Type Garden
For this project, the prompt was to try and create a garden of insects out of just letters. I had to select three insects to create a composition with and utilize real reference photos. Then, I selected two typefaces to work with to create the insects and the garden background inside of Illustrator, animate the insects in After Effects using expressions, and then export the final animation from Media Encoder in a 1500 x 1158 composition, 30 fps, and between 10-15 seconds long. I then started the project with a simple mood board for the insects and background garden inspirations.
Mood Board
After getting some inspiration for the style and kind of insects I wanted to create, I then took to illustrator to begin designing the three insects. I decided on creating a bumble bee, prying mantis, and a lightning bug. I chose to use Bradley hand itc font and Papyrus regular font using a variety of letters to create the insects such as the letters “R” and “U” for curves and “O” for eyes and any circles or patterns. I then colored them in and prepared the for export into After Effects for animation.
Production
Bumble Bee
Lightning Bug
Praying Mantis
Once I got the insects all handled and finished, I turned my attention toward crafting the background scene. The goal was to create 3D mesh painting combined with 2D illustration to give the background volume. I wanted to make the scene unique, so I settled on a barnyard that would be the perfect place you could find all three insects. To make the scene make sense, I stuck to dusk/ sunset atmosphere as you wouldn't see lightning bugs in the day, but you also would not see a bumble bee at night time. Thus, sunset was a good middle value for both insects.
Garden Background Old
I did have to go back to revise this scene as it felt pretty empty besides the insects. I also felt the clouds were not professional enough and the overall details were not intricate enough or adding enough to the scene. Thus, I went back in to create more objects such as vegetables, new sky details, and new clouds that could be further animated.
Garden New
Once the files were ready to be animated, I took each file into After effects to start animating each layer. I created walk cycles for the bee and lightning bug and had the praying mantis do its own slow swaying cycle. I attempted to get each insect's realistic movements down and used loop expressions, glow effects, position, scaling, lights, masking, and other effects to bring the scene to life.
Render Test 1
Test 1
After finishing the first draft, this project looked fairly decent but I definitely wanted to go back and add in the newly revised garden scene. I uploaded the scene, added new animations for the clouds, sky, and continued to fix and tweak the insect animations. I also fixed the resolution and rendered out at a higher setting to get rid of any pixels and fuzzy appearance.
Test Render 2
Test 2
While these changes helped move the project along by giving it much needed clarity, definition, more background, and overall updated graphics I still felt there was work to be done. So I went back in to revise, add more items, fix pacing, and pull together a cohesive sound design.
Final Render
Type Garden, After Effects 2025, 1500 x 1158
With the newly added tractor, better animation, moving windmill, and smoother pacing, I felt this project finally reached that point where I could be proud of this and have it in my portfolio piece. I am so proud of the outcome and to think so much of the animations were made from text and letters.
