BA (Hons) Motion Graphics
Natalie Suthons

“I started a film-making course at AUCB and learnt about motion graphics at Ravensbourne and realised I had to change courses. It was the scariest but best decision I’ve made!

“Motion graphics is a big part of my life. Iʼve picked up the software and technology side quickly, but thatʼs only half of it. Fundamental design skills come in, especially when designing channel idents, kinetic typography, and film titles.

“Iʼve worked at agencies on ‘Sex and the City’ promo, and Jimi Hendrix album release, and am starting to work on a sequence for a feature film.

“Motion graphics is a rapidly growing industry, and will allow me to work all around the world.”

March 2011

At the beginning of this year our tutor warned us that this was probably going to be the most challenging term so far. I have to agree with him, I’ve been completely taken out of my comfort zones on these projects. However, all the head banging, dips in confidence, and mistake making has resulted in work I am extremely proud of, and I have learnt so much about motion graphics, and the way I work.
For the Branding unit, motion graphics and graphic design students were joined in teams of 4 to create the brand for the 2011 graduation show. In the past, graduate shows have been outsourced to different locations, but this year the show is being held at Ravensbourne, showcasing all the courses work in one week, so it was a pretty big deal. As a live brief, all the teams had to pitch against each other to the client and there were rounds of elimination, which at times was pretty daunting. I was lucky enough to be in a great team, and we got through to the final round. Even though our idea wasn’t chosen as the winner the experience was invaluable, especially being able to collaborate and learn from the skills of people on different courses. It also meant we made new friends, and there were lots of well-earned celebrations at the end of the project.
For the Broadcast design unit, I had 4 weeks to create an info-graphic about Facebook and the impact it has had across the world. Since uploading it online, I’ve been requested to help make a film about the 2010 Iceland volcano, and a student on sound design would like to recreate the audio, which I’m sure will drastically improve it!

It was great seeing the work of photographer John Ross and the design agency Hat Trick who were guest lecturers at Ravensbourne. It has made me think about how I should brand myself as a designer, and this Easter break I’m going to focus on getting my work together in an online portfolio to send out in the future for work experience.