I have always been intrigued by the art of animated text and video editing, and I was presented with the perfect opportunity to learn and use After Effects in 2019 for my employer's grand opening event. The event featured Miss Chinese Vancouver and Miss Chinese International Eliza Lam as our grand opening guests, and we wanted to promote it with a video display in the showroom to attract potential customers.
Undertaking this project was a daunting task, but I was determined to succeed and saw it as a great portfolio piece. I invested numerous hours in watching tutorial videos, reading forums, and experimenting with the software. Although I faced a steep learning curve, I remained persistent and persevered. After weeks of research, I was ready to create my first motion graphic video.
To commence the project, I began by visualizing the video in my mind and sketching it out on paper. I then presented my idea to my employer and our brand ambassador. Next, I gathered and organized the necessary information, such as images, text, and audio, that I intended to include in the video. I meticulously designed each scene, frame by frame, selecting the appropriate fonts, colors, and animations to bring my vision to life. Although there were numerous times when the outcome was not what I had envisioned, I made the necessary adjustments and continued refining the video until I was satisfied with the end result.
Upon completing the video, I presented it to my employer, who approved it for display in a shopping mall for several weeks before the event. Additionally, I created matching graphics for the newspaper ads used in the promotion campaign. The event was a resounding success, and I had the opportunity to take pictures with Eliza Lam and have her sign the ad for me to keep as a cherished memento. I found the experience to be truly rewarding, as I had stepped out of my comfort zone and acquired new skills.