Yang Shuo / 0384037
Illustration and Vision Narrative
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 03： Animated Composition
Exercise
We will create based on the theme provided by the Honor official 2025 Designer Competition. We need to draw a horizontal composition illustration, animate it using After Effects, and integrate the illustration into product design.
Themes:
- Renewal of life - Return : Environmental Protection
- Cultural Prosperity - Celebration : Traditional Cultural Innovation
- Genesis - The Future : The Fusion of Tech & Art
- Youth Convergence - Integration : International Cultural Exchange through a Youth Lens
NAME: Joy of the Lantern Fish
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I first complete the illustration work in AI, including line drawing, coloring, and organizing the layers (which is very important for the subsequent work in AE).
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Next, I will import the split layer files into AE. Since the animation needs to loop (seamlessly connecting the start and end), the elements in the scene cannot have excessive movement. My idea is as follows: the three children will sway gently back and forth to simulate a running state; the fish lanterns in their hands will do the same; the lanterns in the foreground and background will present a floating state. I achieved these effects by adding keyframes.
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Final presentation effect:
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| Figure 1.4 Accessories Design |
Moodboard
Rationale
This artwork is a digital illustration that celebrates the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival through a playful and heartwarming scene. It features three children running joyfully with fish-shaped lanterns, surrounded by floating sky lanterns against a soft evening sky. The piece uses a clean, cartoon-like style to make the traditional subject feel fresh and accessible to younger audiences.
The fish lanterns are iconic symbols of the Lantern Festival, representing abundance, blessings, and cultural heritage. Their bright colors and lively designs bring energy to the scene and reflect the spirit of celebration. The children, shown in mid-run with smiling faces, express the pure joy and excitement of the festival. Their movement adds rhythm and life to the image, emphasizing the happiness of shared traditions.
Symbolism is embedded throughout the composition:
1. Fish lanterns symbolize abundance and prosperity.
2. Sky lanterns reflect hope, wishes, and the joy of reunion.
3. The children represent innocence, vitality, and cultural continuity.
The artwork applies warm tones and soft textures to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a light and cheerful tone. The contrast between the traditional lanterns and the simple, modern drawing style helps bridge cultural history with present-day
storytelling.
Overall, the illustration is a joyful tribute to cultural tradition and festive spirit. It encourages a sense of connection with heritage while inviting viewers to celebrate the beauty of light, memory, and childhood.
Techniques Applied
In addition to drawing in AI, I have been exposed to new software - Adobe After Effects. I have initially learned how to create a complete animated illustration with motion effects. I believe that while the keyframe function is basic, it can achieve many possibilities in animation.
Self Reflection
In this task, I was introduced to a new Adobe software: After Effects. I found it not difficult to complete this assignment using it - but I realized that my understanding and mastery of the software's features is less than twenty percent. I still have a lot to learn. Overall, I am satisfied with the work I have completed. I hope to recreate my unique childhood folk memories through this short animation.
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