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Michal Janicki

Lecturer

Contact

Bio

Michal Janicki (he/him) is a senior design lead at IDEO, specializing in digital expression, branding and AI. He's most passionate about making complex information accessible and simple to understand.

Michal started his career as a financial designer at Morningstar, Inc., and later worked at design agencies in Chicago and London. He's helped John Malkovich channel Marilyn Monroe in a photo series, created augmented reality applications for Mack Trucks, and interviewed those on the front lines of the AIDS crisis. He works with several theaters in Chicago as a graphic design artist and volunteers for legal organizations that promote LGBTQ+ rights.

While his work has won design awards, has been shown at museums and film festivals, he feels his greatest achievements has been teaching and seeing his students utilize design and code as a means of self expression. He holds a B.A. in graphic design from University of Illinois at Chicago, and gets some of his best ideas traveling the globe with his partner.

Publications: Napkin Poetry Review, Underscore Design Podcast, IDEO Edges Articles. Exhibitions: Design Museum of Chicago, Chicago Design Archive, Communication Arts, Chicago Cultural Center DSGN Show, Good 50x70 Poster Show, Site Inspire, Brutalist Websites, Awwwards Site of the Day, SF Queer Film Festival, Horror Bowl Film Festival, MicroActs Artist Film London, Toronto Short Film Festival, Philip K. Dick Film Festival, Reeling Chicago, aGLIFF / Prism Austin, Texas.

Personal Statement

My teaching philosophy is anchored in finding joy in service of creativity and problem-solving. As a multi-disciplinarian, I encourage experimentation and different approaches, while keeping the right contextual lens on the outcomes of the work. I support students in their practice while building their portfolio.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

2041 - Type + Image in Motion is a studio based introduction to the design of motion graphics. We will examine the methodologies, theories, visual and auditory principles, technical issues of motion design with an emphasis on the interplay of movement, time, imagery, typography and sound within the digital environment. The course focuses on the role motion plays in creating expressive and communicative experiences. 

Students will critically analyze and create a range of motion studies, and investigate the visual grammar and creative strategies of the time-based communication and motion graphics utilizing storyboarding and two-dimensional animation,

Readings, screenings and discussions will provide students with a historical overview of motion design and time-based media. We will examine the work of various influential motion designers both past and present. Readings and lectures cover the theoretical foundations of the field, and assignments provide hands-on, project-based experience with production.

Weekly in-class tutorials will be provided by the instructor and the student will be required to develop a working knowledge of software appropriate to concepts of time-based media. 

Students should expect to develop comprehensive storyboards and produce three short digital videos. The completed motion design studies and visual investigations will be presented in group and individual critiques during the course of the semester.

Class Number

1792

Credits

3

Description

2041 - Type + Image in Motion is a studio based introduction to the design of motion graphics. We will examine the methodologies, theories, visual and auditory principles, technical issues of motion design with an emphasis on the interplay of movement, time, imagery, typography and sound within the digital environment. The course focuses on the role motion plays in creating expressive and communicative experiences.

Students will critically analyze and create a range of motion studies, and investigate the visual grammar and creative strategies of the time-based communication and motion graphics utilizing storyboarding and two-dimensional animation,

Readings, screenings and discussions will provide students with a historical overview of motion design and time-based media. We will examine the work of various influential motion designers both past and present. Readings and lectures cover the theoretical foundations of the field, and assignments provide hands-on, project-based experience with production.

Weekly in-class tutorials will be provided by the instructor and the student will be required to develop a working knowledge of software appropriate to concepts of time-based media.

Students should expect to develop comprehensive storyboards and produce three short digital videos. The completed motion design studies and visual investigations will be presented in group and individual critiques during the course of the semester.

Class Number

2234

Credits

3