As the lead motion designer at The Ohio State University, my mission is to ensure that everyone within the University approaches motion design with a unified voice and personality. Establishing the foundational principles for how motion is employed and when it should be used empowers others to create videos that consistently embody our brand, regardless of their individual roles. From the fundamental building blocks of motion design to practical examples and templates, this page showcases my work in motion design leadership for a major brand.
Brand Center
As part of a larger initiative focused on creating a cohesive brand experience, this page presents our motion systems along with clear instructions on when and how to integrate them. Aligning motion graphics with our brand identity is as vital as photography and illustration, and it comes with its own set of guidelines. I spearheaded the creation of this page to outline our motion systems, guidelines for usage, and key takeaways, guiding partners across the campus. In my role as a leader in marketing and branding at Ohio State, I frequently engage in discussions about motion with various campus partners.
Motion Base States
Within the Brand Center, I provided several motion base states to illustrate specific movements used in motion design. Guided by the 12 principles of animation, I created and demonstrated diverse approaches through which motion graphics can represent our brand with fluidity. By developing this resource and offering guidelines, it enables others to unleash their creativity while remaining aligned with our brand principles.
Video Templates
As part of the motion toolkit, the "video templates" consist of a collection of pre-built animations that can be easily utilized by communicators within the University. Designed to be user-friendly for video editors, they require no prior knowledge of After Effects or other motion design software. These elements can seamlessly integrate into any video timeline for fundamental branding needs, including lower thirds, key graphics, opening and closing logo animations, and transitions. Providing these tools ensures that others maintain consistency in their videos, contributing to a unified brand voice.
Visual Brand Reel
Motion Graphics, Editor
This video, created as part of the Brand Center, serves to showcase our visual systems in action. It incorporates elements such as videography, photography, motion graphics, and color to demonstrate our brand's essence. The motion graphics specifically highlight how base states and systems can be effectively employed in projects representing our brand.
Essential Motion Graphics Templates
In addition to the branded video template elements, I've developed several Essential Motion Graphics files for other communicators within the University. These motion templates were crafted in After Effects but can be seamlessly used in Adobe Premiere. They feature standardized font styling and reveal animations that automatically adapt as the user inputs content. Leveraging Adobe Essential Graphics, users can effortlessly create on-brand text animations, even if they lack expertise in After Effects.
Adobe Library
Complementing the Essential Graphics, I've established a University-wide motion template system utilizing the Adobe Library, seamlessly integrated into the Creative Cloud. All video elements and Essential Graphics are accessible through a panel within the Adobe Premiere interface for any Ohio State user. Furthermore, I've created a comprehensive tutorial video, providing a step-by-step guide on utilizing these elements. As the Lead Motion Graphics designer at Ohio State, I believe it's my responsibility to empower others to create top-notch motion graphics.
