We are proud to present the work we did for The Phoenix, whose mission is “to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live.” We are grateful for the opportunity to help this important organization and community grow. We worked with The Phoenix to create 4 different onboarding animations that play on their new app to help recruit and train volunteers, both in English and in Spanish. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at our process.

Script

The Client came to us with a lot of great ideas and background information that they wanted to consolidate into these 4 videos. Our job was to condense it down and explain the volunteering process through stories that the audience could relate to– that’s when Sara and Jordan were born!

Research

In order to take on this giant task (a total run time of almost 7 minutes with one batch in English and one batch in Spanish) we needed to think creatively about how the animations would work both efficiently and elegantly, and before long we landed on the graphic novel / motion comics visual style. We did a bunch of research to see how these types of projects tend to be laid out and move so we could really highlight that in the animations– starting research even before the storyboarding phase to ensure this was thoughtfully integrated into the project as a whole.

Here are some of our motion graphics inspirations:

An additional challenge was making videos that would be integrated into the Phoenix mobile app in portrait orientation, but once we made the adjustment (both in the animation programs and in our minds) we were able to run with it.

Storyboards

Once we nailed down the visual look and language we dove in and storyboarded. Here are two fun sequences:

Design

The Client came to us with a color palette and logo, but beyond that we had a lot of freedom to play and experiment and that included designing a user interface as well as the characters and their world. Here are some of our favorite designs:

Animation

We worked with wonderful voiceover actors and before getting these out the door we added music. Here is Episode 1, fresh out of the oven and ready for volunteer orientations! To check out all of the videos, head on over here.

This project challenged us to work in new and exciting ways and we are so happy to be a part of the great work that The Phoenix is doing. For all things The Phoenix, check out: https://thephoenix.org/ 

We recently wrapped up a huge broadcast rebranding project for our friends over at Utah Education Network – complete with Station IDs, lower thirds, station bugs, interstitials and more. This was a new challenge for us so we decided to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Pre-Production

We met with the Client and discussed their goal to update the look and feel of their station while highlighting their brand and the beautiful Utah landscape. We made a giant spreadsheet to keep track of everything, here’s a peek at part of it:

Storyboards

Once we had our goals and pre-production planning nailed down, we started storyboarding some of the elements to figure out how they would move. Here are some storyboard panels for two of the the transitions:

Design

Next, we set to work designing the interstitials, many of which were concepted around showing everyday people transitioning into imagined Utah landscapes. 

Animation

Once all the designs were done, we set to work animating them, picking out and editing music, as well as working with voiceover artists. Here’s a Sizzle Reel we edited together showcasing lots of the graphic elements!

Motion Graphics Templates

Then it was time to create MOGRT templates! (It rhymes with “yogurt.”) We created these for the folks at UEN to choose from and customize – for example, putting the times and names of programs into the Coming Up spots.

In total, we produced 47 different elements for UEN to brand their television channel and we learned a ton along the way! We are super proud of how these all turned out, but there are too many to share here. If you’re in the area, check them out soon on KUEN 9.1 Salt Lake City / Ogden.

Jane – New Junior Animator

We’re over the moon to announce that after a long stint as a freelancer for us, Jane Winters is joining the team full time. Born in Santa Monica, CA and raised in Massachusetts, Jane has a love for all things nature, and often creates work inspired by her surroundings.

Before joining Planet Nutshell, Jane worked as a freelance artist on a variety of projects designing and animating for music videos, animated ads, children’s media, concept art for games, and educational content. She holds a BFA in Animation from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

For all things, Jane, check out http://www.jane-winters.com.

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Lee – Summer 2022 Intern

My name is Lee. I am an international student and currently pursuing my motion media design MA at SCAD. I like to spend time researching and learning all kinds of skills about motion graphics, for example 2D animation skills, 3D softwares, illustration, graphic designs…etc.

You can recognize me as a motion designer, but I prefer not to confine myself to any certain field. … because I believe that it is the best way to minimize any limitations when I am expressing and visualizing my virtual imaginations into physical world. I also love watching movies and reading books in my leisure time, which is the best way for me to approach any inspiration that I need for my creative work.

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Dez – Summer 2022 Intern

Hello! My name is Desiree Miller, but you can call me Dez for short. I am from Morris Plains, New Jersey just outside of Morristown. I currently go to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and am pursuing a BFA in Illustration for Entertainment. I will be a senior this fall and I can’t wait to see where my artist’s journey will take me next! During my time at SCAD, I have developed a love and appreciation for all kinds of entertainment media.

This past year, I started exploring my interest in mediums such as animation, film, production design, and storyboarding and have been learning how to incorporate it in my own work. Currently, I specialize in visual development, background painting, color design, and children’s illustration. In the future, I hope to use my skills to help and inspire others in the way that other’s work has inspired me. Whether that be using art to spark joy in someone’s eyes, create breathtaking worlds, or spread powerful messages and awareness. I believe that with the right team and mindset the possibilities are endless.