Course Number: ARTD 275
Course Name: Time Arts II
Professor: Mr. Bart Woodstrup

Exercise 1 - Type and Motion
Due Jan 25

Objective:
Using time, typography, and motion as conceptual tools, you will produce a short animation that expresses the meaning of a word through transforming and animating its shape over time. Upon completion of this project you should be able to implement a process for beginning a simple animation. You should be able to use software tools to express your ideas visually over time. Conceptually, you should begin to explore time as a tool for expression and thought. Visually you should achieve good composition - elements from your Foundations of Design will be reviewed.

Outcomes:

• Use typography to expressively communicate an idea.
  
• Manipulate vector shapes in order for the object to appear in motion.
  
• Understand the differences in raster versus vector graphics imaging.
  
• Use animation techniques to create a design that transforms over time.
  
• Understand scale constraints when designing for the computer screen.
  

Assignment:

1. Working in Illustrator, use the Type tool to choose a font for your word.

2. When you have finished editing your text, you will need to convert it to “Outlines” in order to manipulate its vectors. Select Type > Create Outlines. You will then need to “Ungroup” the Outlines. Go to Object > Ungroup.

3. Save your work. Illustrator files typically save with a .ai extension.

4. Open Photoshop and make a new file that is 600 pixels height and 600 pixels width.

5. Copy/Paste your word letter by letter into Photoshop. This will put each letter on its own layer, making it easier to animate.

6. In Photoshop, open the “Animation” window. Animating in Photoshop will be reviewed in class.

7. Create a 7 frame (minimum) animation.

8. Save your work as a Photoshop (.psd) file.

9. When you have finished your animation, we will convert it into an animated .gif file. The best way to do this is to save it using the “Save for Web & Devices” feature.

10. Make sure you choose .gif as the type of file you want to save to, then preview your animation using the play controls in the bottom-right of the screen.

11. Save your file and open it in a web browser (Firefox, Explorer, Chrome).

Documentation:
Written documentation is required for each and every assignment given in this class. You must clearly state your intentions for your work - doing so may very well ensure a higher grade. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures. You will also be required to turn in an outline of your navigation.