An ambitious fan-made project, 134340 is a motion graphic-based music video showcasing the song 134340 by international Korean pop idol group BTS. The song title refers to the asteroid number of dwarf planet Pluto, which used to be the ninth planet in our Solar System. The video captures the lyrical content of the song, which revolves around loneliness and the aftermath of a broken relationship. In connection with the meaning behind the song, Pluto had also been downgraded to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union in 2006, symbolizing its abandonment by our own Solar System.
The project takes viewers on a visual journey through outer space, with Pluto as the central focus. The white ball representing Pluto moves freely through various dimensions, surrounded by colorful 3D shapes that correspond with the track's musical rhythm. The simplicity of the design, achieved through the fusion of 3D polygons and flat colors, enhances the overall visual impact.
Designed entirely in Cinema 4D, 134340 showcases the technical prowess of Zi Quan Lim. The animation and cameras were created in 30fps without the use of any plugins. The focus of the visuals is on the speed and movement of each shape, meticulously designed to synchronize with the music. The use of 2D cel shading, a cartoonish flat shading art style achieved with Sketch and Toon Cel Shaders within Cinema 4D, adds a unique touch to the overall aesthetic.
The 134340 music video has a runtime of 1 minute and 15 seconds, with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. The project was initially created for Zi Quan Lim's college student exhibition as his final college project. It was showcased alongside an A3 concept board poster and a 2A0 visual poster, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the project's concept and execution.
134340 was primarily made for BTS fans, known as ARMYs. Viewers can immerse themselves in the mesmerizing visuals of the music video while listening to the song. The video includes both Korean and English lyrics, allowing viewers to fully grasp the meaning behind the song. Additionally, Zi Quan Lim strategically submitted the video to BigHit Entertainment's YouTube channel, as a mock partnership or potential creative collaboration in the business realm.
The 134340 project was initiated in June 2019 in Kuala Lumpur and completed in mid-August 2019 in Selangor. It was exhibited at The One Gallery of The One Academy from late August to early September 2019, showcasing the final video, concept board poster, and visual poster.
Throughout the project, Zi Quan Lim conducted extensive research, utilizing prototypes and questionnaires to gather feedback from the public. This iterative process allowed him to refine his technical skills and focus on the 2D cel shading art style within Cinema 4D. The project's success is a testament to the designer's dedication and commitment to delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
134340 has garnered recognition in the design community, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Movie, Video, and Animation Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is bestowed upon well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to viewers.
Project Designers: Zi Quan Lim
Image Credits: Image #1: Student Lim Zi Quan (Digital Media Designer, 2019)
Image #2: Student Lim Zi Quan (Digital Media Designer, 2019)
Image #3: Student Lim Zi Quan (Digital Media Designer, 2019)
Image #4: Student Lim Zi Quan (Digital Media Designer, 2019)
Image #5: Student Lim Zi Quan (Digital Media Designer, 2019)
Video Credits:
Directed by: Lim Zi Quan
Original Music & Sound Design: BTS
Lyrics by: Pdogg, ADORA, Bobby Chung, RM, Martin Luke Brown, Orla Gartland, Suga, J-Hope
Design: Lim Zi Quan
Main Title Design: Lim Zi Quan
Technical Director: Lim Zi Quan
Animation: Lim Zi Quan
Sound Design: Pdogg
Composers: Pdogg
Project Team Members: Zi Quan Lim
Project Name: 134340 Music Video
Project Client: Zi Quan Lim