Illustration & Visual Narrative: Task 4

2/7/2025 - 27/7/2025
Ameera Rihana binti Remy Ansara
IVN / Bachelor of (hons) in creative media
Task 4: Final Project (Animated Video with Caption)

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INSTRUCTIONS 

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Task 4: Final Project (Animated Video with Caption)

Recap

- A poetic life lesson animated video with caption.

- At least 3 sequences of animated illustration

-  Choosing / Finding a script (poetic / life lesson)

- Resolution: 1920 x 1080px (vertical / horizontal)

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1) Inspiration & Plans

Gathering inspo
Firstly, we are to choose a script based on the available choices or finding our own.

" If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap'.
" If you want happiness for a day - go fishing".
" If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune".
" If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else".

- Chinese Proverb

I chose this script because it is very straightforward and has a deep impactful meaning to every way of life. This proverb happened to be the one to resonate with me the most and something I could relate to. It definitely feels more rewarding to help someone in need. The direction of my artwork is to portray each of these lines with five different illustrations.

Definition of proverb: This proverb reminds us that happiness can be found in many ways, but not all of them last. A nap gives us rest, and an enjoyable moment. A day of fishing brings fun and peace. Even money can bring comfort for a while. But these are all temporary. True, lasting happiness comes when we look beyond ourselves. Helping others gives life meaning and connection. It creates a joy that doesn’t fade because it’s built on purpose, compassion, and shared humanity. In the end, the proverb teaches us that the deepest kind of happiness is not about what we receive — but about what we give.

Video Inspiration

Fig 1.1 Genshin Impact: The God's Limit 

Fig 1.2 Animated Video by Mr. Fitri

Fig 1.2.5 Vintage Effects in Premiere Pro

When I set my eyes on these videos, I instantly knew that I wanted to create something serene with soft surreal elements. The transition of these stories start with calm and turn to chaos instantaneously just like that idiom, calm before the storm. Therefore, it gave me an idea to create a transition starting from dark and melancholy into something bright and hopeful.

Art direction:
It features serene landscapes, soft surreal elements, and intimate human connections, symbolizing different forms of happiness—from solitude and play to emotional support and cosmic unity. These visuals inspired the storyboard’s progression: from solitude (a character lost in their thoughts) to transformation (guided by nature and connection), and finally, to finding joy in giving and unity. This project was inspired by the idea that even small, heartfelt actions—like reaching out a hand—can create ripples of lasting happiness, both for the giver and the receiver.

Tutorials / Guidance

Fig 1.3 Week 08 Tutorial 

Fig 1.4 Week 03 Tutorial 

Mood board / Visual Reference

I collected some references according to the art direction I was heading for.

Fig 1.5 Mood board

Sketches / Storyboard

Fig 1.6 Initial and final Storyboard

Rationale

Rationale of each sequence:

1) Illustration sequence #1: This sequence represents the first proverb of achieving happiness for an hour through a nap. The sketch is shown of a maiden sleeping, embracing the moon in a circular motion. Dark and color tones are used to represent night time.

2) Illustration sequence #2: The second sketch shows the second line of the proverb, go fishing. The girl appears to be on a boat, wondering why there's an empty lake with no life forms. The hair is illustrated in a big wave with many aquatic lives floating above her. I wanted this sequence to appear more symbolic.

Dark color tones: Happiness is only fleeting and in a temporary state, so things aren't looking up - hope feels distant and fading.

3) Illustration sequence #3: Just like the proverb mentioned, the girl is drowned in her own fortune, appearing with bright colors, indicating a better form of happiness and but not quite.

4) Illustration sequence #4 and  #5: The two final sequence represents the final line of the proverb. I decided to separate this into two different sequence to fulfill the meaning. The way i wanted to narrative this line is by feeling free and joyful. The girl stretches her arm in a warm and clear sky and embraces the joy of her fulfilment. When i think of a lifetime, I wanted it to be vast. Four arms holding each other symbolizes the strength of helping each other which shows unity.

Bright color tones: Hope blooms brightly, and the path ahead feels full of promise.

Further Rationale:

This project explore the true meaning of happiness through a visual narrative inspired by a Chinese proverb. The proverb emphasizes that while short-term pleasures like rest fun, and wealth bring momentary joy, lasting happiness is found in acts of kindness and connection with others. Each storyboard portrays one proverb each to give a clearer message through illustrations. 

The visuals start with dark tones and cool color use a warm, and end with gentle color palette and whimsical, emotive illustrations to guide viewers through various emotional stages—loneliness, discovery, joy, and connection. The transitions in the storyboard reflect an internal journey that mirrors the message: happiness begins from within but is deepened when shared.

This rationale supports the storytelling aim is to evoke a sense of empathy and inspire viewers to reflect on how helping others enriches our own lives in a meaningful and lasting way. I also want the illustrations to evoke a sense of calm and peace by looking.

2) Digital Process
Software used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro

Illustration in Photoshop

For the second sequence, I decided to continue illustrating in Photoshop based on the storyboard. Before I started drawing, I decided to use spiral section as my guide in composition. This way it is easy for me to find the emphasis point which is pointing at the girl.

Fig 1.7 Composition Technique

I was already happy with what I had so far so I added some minor adjustments. I proceeded on adding more colors and details into the illustration. I divided into different layers to ensure it is more organized and mistakes can be overcome easily. The type of brush that I specifically used to achieve this is the hard round brush.

Fig 1.8 Sequence #2 Progression

I added more strokes into the lake, creating shadows underneath and lighten the color blue. I removed the sketch outline and added in the background.

Fig 1.9 Gradient Application

As the final step, I added some gradient to the final layer into the illustration. Now the color looks more interesting.

