Math as Art

When a client asks Kmotion Media to create a motion graphics animation we often use a technique called "keyframing". To produce a keyframe animation, the animator creates the movement of an object manually by placing what are called "keys" at key points in the animation. There are times however when other methods of animation are better suited for the task at hand. This may involve "cell animation" where each frame of an animation is meticulously created by hand. Or it may involve creating procedural animations which are driven by mathematical formulas. Stunning visuals can be achieved by combining the use of mathematical formulas with traditional animation. For instance, the animation below is the result of a mathematical formula. These results of which would have been difficult to achieve with traditional key frame animation, however, quickly achieved using procedural animation.

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To produce this type of animation the animator provides the initial conditions and runs a simulation to see the result. This type of animation can also be useful for simulating physics, cloth, hair, liquids, and even abstractions as seen in the example above.

Surreal Inspiration

Greg and I are just back from a trip to Paris, where we indulged in art, architecture and food. (LOTS of each and every one of those!)  We went to a fantastic exhibition at the Centre Pompidou, “Subversion Images: Surrealism, Photography, Film”.  In addition to the arresting, iconic and inspirational manipulation of the modern image, the exhibition also highlighted the emphasis that the Surrealists placed on the group over the individual.

One of the beliefs driving this was that collective creation opens new possibilities for artistic and poetic expression.  Our philosophy here at Kmotion Media follows suit – we believe that creative elevation occurs when creative people (our group here, agency folks, photographers, graphic  & digital artists, marketing & communications pros, writers, directors, etc.) come together and work back-and-forth, building upon ideas and supporting each other during the creative journey.  Not to mention, it's just more fun that way.

Just like us and our peers, Man Ray was also a commercial artist.  In fact, one of his most famous images (above) was created for a cosmetics ad.  Inspirational.

Kmotion Featured in October Marketplace Magazine

Click below to read the full article as featured in the October 2009 issue of Marketplace Magazine: "Business Spotlight: They're Causing a Kmotion"