Animated GIFs

Using Photoshop, create three animated GIF files. To create the files, you will need to learn to import short videos into Photoshop, and then work with their layers. Here is a tutorial that gives the details.

The logistics should be reasonably straightforward and we will go over them in class. The projects you develop should include:

1. Animated GIF Argument. Create an animated GIF meant to be persuasive. This will be a traditional meme lasting less than 3 seconds. Rip a very short video segment, and then add textual elements to create an animated GIF file that captures some motion that helps deliver your persuasive message. You might focus on human gestures, animals, sports incidents, etc. Be sure to find a clever phrase that will bring the meme together. (Note that the final version of this file should be less than 3 megabytes.)

2. Animated GIF Art That Resonates with an Argument. Create an experimental animated GIF that blends persuasion and creative expression. This expression should resonate with the some aspect of internet culture or an argument. You may work more implicitly with the messaging in this item. You can combine several visuals or experiment with the layers and timeline in Photoshop to create artistic effects. You can also use text as appropriate. The resulting animated GIF will likely be between 3 and 10 seconds long. (Note that the final version of this file should be less than 10 megabytes.)

3. Screen-based Experiment. Create an animated GIF that uses elements of operating system or software interfaces to deliver an argument. You can also include text to make points. And you can include content from computer activities to help make your point. You might show imagery while clicking through folders. You could animate search result screens. You could also "doctor" computer imagery to help make points. This may also be a moving image that uses implicit messaging, though it doesn't have to be.

We will post these three GIFs to our class web site.  Post your GIFs by Monday, November 11th.