Using motion graphics in advertisements
For the past few weeks, I’ve been diving into the basics of motion graphics—a skill I previously had little experience with but was eager to develop.
Compared to when I started, I feel a thousand times more comfortable with it. I can now hop into After Effects with an idea and execute it confidently. There’s still so much more to learn, but I’ve built a solid foundation to keep improving.
To apply my newfound skills, I decided to create an animated advertisement, as marketing is the field where I do most of my creative work.
Peak Design is a brand I’ve been a loyal customer of for a while, and I absolutely love their products. They specialize in premium camera accessories and bags, all backed by a lifetime guarantee. Their products aim to solve quality-of-life issues in the current market.
The Slide is Peak Design’s take on the camera strap. Its standout feature is the anchor system, which allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment from the camera.
I wanted to create a piece with a comedic touch, drawing inspiration from Apple’s style and Star Wars visuals—specifically, the opening scene of A New Hope, where the massive ship drifts through space. The influence is pretty evident in the final video above.
The end result, though relatively simple, effectively presents the product and its key feature in an engaging way. The storytelling shines more than complex animation techniques, and I’m particularly happy with how the animated logo turned out at the end. Once again, you can check out the final product above.
Readings
Animated Storytelling by Liz Blazer (Chapter 11)
In chapter 11 of Animated Storytelling, Blazer emphasizes the new opportunities animators today have to share their work. Thanks to the rise of film festivals and digital platforms like social media, it it easier than ever to get your work out there. However, the saturation of content makes it harder to stand out, so filmmakers must strategically package and present their work. Posting on a secure platform and creating promotional materials include a title logo, an engaging film synopsis, a tagline, a director’s bio, and a compelling story about the film’s creation will help viewers understand your piece more.
Blazer also advises filmmakers on choosing where to showcase their work, whether through festivals, online platforms, or industry networking. While major festivals are highly competitive, smaller festivals can provide valuable exposure. Some filmmakers may bypass festivals entirely, opting for direct online releases to reach audiences faster. Additionally, Blazer stresses the importance of building a professional network, both online and in-person, by engaging in creative communities, supporting peers, and gradually teasing film content to generate interest. Ultimately, she encourages persistence, professionalism, and continual creativity, urging animators to keep producing and sharing their stories.
Research
Wonderful Tools – Apple
This is a great video by Apple showing some of their product developments from their time as a company. The style 2D style stands out here and will be what I am looking to emulate in my piece.
B’Coffee
This is another really solid example. I particularly like the transitions used from scene to scene as well as how they make 2D objects appear three dimensional.
Proposed McDonald’s Commercial
This proposed advertisement for McDonald’s does a great job with storytelling. They use elements of pop culture to show how their products make their customers feel.
Hi! My name is Peyton McKenzie.
I am a professional graphic designer, photographer and content creator.
I encourage you to explore my portfolio to get a better idea of the work I create. If you are interested in working with me or have inquiries of any kind, don’t hesitate to reach out over email.
