Shapes

Overview

Shapes is a character animation project developed at the end of Motion Design School’s Motion Tricks course. It explores how two-dimensional artwork can suggest depth, turning geometric forms into colourful characters through gradients, layered elements and

Project typeCourse project

FieldMotion Design

Year2023

ToolsAfter Effects

Building volume from simple form

Using the techniques taught by Emanuele Colombo, I combined flat shapes, gradients and overlays in After Effects. This approach let me build a sense of volume within a two-dimensional workflow, then explore how each character could move and respond.

Geometry with character

The animation studies focus on the meeting point between form and behaviour. The artwork establishes the characters’ appearance; shifts in timing and movement give them expression. Together, the sequences show how a small set of graphic elements can support a varied cast.

A foundation for further animation

Shapes gave me a practical way to develop my character-animation skills and experiment with the apparent depth of flat artwork. It remains a course-based study in my portfolio, showing the techniques and visual interests that I later carried into independent motion projects.

Credits

Design and animation: Samuele Barbieri Course: Motion Tricks, Motion Design School

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