2D Animation & Motion Graphic | RGU – StoriedPlace
In our most recent work, we’ve been collaborating with RGU (Robert Gordon University) and StoriedPlace to create 2 promotional 2D animation / motion graphic for StoriedPlace’s toolkit and hamper.
StoriedPlace is a toolkit for place-based storytelling projects, for individuals, groups and organisations, interested in collecting, curating and creating stories from their place. It includes a physical storytelling hamper, storytelling canvas and accompanying website.
Its main aim of StoriedPlace is to encourage users to think about and plan for the multitude of aspects involved in storytelling projects, by organising them into short and yet comprehensive questions and guides.
The toolkit has been developed using the findings, materials and lessons learnt from story telling projects conducted by a team of researchers at Robert Gordon University, as well as wider storytelling literature and experience.
Brief:
Rachael from StoriedPlace contacted us, looking to commission two animations to promote StoriedPlace toolkit and its hamper, one for its benefits, potential and users, and the other to explain its use case to users, using existing imagery, making it fun, friendly and engaging.
Process:
Initially we used imagery from the website and promotional material, but rapidly, both sides felt the imagery wasn’t tying in with the tone of voice or telling the story that wanted to be told. We began to think it needed to be less clinical and polished like the website, and to instead use a more free and hand drawn approach in keeping with the ideas and ideology behind StoriedPlace, as the toolkit itself is about the rough and ready creation of ideas, not worrying so much about mistakes.
We came up with the concept that a key part of the animation would be to use a hand drawn line flowing and connecting up as much of the animation throughout, drawing as many of the illustrations and text as possible. This would show two things, the hand written / drawn approach to that of creating / writing ideas on the canvas, and to emphasise the value of connection as StoriedPlace is there to connect the individuals, the places and the stories.
Rachael developed and supplied us with a script and voiceover, from which we took key words and phrases and created a range of illustrations, first on paper, and then in Adobe illustrator using a Wacom tablet. These were then imported into Aftereffects where the lines were animated, drawing in and out over time, and extended to connect as many of the illustrations as possible, giving the impression a one constant line, and all synced with the voiceover.
We were very happy with the final outcome of the project as we feel we created something unique for StoriedPlace that is constantly flowing and evolving, and can be updated and altered if required, and fulfills their brief. It was also very enjoyable to work on as it allowed us to look into other methods and techniques, such as illustration and sketching to be used and adapted to bring life and create engagement through animation and motion.
“We are so delighted with the animations that Mitchell and Gauss produced for us for our StoriedPlace toolkit at Robert Gordon University. To be honest, we were not 100% sure what we needed from the two animations that we asked for but Simon worked with us to establish a vision and then helped us develop that into visuals that portrayed the feel and message that was important to our brand. Thank you for your patience with us as we appreciate it is not easy to work with clients when they are not 100% sure what they need! I would highly recommend Mitchell and Gauss as a creative, friendly and supportive animation service! :)”
Rachael Ironside – StoriedPlace | RGU (Robert Gordon University)