To remain consistency, I exported it to Illustrator in order to change the texture of the illustration. I reduced the intensity for less noise and increased the contrast to make it look sharper.

Fig 2.0 Texture Applied

Fig 2.1 Final Outlook

Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

For the rest of the sequence, I applied the same technique as I did in Task 1. It proved to be a requirement and very helpful in illustrating. As always, I traced the outlines of the sketch and trimmed them with shape builder tool to form the silhouettes accordingly.

However to achieve a different art style, I removed the outlines at the end and relied more on the colors, shadows and highlights to give more depth.

Fig 2.1 Colors, Shadows & Highlights

Masking and Texturing

Once I was fully satisfied with the illustrations, I proceeded on adding texture to every single one of them. In order to do this, I make a copy of certain group parts and change the color into something darker. After that, I opened the transparency tab and make mask followed by unticking the clip. After that, I clicked on the empty box in the transparency tab.

Fig 2.2 Masking technique

After that, I used a square tool and created a box around it and clicked the gradient tool. Then i chose the type of gradient that was appropriate and rearrange the dots with whites and blacks to determine the light and shadows.

Fig 2.3 Gradient Application

After I was satisfied with the lighting, I proceeded on adding texture to all illustrations by using grain. To ensure that they looked consistent, I tried to make sure that the intensity and the contrast remain constant throughout the process.

Fig 2.4 Texture Application

3) Animation

Animated Video in Premiere Pro

Timeline and Rearrangement

To start of with the video, I exported all the illustrations into Premiere Pro and rearranged them into the timeline sequence. I decided to make it 24fps for this edit with a resolution of 1920px(h) x 1080px(w).

For each illustration, I rearranged their timeline according to my preference and putting gaps in between for transitions.

Fig 2.5 Timeline Sequence

Special Effects

For this video, I wanted to have a slightly vintage outlook so I decided to added some clips from external resources based on the tutorial section.

Links: 

 Film effects rolling

 Statics on screens

Due to my orientation is in portrait, I decided to right click on the clip and clicked fill frame to ensure that it covers the whole thing.

Fig. 2.6 Film effects progression #1

In order for the clip to blend in with the illustration,  I moved to the effect controls and adjusted the blending option from normal to darken. As for the statics, I changed it from normal to screen.

Fig. 2.7 Blending option

Color Grading & Correction
After that, I adjusted the colors of the clips by editing the basic correction and the color wheels according to my preferences. I wanted it to make it slightly faded and reddish.

Fig. 2.8 Color Wheel

Fig. 2.9 Basic Correction

Sound Effects and Voice Overs

Once I was done with the effects, I proceeded on the sound effects and voice over. According to the script written, I used an AI website given by Mr. Fitri to assist me in reading out the script. I also added a solemn background music to fit the mood. I also added some default transitions to certain parts of the audio.

Link: AI voice

Fig. 3.0 AI voice website

Fig. 3.1 Sound editing

Captions and Texts
After I settled with the voices, I added dialogues and aligned it with the voice according to the timeline. To add text, I used the type tool and changed the font that I liked and the colors in the properties.

Fig. 3.1 Adding and editing captions

Fig. 3.2 Closer view of timeline

4) Final Outcome

a) Illustration Sequence

Fig. 3.3 Final Illustration Sequence #1, PNG

Fig. 3.4 Final Illustration Sequence #2, PNG

Fig. 3.5 Final Illustration Sequence #3, PNG

Fig. 3.6 Final Illustration Sequence #4, PNG

Fig. 3.7 Final Illustration Sequence #5, PNG

Fig 3.7.1 Final Illustration Sequence #1, PDF

Fig 3.7.2 Final Illustration Sequence #2, PDF

Fig 3.7.3 Final Illustration Sequence #3, PDF

Fig 3.7.4 Final Illustration Sequence #4, PDF

Fig 3.7.5 Final Illustration Sequence #4, PDF

b) Animated Video

Google Drive Link: Task 4

Fig. 3.8 Final Animated Video, MP4

Fig. 3.9 Final Compilation Task 4, PDF

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REFLECTION

Experience: Creating this series of illustrations was an enriching and expressive process. The project allowed for thoughtful storytelling through visual means, where emotions and abstract concepts were explored through color, composition, and form. Working with visual narrative encouraged a deeper understanding of how art can convey transitions from solitude to connection, from uncertainty to joy without the need for words.

The experience highlighted the importance of intentional design, patience, and flexibility in the creative process. It also emphasized how art can be both personal and universal, opening up space for interpretation and emotional resonance from others. Through this journey, the act of illustrating became not just technical, but reflective and intuitive.

Observation: Observation Throughout the process, I became more aware of how body language, color tones, and composition influence emotional impact. For example, the curled figure in the first panel surrounded by falling petals and dark purples conveys vulnerability and introversion. 

Meanwhile, the vibrant golds and extended arms in the later scenes depict transformation, safety, and liberation. I also observed that human connection is subtly powerful. The illustration with intertwined hands doesn't show faces, yet it may be the most emotionally grounded of the series. It suggests trust, solidarity, and shared strength. These observations helped me choose what to emphasize, sometimes removing unnecessary details in favor of emotional clarity.

Findings: This project helped me understand that illustrations don't need complex narratives to be meaningful but emotions and transitions are enough to carry a story. I found that color progression from dark to light played a huge role in portraying emotional healing and personal development. The use of elements like petals, stars, and fields of flowers added symbolic layers that deepened the storytelling.

I also learned that contrast in scenes is effective for pacing emotional journeys. Scene 1 feels internal and dreamlike, while Scene 2 feels warm and grounding. Together, they create a complete arc from inner struggle to outward joy. Through this process, I discovered new confidence in my ability to use illustration as both a storytelling and reflective tool.