College of New Caledonia/Graphic Design Fundamentals

Activity D

Illusion of Motion

Due: October 15th

Submit physically printed or hand made on paper.

Objective

Create a design that conveys the illusion of motion. You can achieve this through various techniques, such as relative stillness, kinesthetic empathy, anticipated movement, blurred outlines, multiple images, or afterimages.

Reading: Design Basics, 9th Ed. — Chapter 11 (p. 230–242)
Techniques to Explore

  • Relative Stillness

    Contrast a moving object against a static background to emphasize motion.

  • Kinesthetic Empathy

    Show dynamic poses that make the viewer “feel” the movement.

  • Anticipated Movement

    Depict the moment before or after an action, suggesting motion.

  • Blurred Outlines

    Use blurring to imply speed and movement.

  • Multiple Image

    Show several phases of motion in one frame.

  • Afterimage

    Create a ghost-like effect by using high contrast or bright colors.

Materials

Traditional

Drawing paper, colored pencils, alcohol for blending, and other materials to render your project.

Digital

Use software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your motion design.

Note

You can also combine both traditional and digital methods.

Deliverable
  • A single design that clearly conveys motion through one or more of the above techniques.
  • Must be submitted physically printed or hand made on paper.
  • Size: 8.5" x 11"
Student Examples

Past submissions using different techniques to create the illusion of motion.

A black 8-ball on a green background with three fading translucent copies of the ball tracing its path from the upper left.
Multiple image — fading ghost copies trace the ball’s path
Three-panel comic of a man holding coffee: he glances at a clock, looks up in realization, then sprints off with coffee spilling and blurred streaks behind him.
Anticipated movement & blurred outlines across a comic sequence
Black spiky starburst with nested yellow and blue contour lines on a pale yellow background, flaring upward like a flame.
Afterimage — repeated contour lines vibrate outward from the centre
Colourful abstract illustration with a spring-like coil, a twisting tube, a bowl releasing a sequence of pink starbursts, and small motion marks.
Kinesthetic empathy — coils, bursts and motion marks suggest energy

Send your submission via email to mitchellh2@cnc.bc.ca. Please CC any other instructors for this course.