Motion Graphic: Breaking the Stigma-Capstone
Breaking the Stigma Motion-Graphics PSA / Capstone Project, 2025 Project Story “Breaking the Stigma” is a 95-second motion-graphics short that reframes addiction as a systemic issue—rooted in trauma, stress, and environment—rather than a personal failing. Animated typography, iconography, and split-screen scenes contrast society’s snap judgments with hard data, while a muted green-blue-violet palette softens heavy subject matter. A sparking brain, rotating jail bars, and tree-shaped data bars guide viewers through neurological effects, incarceration cycles, and Oregon-specific stats, all paced to a calm voice-over. The result is an approachable, share-ready PSA that swaps shame for empathy. My Contribution Research & Script – Synthesized CDC studies, Oregon Health Authority data, and Instagram poll insights; wrote a tight narrative that speaks in plain language. Visual System – Designed a modular icon set and selected the African Violet / Cerulean Frost palette to maintain consistency across scenes. Storyboarding – Sketched 40+ panels mapping camera moves, timings, and transitions (brain drop, screen shatter, dual-reality split). Illustration & Asset Build – Created all vectors in Illustrator; pre-rigged elements for smooth 2.5D movement in After Effects. Animation – Executed kinetic-type, parallax, and match-cut sequences at 30 fps; refined easing curves for a natural flow. Sound & VO Direction – Recorded voice-over, mixed ambient pads and subtle Foley hits (brain spark, bar slam) for emotional punctuation. Color & Accessibility Checks – Ensured WCAG-compliant contrast and added optional open captions for broader reach. Iteration & Feedback – Ran three critique loops with peers and faculty, adjusting pacing, stat emphasis, and on-screen text hierarchy before lock-off. Result Delivered a polished PSA that earned top marks in Motion Graphics and was screened during Pacific University’s 2025 Senior Showcase. Viewers cited the piece as “eye-opening” and “surprisingly hopeful,” validating the design goal of turning cold statistics into an engaging, compassionate narrative.
