UVA Birthday Greeting

Email Animation for University of Virginia Alumnae 

 

Role: Animator, Illustrator, Art Director

Timeline: July 2020 – August 2020

Client: University of Virginia Alumni Association

Background

I was approached by the UVA Alumni Association to create an animation that would be emailed to alumnae on their birthdays. They send something every year, but wanted this one to have a different look than before. The goal was for it to be fun but also on-brand.

Process

(click images to enlarge)

Starting with a concept from the creative director, we collaborated on a storyline that would lend itself well to animation. We also incorporated several school spirit easter eggs (which were fairly obvious) including the rotunda building, Cavalier mascot, “Wahoowa” chant, and the surrounding mountains.

After presenting the storyboard to other members of the creative team — some of whom were alumnae themselves — we revised the beginning to get rid of the balloon idea. They also wanted to incorporate one or two instances of the new UVA Alumni Association logo. We decided to use the new icon on the gift tag and end on the large logo.

Once I received approval on the rough animatics and style frames, I created the final animation. There were a few more minor rounds of revisions after that as we nailed down the music and sound effects.

Initial sketches and idea exploration

First storyboard presentation

Second, revised storyboard presentation

Style frame 1

Style frame 2

University-of-Virginia-birthday-greeting-Wahoowa.gif

Conclusion

As with any large client, there were many approvals needed and things to consider that might not have crossed my mind. For instance, the colors had to be very specific so as not to be confused with a rival school. Overall, I learned some new animation techniques (like the fun confetti!) and thoroughly enjoyed the process of seeing this entire project through, from sketching to animation. Hopefully the alumnae enjoyed their present!