Gretchen Rinnert, an assistant professor in the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD), will be featured, along with some Kent State VCD undergraduate and graduate level student work, in the text Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics by Jon Krasner.
The following students and their work will be featured: "City of God Commercial for AMC," by Catherine Zedell (BFA senior); "Fair Trade public service announcement," by Eric Celedonia (BFA alumni); "Big Brothers Big Sisters Ad Spot (#3)," By Renee Volchko (BFA alumni); "Rethinking Measurements," by Ben Dansby (MFA alumni); "Graft," by Ruth Turner (BFA alumni); "Censorship," by Nate Johnson (Photo Illustration alumni); "Stitch," by Amy Peck (MFA alumni); and "How to make a quiche," by Ben Dansby (MFA alumni).
"This was not something I had planned on, but a welcomed invitation," Rinnert said. "Professor Krasner conducted a series of academic and professional searches looking for the right type of student examples for his textbook on motion graphics. Along the way he found my website and my students' works."
Once Professor Krasner found Rinnert's website, he asked her to compile the best samples that included stop motion and narrative. Projects completed in Kinetic and Sequential Graphic Design seemed to fit that description, Rinnert said.
"In this class, students produce short animations that are educational, informative and persuasive," she said. "We use a variety of expressive and creative techniques. Each semester I am delighted by what the students produce. There is always something fresh and creative. We complete a variety of software exercises, as well as look at creative professional examples. Students produce several animations, which include TV spots, public service announcements and educational demonstrations."
The publication of the text book is scheduled for spring 2013 and will be available in fall 2013. Student names will be included in the credits for the text images and companion DVD. The work will be featured as still frames and as videos on the textbook DVD.
"This is a tough class, and it's not for everyone," Rinnert said. "Students have to bring their best. Motion graphic design includes a lengthy and time-consuming process, and when something is out of place, or the timing is off it can be very obvious. When it's right, it can be breathtaking and expressive. It's an emotional medium to work within. The examples being presented by Professor Krasner are the cream of the crop - good work with solid design elements. What I find the most impressive is that the students are learning the software while they produce the work, and they often work alone. Motion graphics at the professional level is a team effort, but for students they have to contend with the pressure of producing the work alone."
VCD Director AnnMarie LeBlanc was delighted to learn how many examples of student kinetic work will be included in this publication.
"Was I surprised? Not at all," she said. "Professor Rinnert possesses the ability to communicate complex processes and concepts in her instruction. These works were clearly chosen because they reach well beyond simple technical craft and individual aesthetic; they communicate."
Media contact: Jennifer Kramer, APR, 330-672-1960, jlkramer@kent.edu