Poster PDF， Week 14 （25.12.2023）
After Effect:
Fig14.3 Process in After effect, Week 14 (25.12.2023)
Final Animation Self-Titled:
Youtube Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/AuNILOuU0Gs?feature=share
Artist Statement:
The artwork I've created emanates a sense of mystery and fantasy, accentuated by the cool colour palette, invoking a powerful impression. Titled "Self-Titled," it incorporates elements reflecting my hobbies and interests: being an Aries, enjoying novels and badminton, and practising Tai Chi, among others. These constitute the primary components of this composition.
The chosen quote, "majestic introspect," embodies the significance of continuous self-reflection. Through introspection, one can rectify errors and calmly embark on self-exploration. Just like the enigmatic background imagery, the human body is filled with mysteries. The Tai Chi symbol, representing the interaction between the dragon and the phoenix, illustrates the principles of creation and balance.
Discovering one's goals through self-exploration provides the impetus to pursue them, while never forgetting the things that bring us joy. Remembering our initial aspirations, simplicity becomes the path to greatness.
Final Project Template:
Fig14.8 Final Project Template, Week 14 (25.12.2023)
Feedback
Week 12: Listen intersting.
Reflections
This project has been the most challenging task I've faced since the beginning of the academic year. It not only required integrating knowledge from three different courses but also posed the greatest difficulty in crafting a personal quote using a limited set of letters that would fit the theme. Next came the decision of how to represent myself. Since I don't have an in-depth understanding of myself, I spent quite a long time contemplating how to showcase my identity. Then came the sketching and digitalization. It was my first time combining Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects, which was quite complex. Particularly with After Effects, I had only learned some basic knowledge before attempting animation. Though it was indeed fascinating, many of the effects required exploration on my part.
However, I discovered that my computer's specifications were inadequate. Even rendering a 15-second video took a whole hour. This was frustrating for me, and I even feared potential computer overheating or unexpected mishaps. Fortunately, I managed to overcome these hurdles and complete the project, albeit with some challenges along the way, but all's well that ends well.
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