A collaboration with digital agency Pixel, the task was to create a series of animated spots for Canon’s social media content. We’re essentially injecting life to still photos using compositing and animation to drive higher engagement.
I’ve worked with NY-based creative director Chris Kelly when we were both staff at Industrial Color, and have always been impressed with not just his creative talent, but also his attention for detail no matter how trivial it might seem to others. I was recommended by him as the motion designer for this project.
Here’s the “Everyone Has A Story” promotional video (which I wasn’t responsible for) on Canon’s YouTube channel:
Emma Chamberlain
A young and entrepreneurial influencer, Emma Chamberlain launched her YouTube channel in 2016. Her content includes cooking videos, fashion hauls and travel vlogs. She also owns Chamberlain Coffee, her own online mail order coffee company.
Through 5 animated spots, Pixel attempts to tell the story of her journey to become the successful influencer she is now, in a reverse chronological order.
Met Gala, which she attended in September 2021. This is also a representation of her success as an internet personality.
Chamberlain Coffee, when she started her own business venture in December 2019
Paris Fashion Week, which she attended in a co-sponsorship between YouTube and Louis Vuitton in March 2019
Her move to Los Angeles in June 2018
Her bedroom, where she started her YouTube channel in June 2016
Text Animation
The client wanted the words “Canon x Emma Chamberlain” being scribbled on. A high resolution scanned image of Emma’s actual handwriting was imported into Photoshop, which in turn was pulled into After Effects for animation. Masks were manually traced over the handwriting with a pen tool, and the Stroke effect was applied. In order to replicate the rhythm of actual handwriting, pauses were implemented periodically.
The storyboards were created by the Pixel team with Chris Kelly being the creative lead. The first animated drafts stayed true to the boards, but a few tweaks had to be made when the client laid eyes on them.
Earlier draft, with animated emojis.
Final video, without flying emojis and having composited reflection on the car instead.
