Project 1: Lyric Video

Jun 2 – Jun 23, 2026

Create a lyric video for a song of your choice. To practice composition settings, please submit your video in one of two dimensions — 1080×1080px or 1920×1080px. Feel free to use the techniques learned in class or conduct additional research to enhance your project. The project will be broken up into four design phases, and each week, a new phase will be due.

• Phase 1: Design Research — Due Tue, Jun 9, 2026
  Identify the song you choose to work with for this project. After you have selected the song, research five visual styles connected with this song as well as five potential typefaces you could use for this song. Finally, try to use some of the typefaces to animate 5–10-second tests from the song to see what works both conceptually and aesthetically. Be prepared to share a presentation using the material you found as well as some of your first initial tests.
• Phase 2: First Minute — Due Tue, Jun 16, 2026
  Create a video for the first minute of your song, incorporating the feedback you received from your classmates on your type choices and animation styles. Be prepared to explain your design choices, and how you plan on improving this video for the next assignment.
• Phase 3: Refinement — Due Tue, Jun 23, 2026
  Continue developing the full video. Refine pacing, typography, and animation choices based on critique. Bring a near-final cut to class for in-progress review.
• Phase 4: Final Lyric Video — Due Tue, Jun 30, 2026
  Submit your final video in one of two dimensions — 1080×1080px or 1920×1080px — to the class drive. Be ready to present your song and critique your peers' videos.

Project 2: Final Project — Motion Identity System

Jul 7 – Aug 4, 2026

Your final project will be to create a motion identity system for a brand or institution. The brand can vary from for-profit models to public and non-profit organizations. The ultimate goal of this project is to create a system that is easily identifiable through the choices you make in your motion design practice. Your final deliverable should include one ‘explainer video’ that shows the system in all its variable uses, along with each asset and project file.

• Phase 1: Design Research + Sketches — Due Tue, Jul 14, 2026
  Research three companies or organizations for which you want to create a motion identity. Pick brands you feel could benefit from a new motion identity system applied across multiple mediums — websites, Instagram stories, billboards, public spaces. Then select one and create your first sketches or markups of the logo animation and tagline. Deliverables: a presentation with your initial research (type treatment, color palette, motion ideas) plus two sketch RENDERS (mp4) showing different type treatments and color palettes as directions for the project. Bring quick notes and questions for the group to help you move forward.
• Phase 2: Logo + Tagline — Due Tue, Jul 21, 2026
  Finalize your logo animation and tagline animation based on critique. Final deliverables should include three different sizes — 1920×1080, 1080×1080, and 1080×1920 — to emphasize the flexibility of the design system you are building.
• Phase 3: Public Installation Mockup + Posters — Due Tue, Jul 28, 2026
  Think about how your identity works in public space and advertising. For some, the most effective way to communicate this idea might be on a billboard; for others, a more public awareness environment. Figure out what makes the most sense for your brand and create a motion idea for that space. Deliverables: one 1920×1080 video with the mockup and your video in the space, plus three poster advertisements (any size, can be a series). Be prepared to share with the class and give feedback on others’ work.
• Phase 4: Instagram Ad, Tote Bag, Physical Item + Final Brand Video — Due Tue, Aug 4, 2026
  Your final deliverable considers how your identity works across social media, printed materials, and as a complete presentation. For Instagram, show how your branding integrates with the Instagram UI — logo in the profile circle, posts and ads in the feed or stories — with realistic mockups. The tote bag and one additional physical item (hat, shirt, etc.) should align cohesively with your overall brand system, delivered as realistic mockups.
  
  Finally, create a video explainer designed to present your work to clients. This is often the most important part of storytelling and showcasing your process. There is no fixed length, and you are encouraged to use any source material, visuals, or music that enhances engagement and aligns with the brand. Export the final video in both 1080×1080 and 1920×1080 formats.