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The making of...
Endless
storyline
I set out on creating a looping animation and using the symbol of the phoenix seemed most appropriate. The phoenix in myth and legends has the ability to be born and reborn in fire and thus creating a never-ending loop.
Translating this ancient myth into modern understanding the phoenix can also be seem as the inspirational factor or driving force of a project that goes through a seasonal flow. Born in the heart of winter a sudden spark of inspiration leads us to start something new. In Springtime our project slowly starts to take on a more definite form and in summer it ripens fully. Autumn is harvest time where literally enjoy the fruits of our laboured then winter brings fallowness and the chance for something new to ripen in our imagination.
art direction
The phoenix is also symbol for the sun and the reign of a monarch and I therefore wanted to give it a regal and fiery air. The design is relatively simple but detailed and shows off the entire colour scheme of the animation.
The design of the rotating world below is simple and looks almost cut-out as if not really real which should portray its temporary nature. The colour palette is very limited to dark greys and the occasional splatter of reds and oranges in autumn linking it more firmly with the phoenix and the gift it bestows. Making the passing landscape below circular links it to a clock ticking away time from birth to death and rebirth.
By applying this particular colour scheme and design of phoenix (very colourful and detailed) and rotating world (dark grey and simplified) I strove to convey the idea that anything created comes and goes but the spark driving its creation is eternal.
Working exclusively in 2.5D in AfterEffects I animated the neck of phoenix using the wonderful
Rubberhose rigging system. All assets were created in Adobe Illustrator. The wonderful soaring music of 'Embracing' by 'Remember the future' (premium beat.com) was chosen for its soaring and regal quality.
Hope you've enjoyed it.
