Project Brief
This project focused on creating a short GIF that explored animation as an extension of illustration and design fundamentals. The objective was to synthesize skills from earlier projects while developing a visual concept rooted in elements such as color, object, composition, or conceptual themes. The work began with initial sketches and exploratory studies, then applied animation principles to build a cohesive animated sequence. The goal was to examine how movement, timing, and visual progression could enhance design concepts and communicate ideas through animation.
This GIF is based on the mythical Leviathan Axe from the video game, God of War (2018). The GIF depicts the arm of the demigod, Kratos, throwing the axe into a tree. The runes in the axe glow as it is magically summoned back.
I thought the concept of an axe being thrown and pulled back fit the medium of a GIF, since it allows for a continuous loop. The white streaks add a sense of motion and convey that the axe is spinning through the air. I positioned the axe and manually drew the streaks for each frame.
Conceptualization - Physical Flip Book
Digital Process
Process - Frames as Artboards
