Capstone 2 • Weeks 8-15 • Graduating Signature Project
Motion With a Purpose
Choose one professional lane, build one complete motion design project, and prove you can take an idea from concept to polished delivery.
The Challenge
Create a polished motion design project that could live in your graduating portfolio and clearly communicates an idea, identity, story, or experience. This project should feel like a professional case study, not just a class exercise.
Lane 1: Brand Motion System
Create a motion package for a brand, event, product, artist, nonprofit, app, company, or fictional identity.
- 20-45 second launch spot or brand anthem.
- Animated logo or identity sting.
- 3-5 supporting social assets or motion moments.
- Strong typography, visual system, and consistency.
Lane 2: Story / Explainer Film
Make a short animated piece that explains, reveals, or reframes an idea for a specific audience.
- 45-90 second animated explainer or mini-documentary.
- Script, voiceover, captions, or text-driven structure.
- Clear visual metaphor system.
- Designed to make something easier to understand.
Lane 3: Culture / Entertainment Package
Build a motion piece around music, film, games, sports, fashion, events, streaming, or an imagined media property.
- 30-60 second title sequence, trailer, opener, or promo.
- Poster, thumbnail, key art, or promo system.
- Sound/music-driven edit.
- Bold visual direction with a memorable hook.
🧠
Freedom Inside a Container
You have creative freedom, but not unlimited wandering room. You must choose a lane, define a subject, identify an audience, and build a complete project with a clear purpose.
Main Motion Piece
- Brand Lane: 20-45 second launch spot or brand film.
- Story Lane: 45-90 second explainer or narrative film.
- Culture Lane: 30-60 second opener, title sequence, trailer, or event promo.
Supporting Assets
- 3-5 cutdowns, social assets, title cards, or motion system pieces.
- Process PDF with research, moodboards, styleframes, boards, tests, and iteration.
- Final portfolio case study presentation.
Weeks 8-15 Roadmap
- Week 8: Lane, subject, audience, brief, research, moodboards, concept, script outline, storyboards assigned.
- Week 9: Storyboards complete, styleframes, motion tests, and animatic.
- Week 10: Animatic to animation production.
- Week 11: Mid-project check-in.
- Week 12: Production sprint and supporting assets.
- Week 13: Home stretch check-in.
- Week 14: Final polish and portfolio case study.
- Week 15: Final submission and presentation.
NCAD Submission Standard
Capstone2_Signature_StudentName_[Deliverable]_YYYYMMDD_v01
Final deliverables: Main render, supporting assets, process PDF, final case study PDF, and collected project folder.
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