The University of Reading marketing team requested an informative animated video to educate the audience on the role, requirements and nature of working as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. This is also a course offered at the university, so the video aims to promote the quality and ranking of the course. The project was a collaboration with a fellow student at the University of Reading.
My main role was ideation and concepts and then animating using Adobe After Effects, while my partner and I collaborated on the illustrations.
Here is a glimpse of the process...
Initial stage
The target audience of this video includes anyone interested to learn more about education as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Hence, it is expected that someone who would view this video would have a basic understanding of the terms and type of course.
The client has provided the script that they believed best communicated the essential information. We then proposed changes and parts to cut out. A storyboard was then developed which highlights the idea of the narrator; also known as Libby, sharing her experience and daily life as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Hence, the reoccurring illustration of the woman.
Design stage
The illustration style and colour palette was set from the start. Then my partner created the illustrations, while I worked with the animation. The animation style is 2-dimensional and the objects are often in place with subtle bounce. Additionally, the overall animation is smooth with constantly moving background shapes to engage the attention of the audience.
Storyboard
Exploration of illustration styles and character design
Character Illustration
Since the main character Libby drives the narrative we began by exploring illustrating a woman in multiple styles. The client then picked their favourite, and we illustrated the remaining elements in the same style.
Character study (Libby)
As the first animation to have worked on, it was a learning experience as I was able to gain new animation skills and improve my understanding of illustration, movement, and many more concepts. It has taught me where to find supporting resources and the importance of trying multiple ways to accomplish a task. It also shows my strength in independent learning and ambition to explore new softwares and skills.
If you would like to know more about the project, you can visit the link for a full report: Careers in Psychology Animated Video
Final animation video
