Illustration and Visual Narrative - FINAL
Aina Ahmed Aleem / 0355701
Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative MediaTABLE OF CONTENT
1. Instructions
2. Process - Final Assignment
2. Process - Final Assignment
- Inspiration
- Mood board and References
- Script
- Rationale
- Techniques Applied
3. Final Video
4. Reflection
4. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
PROCESS
This project was inspired by Mandy Hale’s quote:
"You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let
go and see what happens."
The message resonates with me during a time of uncertainty, reminding me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. I wanted to visually capture that idea of releasing control and gently embracing the unknown using soft, simple illustrations and minimal animation.
The message resonates with me during a time of uncertainty, reminding me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. I wanted to visually capture that idea of releasing control and gently embracing the unknown using soft, simple illustrations and minimal animation.
2. Mood board and References
For this project, I used AI image generation (with ChatGPT’s image tool) to help me visualize my ideas for Scene 1 and 2. To be honest, I was on a time crunch and wasn’t confident in drawing complex scenes from scratch, I used AI prompts to explore compositions, and scene layout ideas. These visual references guided me when recreating simplified versions in Adobe Illustrator.
3. Script
“You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
– Mandy Hale
For this project, I used AI image generation (with ChatGPT’s image tool) to help me visualize my ideas for Scene 1 and 2. To be honest, I was on a time crunch and wasn’t confident in drawing complex scenes from scratch, I used AI prompts to explore compositions, and scene layout ideas. These visual references guided me when recreating simplified versions in Adobe Illustrator.
Here are the AI references I used for each scene:
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| AI generated composition for scene 1 |
Scenes 3 and 4 were
compositions I came up with myself to visually express the idea of letting
go. In Scene 3, a hand
releases a balloon to symbolize the gesture of trust and release. In
Scene 4, the balloon gently
floats upward, representing emotional freedom and surrender.
From these AI references, I created my own illustrations for each scene.
Below are the cover illustrations that represent each scene in the
animation, showcasing the final designs I used to visually tell the story.
|
||
|
“You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
– Mandy Hale
5. Details
Duration: 15 seconds
Dimensions: 1080x1920 px (vertical)
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator (for visuals), Clipchamp (for editing & animation)
Audio: Ambient background music
Captions: Quote broken into 4 visual segments
File Formats Submitted: .ai, .mp4, .pdf
Dimensions: 1080x1920 px (vertical)
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator (for visuals), Clipchamp (for editing & animation)
Audio: Ambient background music
Captions: Quote broken into 4 visual segments
File Formats Submitted: .ai, .mp4, .pdf
6. Rationale
The project focuses on the emotional tone of Mandy Hale’s quote. I chose a soft, minimalist visual style to keep the focus on the feeling rather than complex animation. The scenes were designed to visually represent the emotional process of letting go from stillness, to release, to trust, to peace. Simple transitions and a calm soundtrack supported the message without overwhelming it.
The project focuses on the emotional tone of Mandy Hale’s quote. I chose a soft, minimalist visual style to keep the focus on the feeling rather than complex animation. The scenes were designed to visually represent the emotional process of letting go from stillness, to release, to trust, to peace. Simple transitions and a calm soundtrack supported the message without overwhelming it.
7. Techniques Applied
One of the main techniques I used from class was the Width Tool in Adobe Illustrator, which helped me add variation and expression to my line work. I also tried to apply the rules of composition, such as balance and visual flow, to make sure each frame guided the viewer’s eye naturally. While I mostly used what we learned in class, I also explored timing techniques in video editing through Clipchamp by adjusting frame speed to match the tone of each scene.
Experience
This project was quite tough for me, especially because I’m not very confident in animation or storytelling. I faced similar struggles during a related assignment in my foundation year, so I knew it would be a challenge again. Figuring out how to express emotion with minimal visuals and keep everything within a short duration was tough. The pressure really hit near the deadline, but I managed to push through and finish it in time.
One of the main techniques I used from class was the Width Tool in Adobe Illustrator, which helped me add variation and expression to my line work. I also tried to apply the rules of composition, such as balance and visual flow, to make sure each frame guided the viewer’s eye naturally. While I mostly used what we learned in class, I also explored timing techniques in video editing through Clipchamp by adjusting frame speed to match the tone of each scene.
FINAL VIDEO
Final Animation MP4
SELF REFLECTION
This project was quite tough for me, especially because I’m not very confident in animation or storytelling. I faced similar struggles during a related assignment in my foundation year, so I knew it would be a challenge again. Figuring out how to express emotion with minimal visuals and keep everything within a short duration was tough. The pressure really hit near the deadline, but I managed to push through and finish it in time.
Observations
I noticed that simplifying my visuals actually helped me focus more on the message. Instead of overcomplicating scenes, I stuck with clean, black-and-white illustrations and subtle motion. I also realised how important timing is, even a small change in pacing can affect how the viewer feels. Tools like Illustrator and Clipchamp were useful, but they required a lot of patience.
I noticed that simplifying my visuals actually helped me focus more on the message. Instead of overcomplicating scenes, I stuck with clean, black-and-white illustrations and subtle motion. I also realised how important timing is, even a small change in pacing can affect how the viewer feels. Tools like Illustrator and Clipchamp were useful, but they required a lot of patience.
Findings
Through this process, I learned how to communicate meaning clearly without relying on complex visuals or dialogue. I became more comfortable with editing software and learned how to pace scenes to match the tone. Most importantly, I learned that staying true to my initial vision even if it’s simple can hopefully be just as impactful. Despite the struggles, I’m proud of how it turned out.
Through this process, I learned how to communicate meaning clearly without relying on complex visuals or dialogue. I became more comfortable with editing software and learned how to pace scenes to match the tone. Most importantly, I learned that staying true to my initial vision even if it’s simple can hopefully be just as impactful. Despite the struggles, I’m proud of how it turned out.
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