Deep dives
Role: Creative Direction, Motion Graphic Design
Tools Used: After Effects, Photoshop
Context
Team Liquid’s Deep Dives series was created as a collection of long-form video essays exploring a wide variety of concepts in gaming. Each video tackled a different subject; ranging from game-breaking characters to the most iconic players in esports history.
The series required a visual treatment that could support the storytelling without overwhelming it.
Creative Direction
I oversaw the creative direction and visual design of the motion graphics used throughout the series. Because each video focused on a different story, the graphics needed to feel tailored to the subject matter while still maintaining some level of consistency across the broader series.
Execution
I produced many of the assets myself while also collaborating with editors and designers across the team. Working directly within the edit allowed the motion design to evolve alongside the narrative structure of each video, ensuring that the graphics supported the pacing and clarity of the storytelling.
In addition to developing bespoke graphics for individual episodes, I also introduced motion graphic templates that could be reused across the series. These templates allowed the team to create new assets more easily and efficiently through the use of complex After Effects expressions.
Results
Titles, infographics, archival imagery, and sometimes ridiculous animations were used throughout the videos to reinforce key ideas while maintaining viewer retention.
The visual style evolved over time, becoming increasingly catered to the subject matter of each video. In the end the results were varied, including everything from silly in-jokes to stunning title cards and infographics.
Impact
Overall the Deep Dives series was well received by our audience, some videos generated interesting conversations within the various gaming communities.
For me, the project was a perfect opportunity to combine hands-on motion design with creative direction. It was a rare an exciting chance to really show what I can do both technically and creatively.