Graphic Design and Animation in Buffalo and Western New York


	The most exciting and satisfying creative aspect of digital media production is the design & execution of motion graphics and special visual effects. This can be a very simple thing like a motion “lower-third” (the graphics in the lower third of the screen that identify a speaker or location), or a sophisticated visual effect like a CGI (computer-generated image) character or a digital environment (virtual scenery).

	One of the most obvious methods of separating a mundane or low budget production from something more effective and dynamic is the soundtrack (as we mentioned on the Audio page of this website) but another way to add “polish” or production value to a project is through the careful and clever use of animation and effects. Though effects are often viewed as “icing on the cake,” it is a mistake to do so. For just a little extra time & effort, the results can be spectacular.

	However, it must said that the over-use and exploitation of graphics & effects can do more damage to a production than having none. We’ve all seen those cheesy cable commercials where effects are piled on without reason or taste. More is not always better. But the subtle, elegant, and appropriate application of graphics, animation & effects can act like punctuation to a visual presentation.

	The most exciting example being the exclamation mark! In digital media production it appears as a visual moment where the audience will actually physically respond to the imagery. They might gasp, laugh, get a chill up their spine, or just say “Wow!” (Later they say, “How did you do that?!”)

	That’s the moment any visual designer works for, to get that reaction. At Full Circle Studios we absolutely love to create those moments. Check out our animation demos (icons at the right of this page) and visit our Screening Room pages to see more.