BRAINYQUOTE
​
★
​
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
Role
Designer + Animator (Collaboration with DI-D Reality)
​
Description
Short animation that showcases a quote from brainyquote.com.
Programs
Photoshop + After Effects + DI-D Reality
DESIGN CHALLENGE
I was provided with the opportunity to create a 5-15 second animation of a quote from BrainyQuote that would captivate “quote lovers of all ages.”
This brief was particularly interesting to me because it created a fun puzzle to solve. Not only did it require me to show the quote but I also had to convey it's message visually to the audience in a creative way.
​
This project also allowed me to heighten my knowledge of AI software and gain a better understanding of After Effect's various tools.
RESEARCH
What's BrainyQuote?
Brainyquote is a website that compiles quotes from notable figures across history into a simple, easy to access space. The site is often referenced by students, educators, researchers, journalists, and various other wordsmiths. Above all, BrainyQuote aims to inspire and entertain its visitors while generating meaningful conversations.
The Chosen Quote
The quote I chose was “A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing it was human.” by Alan Turing who was a mathematician often credited as the inventor of the computer. I chose this quote because it suited the needs of the brief by quoting an accomplished figure the audience would respect. Additionally, it adds an interesting opinion to the topical AI conversation. As a bonus, the prospect of visually exploring the quote’s meaning while highlighting a historical figure I admire was very exciting.
Animation Goals
-
The typography should be at the top of the hierarchy.
-
The visuals should highlight the theme of deception within the quote.
-
Key words: "computer," "intelligent," "deceive," and "human."
CONCEPTS
Concept 1: Mimic
​​In this concept, I explored the idea of deception and disguise, aiming to trick the audience into believing that they were seeing a human when in reality they are looking at a machine.
.png)
Concept 2: Pop Up Ad
In this concept, I aimed for a more flashy, eye-catching approach by portraying the quote as a pop up advertisement. By visually comparing a computer to a suspicious pop up ad, I hoped to capture the quote’s message of deceit.
.png)
Concept 3: Light & Shadow
In this concept, I wanted the text to use shadow as a disguise, symbolically representing how a computer disguises itself as intelligent. The type is etched into the sides of various mechanical objects and is hidden in the dark until the light reveals it.
Notes
The concept of deceit is not captured well enough in any of these directions at this stage. However, "Mimic" has the potential to deceive the audience if the figure is revealed at the end instead of the beginning. Additionally, more opportunities for interesting motion should be implemented.
Revised Concept: Artifice
Taking the art director’s feedback into consideration, I submitted a new direction that more accurately conveyed the idea of deception. Interesting compositions were also implemented to create visual interest and provide more opportunities for expressive movement.
LOOK DEVELOPMENT
AI Animation Tests
The director strongly encouraged me to utilize AI technology to animate a photograph of Alan Turing and create an uncanny effect. I was unfamiliar with the technology at the time so I tested a few applications to see what worked best.
Style Frame Tests
Initially, I planned on using an extremely low resolution design style as an homage to early computer systems. Style frames were designed on a small canvas before being scaled up by 1000% and given some compositing effects for a finished look. Below is an original 526x239 px canvas (with a close up) before scaling and effects. The red boxes indicate the video safe area.
ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT
First Pass
Description
For the first pass I aimed to create interesting motion that would engage the audience and create a foundation for the following passes. I experimented significantly with editing to give the viewer the impression that they are traveling through a vast space.
—
Design issues (ex. scanlines and low contrast) compounded with fast pacing make the type lose its legibility. It may be beneficial to rework the design and animation so that the audience has more time to read and understand the quote. The idea of a computer interface and an AI animated Alan Turing is interesting, these elements should be preserved moving forward.
Second Pass
Description
For my second pass I prioritized readability/clarity of the quote. My biggest challenge at this stage was retaining visual interest, which I overcame by implementing moving holds and glitch effects.
—
Instead of using a VCR television, the animation should use a CRT computer to remain relevant to the quote. Additionally, Alan Turing should appear sooner and in a more visually interesting way. Lastly, a green coloration would boost the design to give it an unsettling look.
Footnote: Perfecting the Parallax
One of my toughest challenges was getting a 2D image to appear dimensional. Below is a test of how I approached giving the environment depth:
Revision Pass
Description
For my revision pass, I focused on developing accurate effects for a CRT computer and refining the look of the project as much as possible. A considerable amount of time was spent researching the aesthetics and designs of a CRT computer.
CRT reference 1 | CRT reference 2 | CRT reference 3
—
This is in a good state, however, it would benefit the project to brighten up the animation and experiment with giving the camera more interesting motion. Additionally, try furthering a sense of environment in the piece by increasing the dust motes, adding a vignette blur, and adding a slight light flicker. Please also send an alternative with the camera cutting in and glitching as it zooms towards the subject.
FINAL PASS
FINAL PASS (ALTERNATIVE)
Real World Application
