A group of two other designers and myself created this explainer video detailing the topic of women’s suffrage. Since 2020 was the centennial, we decided it was important to highlight how far we’ve come yet still show everything we have left to do. We made sure to talk about the minorities that still don’t have equal voting rights and access.
process
Character Design
One of my main roles was designing the characters. I decided to make four girls, three representing minorities and one white woman. The white women discusses the past, since the past revolves around white privilege. The minorities include a black woman, an indigenous woman, and a trans woman. I illustrated and designed all four.
Structure
Here is the basic structure I used when making the characters. I used this structure to learn how to rig the characters as well.
Character Rigging (first attempt)
One goal we had for this project was having four characters walk down the street. I took on this task. Rigging a character was something I had never done before. I taught myself through YouTube tutorials. I used the plug-in Duik Bassel in After Effects. It took weeks of learning and many attempts to get a final walk. This is my first attempt. It was super choppy, but it showed me all of the flaws. I took all of this information and tried again.
Character Rigging (second attempt)
This is the second attempt at making a clean walking character. Unlike the last attempt, there was too little at the joints to make it look normal. I had too add more back in. I later learned that a perfect circle was the best way to go. Making these characters walk was by far the hardest task I took on yet the most rewarding. Animation has become one of my main design passions because of this.
Final Rig
Other Contributions
I made most of the graphics used in the video. I made the background and designed the bottom bar. I put all the type into the video through a tedious process, but it was worth it to have the exact look I wanted.
Mood Board One
This first mood board helped us choose what type of two-dimensional graphics we wanted. We wanted bright colors and diversity.
Mood Board Two
This second mood board focused on type. This helped us decide which typeface to use. We decided on Proxima Nova.
reflection
In reflection, it was a great experience to be in a group with two younger designers. I was able to be a leader but still let each of them shine. I tried to let each have their own chance to be a leader. I also loved this project because I was able to touch every aspect of it. I was able to either create in each step of the process. This helps me grow as a designer and understand which part I have a passion for. I learned the actual animation process is my favorite and new passion. I am excited to continue learning and growing as a motion designer.