Helvetica

     In our Motion Graphics class we viewed a documentary based around the typeface, Helvetica, which is used almost universally in basic advertising, and used for street signs, subway signs, titles of buildings, etc.  The font was praised by individuals who used it for it being "neat" and "comfortable" looking, without having any unnecessary serifs or bulges in the letter design.  Some disagreed with this and said that the typeface is overused, boring, and "safe"  because of its widespread use and success.  One woman even went as far as to (albeit, sarcastically) say that this font was used to create posters for the war, and therefore created the war itself.

     I have to agree with those who opposed the font, as I am in the exact same boat as those who think the font is too safe.  One man printed out a collection of words all in Helvetica such as 'explode' and excited', but the words do not look explosive or exciting at all.  Helvetica is a beautifully smart, and safe font to use when you are simply trying to get a helpful message across (like street signs and maps in general), but as far as actually using this font to advertise,  I feel like it would have to be used in very creative ways for this typeface to make any more of an impact than it already has.  Just simply being a common, safe, typeface already makes the thought of it less appealing,  and if anything just inspires me to use something else instead.

Opening Sequences - Comm 346

I chose a film from my childhood that came to mind during the first week of class.  When I think of motion graphics and opening credits, a lot of Pixar movies come to mind (see The Incredibles' opening sequence to see the similarities).

     This particular opening sequence uses different colors and abstract looking doors to paint the scenarios that are found in the movie - monsters going through doors to scare children.  The monsters themselves are abstract, and in various colors.  The colors used for the doors are all bright and vibrant against the black background, and the colors used on the doors heavily indicate their depth.  At 1:04, you can see a snake-like creature going from an olive color door in the background into a red color in the foreground.  This also foreshadows where the action is going to be moving in this sequence;  Without even seeing the snake move, we could probably guess he would be moving towards the red door that parallels it from across the screen amongst yellow and orange doors. 
     The designers also use the doors in creative ways.  At 0:30 we can see a column of purple and pink doors that get used as cards.  They are "shuffled" and once they are all together, the similar hues (purple and pink) become almost indistinguishable by the time the doors open. 

The second video is from a fighting game called Street Fighter 4.  This is the first installation of the series to feature three-dimensional characters, so the design crew definitely outdid themselves on the opening sequence.  The first scene shows two rival characters fighting in black and white, with their respective red clothing shown in color.  The red amongst the black and white definitely is a signifier for strength, power, and fighting with honor and pride.  The fiery rivalry between the two is illuminated by these red garments, and the paint strokes (shown throughout the entire animation)  make the action seem quick, fluid, and makes the fighting blend with the art.  In later scenes we see two women fighting with a vibrant pink background and highly saturated colors.  These two have a newfound rivalry in this series, so their animated fight sequence is bright, colorful, and new.  The pink background also seems to be a nod to the fact that female characters are fighting.  Despite fighting being a rugged, male sport, we still see women in a gentler light - even in combat apparently.  Still, the pink works well against the blue and black clothing that the women are wearing, and the paint strokes create the same feeling as before.