Boom Bap Beatmaking Explainamation Video
THE BRIEF
The goal of this project was to create a short explainer video on beatmaking. I aimed to share my passion for the subject, offer a brief introduction, and demonstrate how quickly and easily a Boom Bap beat can be made, encouraging others to try beatmaking for themselves. The video was required to convey this message in under 90 seconds.
THE SOLUTION
Through a process of research, moodboarding, sketching, scripting, and storyboarding, the project was refined to focus specifically on making Boom Bap style beats. This clearer direction shaped a visual style that captures the raw energy and character of classic hip hop supported by a colour palette inspired by vintage drum machines of the era. The end result and an overview of my process can be found below:
Moodboards
Initially the project was to focus on beatmaking in general. The moodboard on the left represented the original direction while the moodboard on the right was created after narrowing the focus to Boom Bap-style beats.
Initial Sketches
Animation Technique Exploration
I spent time testing various After Effects techniques for the animation, including syncing sound with animated elements and visualising audio through animated sound waves.
Script Development
First I defined my specific messaging goal and target audience.
I wrote a script by coming up with 6 or 7 key messages that I need to communicate.
From this I created a rough shot list of how to potentially animate each sentence or phrase.
Storyboards
With the key visuals identified in the thumbnails, the storyboard allowed me to match visuals directly to the script, enhancing the message through imagery. It also helped me time the script to fit the audio track.
Style Frames
Style frames were then developed to lock in the animation’s visual direction. This stage finalised the colour palette, beat grid layout, and visual design of the graphic elements like speakers and sound waves.
