Introduction
Context
In 2015, all Member States of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda includes 17 shared Sustainable Development Goals to promote “peace and prosperity for the people and the planet.” The 17 Goals are actionable steps countries can work on together in a “global partnership.”
Duration
5 weeks
(September to
October 2024)
Tools
Procreate, Procreate Dreams, After Effects, CapCut
My role
Animation, Layout and sound production, character design
Project Challenge
Create a video based on an assigned Goal with a unique perspective. The video should incorporate motion, time, and sound, guided by a cohesive narrative voice, and include a “call to action”. Use typography, imagery, infographics, color, music, and sound effects to enhance depth and impact.
How can a single video effectively convey the Goal and inspire action through a cohesive blend of visuals, sound, and narrative?
Objective
Analyze and Express the Goal using visual metaphors, time, and motion for emotional impact.
Refine Visual and Motion Elements to ensure effective communication and audience understanding.
Leverage Video’s Strengths while addressing its limitations for better message delivery.
Craft a Cohesive Narrative that engages and inspires through clear messaging and design.
Design Process
Week 1: Scripts and Storyboards
Research On Assigned Goal
I was assigned with Goal 13: Climate Action. I explored the UN website on it, highlighting issues such as air and ocean pollution, threats to small island communities, and the need for global collaboration to combat climate change. Research findings emphasized that climate change affects everyone differently and requires unified action.
Define Key Messages
Based on researched issues, I outlined a message focusing on the interconnectedness of climate change impacts and the need for everyone, regardless of direct involvement, to take action.
Script and Storyboard Development
From the key messages I wanted to convey, I developed a cohesive storyboard, with scripts corresponding to keyframes and illustration style set, where a character transforms from a butterfly to a deer, then a jellyfish, a small island inhabitant, and finally ends up in a city to run away from the impact under climate change, emphasizing that all are part of the same journey. The character’s evolution symbolizes how climate change impacts all beings and ends with an invitation for unity and collective action.
The sky was endless,but now it’s closing in on me.
The forest was a place of peace,but now the wind burns.
The ocean shimmered with life, but now it feels empty, drained.
The ocean shimmered with life, but now it feels empty, drained.
The land was solid and safe, but now the sea is reclaiming the place.
There’s no more space. No more room to run.
the sea to the land.
Together, we can rise above the change, and fly into the future. We are all part of the same journey.
Week 2: Soundtrack
Soundtrack Production
To match the gentle illustration style and storyline, I elected a soft and melodious instrumental piece as background music and added sound effects such as ocean waves and traffic. Then I recorded the voice-over myself. To keep the video under one minute, I revised and condensed my script as follows:
The sky is closing in on me.
The wind burns.
The ocean feels empty, drained.
The sea is reclaiming the land,
no longer solid and safe.
There’s no more space.
No more room to run.
This city…a world of its own.
They don’t know what I’ve seen.
But maybe...
we can stand together.
I am free again,
part of something greater.
We are all connected,
from the earth to the sky,
the sea to the land.
Together,
we can rise above the change,
and fly into the future.
We are all part of the same journey.
Video Structure Development
I organized the video content and create the structure based on the soundtrack and storyboard keyframes.
Week 3: Development
Character Design
I refined the characters from the storyboard with added lines and shading for a more cohesive illustration style.
Background Design
Week 4&5: Animation
I created frame-by-frame illustrations of different actions and poses based on the established character design, creating animation flows.
Examples of how the process works:
