In between projects recently, I've been working on an animated music video for Rich Aucoin, among other projects. It's almost done, and now that I'm looking back through months of work as I edit and finalize this video, I thought it would be fun to share a reflection on the process behind this project.
A scene from We’re In It Together, featuring Mexico City in the background
Last year, I was getting ready for a big international move. Like every other young adult at this time, it feels like climate anxiety is a persistent feeling in the back of my head, and the lack of certainty about our future makes planning hard. As I traveled through my old stomping grounds in Canada and Mexico, the feeling became more and more persistent: we need to do something, but was I born too late to make a change? was I part of the last generation of kids in my province who will remember summer as a fun, carefree time instead of a dreadful smoke-covered sign of a changing world?
While addressing the somber realities of climate change, it was crucial to maintain an overall sense of hope and empowerment. To achieve this, I interspersed moments of resilience and positivity throughout the video. I also used visual metaphors to drive home the idea that no matter where we are, we all are connected to the same earth, and need to find it within ourselves to step up and do our part. These scenes, while abstract, I feel convey the powerful determination of the human spirit. The bursts of colour and fluid movement symbolize us all as one- human. Our history shows us that no matter what we faced, the moments of joy and connection we create during our short time on this planet are irreplaceable. We've been laughing, singing, telling stories, making art, and making music since we lived in caves. A deeply unifying experience, and a uniquely human one at that, is the creation of art. Through art, we can be seen, and we can inspire others to care about the things we hold dear. I wanted to channel the energy and passion I have for conservation into a visual experience, and mixed with Rich's amazing music, create an energizing video that plants a seed of hope.
As a kid, I started a recycling initiative at my school in Mexico. I'd organize food drives in my school and neighborhood, and volunteer to help stray animals. I thought it was easy to make change happen- in my naive and innocent childhood perspective, I thought the reason things were the way they were was because of a lack of awareness. The more involved I got in trying to make a difference, the more disillusioned I became. The problem was much bigger and much scarier than I could begin to comprehend. Still, I try to do what I can to help within my means. I donate my artwork and time to Caribou conservation alliance, in hopes that the passion I have for wildlife and education can help make a positive impact. Then, I heard Rich's song "We're In It Together" and right away, a new idea was born. I could see the animation clearly in my head- I wanted to make art that could complement Rich's art, and send the same message.
The enchanting song "We're In It Together" by Rich Aucoin became the driving force behind this creative journey. Its inspiring lyrics and powerful message of unity resonated deeply with me. I envisioned a hand-drawn animated music video that would visually capture the essence of community, interconnectedness, and our shared responsibility in facing the challenges of climate change. In the early stages of pre-production, I immersed myself in the song's lyrics, melody, and atmosphere.
I wanted the visuals to mirror the emotional journey conveyed by the music. To achieve this, I decided to blend elements of motion design, typography, and hand-drawn animation. The music video's narrative needed to address the serious issue of climate change while maintaining a sense of optimism and hope. I meticulously crafted visuals that depicted the interconnectedness of all living beings and the collective effort required to combat climate challenges.
To visually represent the theme of community and unity, I chose a vibrant color palette, emphasizing warm and earthy tones to evoke a sense of connection to nature. The hand-drawn animation added an organic and personal touch to the visuals, enhancing the emotional impact.
Animating a music video requires a meticulous approach. I started by sketching keyframes and storyboarding the entire video. This allowed me to establish the visual flow and rhythm that would synchronize with the music. Using various animation techniques, such as traditional frame-by-frame animation and editing, I brought the illustrations to life.
After completing the animation, I focused on refining the visuals and ensuring they were perfectly synchronized with the music. This involved fine-tuning the timing, transitions, and effects. Crafting a music video is an exhilarating and collaborative journey that combines artistic expression, storytelling, and technical prowess. Through the hand-drawn animated music video for "We're In It Together," I sought to create a visual experience that not only highlighted the urgency of climate change but also instilled a sense of hope and unity in viewers.