MediaArtTutorials
GIF-Meme Politics
In Pairs
Objective
Students will critically engage with contemporary political, cultural, or advertising messages by creating a short-form visual commentary in the form of a looping GIF-Meme. This project builds visual literacy and media critique skills through analysis, creative synthesis, and reflective evaluation.
“Political” in this context can include responses to advertisements, political campaigns, news articles, or any media conveying ideological messages.
Materials Required
- Laptop or iPad with internet access
- Access to a news article, campaign ad, or current media message (student-selected)
- Photopea -free software for image/GIF creation)
- GIF-Meme Politics Self Assessment Form
Activities
Complete the following in order. Ask your professor or TA for help as needed.
[40 minutes] Written Analysis
With your partner, open a document (Word or Google Docs) and answer the following:
1. Choose a Source (5–10 min)
- Select a media example to analyze (e.g., political campaign ad, corporate commercial, viral tweet, or news article).
- Ensure it conveys a clear ideological or cultural message.
2. Identify the Message (10 min) — Bullet-point style
- What is this trying to make the viewer believe, feel, or do?
- Identify the underlying ideology, bias, or persuasive strategy.
- Consider what the media leaves out or assumes as “normal.”
3. Critically Reflect (10 min) — Bullet-point style
- How does this media shape cultural or political discourse?
- What emotions or reactions does it seek to evoke?
4. Write a 150-Word Response (15 min)
- Briefly describe your selected example.
- Identify and explain the key ideological elements.
- Articulate the impact or significance of the message.
- Cite all sources in APA style. Use: APA Reference Guide
➡️ Export your written response as a PDF
📄 Filename: Analysis-Group-#.pdf
Include both names + student numbers
[50 minutes] Create GIF with Photopea
1. Define Your Concept (10 min)
- Based on your analysis, decide whether your GIF will critique, amplify, or subvert the original message.
- Write a short creative intention: What do you want the viewer to feel or think?
- Decide on elements (colour, text, images) to visualize these ideas.
- Sketch or plan your sequence (3–5 seconds ≈ 4–6 frames).
2. Collect Visual Materials (5 min)
- Gather imagery, short clips, or text snippets.
- Use copyright-free sources or remix copyrighted materials under fair use.
- Options for copyright-free sources:
3. Design the GIF (20–30 min)
- Use Photopea to build your GIF.
- Check the following tutorials and create your GIF:
[5 min] Finalize GIF
Test the loop for:
- Seamless replay
- Visual clarity and contrast
- Symbolic commentary
➡️ Export your GIF as a .gif file
📄 Filename: Meme-Group-#.gif
[10 min] Group Self-Assessment
- Complete the GIF-Meme Politics Self Assessment Form thoughtfully.
- Reflect critically on your final project.
- 📄 Filename:
SelfAssessment-Group-#.pdf
📤 Final Group Submission
| Type | File Name | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Analysis-Group-#.pdf |
One per group |
| Group | Meme-Group#.gif |
One per group |
| Group | SelfAssessment-Group-#.pdf |
One per group |
⚠️ Follow the submission protocols carefully. Incorrect submissions may result in lost points.