OVERVIEW
Awaken is a kinetic typography animation created as the final project for my motion design class. The challenge was to choose an audio clip of our choice and bring the words to life using fully custom-built animation—no external graphics, stock assets, or imagery allowed. Every element had to be created from scratch, making this a true test of creativity, rhythm, and visual storytelling.
Awaken is a kinetic typography animation created as the final project for my motion design class. The challenge was to choose an audio clip of our choice and bring the words to life using fully custom-built animation—no external graphics, stock assets, or imagery allowed. Every element had to be created from scratch, making this a true test of creativity, rhythm, and visual storytelling.
My Role
Motion Designer and Animator
I was responsible for the full visual concept, type animation, timing, and editing of the final piece.
Motion Designer and Animator
I was responsible for the full visual concept, type animation, timing, and editing of the final piece.
Tools
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects
Concept & Process
I chose the song “Awaken (Re-Jinxed)” by Spill Tab and League of Legends for its fun, high-energy vibe and layered beat—giving me a dynamic canvas for experimentation and expressive movement. I wanted the animation to feel playful and rhythmically alive, echoing the energy of the song while still being clean and well-composed.
I chose the song “Awaken (Re-Jinxed)” by Spill Tab and League of Legends for its fun, high-energy vibe and layered beat—giving me a dynamic canvas for experimentation and expressive movement. I wanted the animation to feel playful and rhythmically alive, echoing the energy of the song while still being clean and well-composed.
The original project time limit was around one minute, but I was granted additional leniency to include the song’s lively chorus. This allowed for more narrative build-up and a satisfying visual payoff when the beat dropped. I focused on varying the pace and motion throughout—letting certain moments hit hard, while others flowed with lighter, bouncier transitions.
Challenges
This was a quick-turnaround project, completed in just one week. With no external assets to rely on, every letterform, transition, and movement had to be custom-built, pushing me to think resourcefully and work efficiently in After Effects. The fast pace of the song also required precise attention to timing, typography rhythm, and a strong sense of flow from start to finish.
This was a quick-turnaround project, completed in just one week. With no external assets to rely on, every letterform, transition, and movement had to be custom-built, pushing me to think resourcefully and work efficiently in After Effects. The fast pace of the song also required precise attention to timing, typography rhythm, and a strong sense of flow from start to finish.
Outcome
Awaken was one of my favorite motion projects to create. It taught me how to trust my instincts with timing, lean into experimentation, and animate with intention—especially under tight deadlines. The result is a kinetic type piece that feels energetic, cohesive, and full of movement—perfectly capturing the chaotic fun of the song.
Awaken was one of my favorite motion projects to create. It taught me how to trust my instincts with timing, lean into experimentation, and animate with intention—especially under tight deadlines. The result is a kinetic type piece that feels energetic, cohesive, and full of movement—perfectly capturing the chaotic fun of the song.
