A Visual Journey of Growth
A motion graphic interpretation of a poem exploring perseverance and personal growth through layered digital illustrations and symbolic transitions.
Role: Illustrator + Motion Graphic Designer
Tools: Adobe AfterEffects, Illustrator, Photoshop
Scope: Digital Design, Motion Graphics, Storyelling
Timeline: 5 Weeks
The Challenge
How can motion graphics be used to visually represent a poem’s message of perseverance and personal transformation?
The Goals
Visualize the narrative of the poem through animation
Evoke emotional connection using metaphor and symbolize
Demonstrate technical skills in digital illustration and animation
Discovery & Research
I explored several poems that could be interpreted visually in meaningful ways. I chose Christy Ann Martine’s poem for its emotional depth and imagery. Its structure naturally formatted itself into a four-part animation.
Key Decision Points
The animation was divided into four sections, each aligned with a verse. I used symbolism like clouds, hearts, and flowers to reflect the poem’s emotional and thematic progression.
Initial Sketches
I developed a storyboard of thumbnail sketches for each verse to visualize tone, movement, and symbolism:
Thumbnails #2–3: A sky filled with clouds introduces the scene. “Magic stardust” begins to fall, symbolizing the early stages of change.
Thumbnails #5–6: A winged heart tries to fly but falls, mirroring the line “my heart can’t learn to fly.”
Thumbnails #7–10: A seed is planted in an empty field, eventually blooming into a colorful garden, representing personal growth and new beginnings.
Animation Process
I divided the animation into four compositions based on the poem’s verses for easier workflow. Movement was mainly created using Position, Scale, and Rotation, while Trim Paths were used to animate the flower stems growing.
Animated Poem Video
The final design is a fully animated motion graphic video with custom illustrations and animated sequences for each verse. It also includes copyright-free music that fits the poem’s theme and tone.
Style Guide
Typography
To keep the animation the focus, I used the minimal, lightweight typeface Articulat CF Thin. This enhanced readability without distracting from the video’s visuals. Rather than a single color scheme, I used a soft-toned palette that evolved with the video, the colors representing hope, change, and renewal.
Design Elements
The video is composed of several elements, including clouds, hearts, and flowers. The graphic elements align with the poem’s verses and reinforce its emotional tone. Ranging from themes such as dreams and hope, to struggle and perseverance.
Solution
The animation brought the poem to life through unique and symbolic elements. From falling stars to blooming flowers, the visuals support the poem’s emotional topic while showcasing technical proficiency in After Effects.
The final video effectively translates poetic language into visual storytelling, resonating emotionally with audiences and demonstrating technical skills.
Key Learnings
This project deepened my understanding of After Effects and animation paths. I learned how to animate with Illustrator designs and Photoshop Smart Objects, and how to plan more effectively across programs. I also learned the importance of patience and attention to detail in animation work. Future improvements could include smoother animation for moving elements and more cohesive, blended background environments.
Reflection
This project challenged me in the best way. It gave me a new appreciation for motion graphics and helped me discover a love for visual storytelling. Working across multiple platforms sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective on design as an expressive medium.