Cartoon Network is a nostalgic identity that most of us grew up watching and wish to work with. So, instead of hoping to collaborate with them one day, I just decided to make this self initiated project.
I was always inspired by those short animations between shows made by individual artists. They’re chaotic, stylized, and full of creative freedom, and that became my main direction for this piece.
Direction Approach
I wanted the whole identity to look just like classic Cartoon Network, but with a modern twist! I wanted the viewer to feel nostalgia and familiarity!
Reiterating thoughts
The initial sketches were fine, but felt a bit generic. To build depth, I tweaked key elements to introduce hidden motion Easter eggs, iconic CN characters, and subtle lore, giving the overall storytelling a much stronger narrative layer.
Branding
I thought about the design approach, whether to go with the old or new Cartoon Network branding, and ended up with something fun right in between, hoping to make it relatable to both generations!
Design Concept
My biggest creative challenge was unifying Cartoon Network’s varied visual styles into one seamless aesthetic across the whole piece.
Key Events Styleframes
Objects Design
I created everyday items that you’d expect to see in Cartoon Network’s world. Some of them are actually from the shows! Can you spot them?
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Textures
Textures played a huge role here! I created two dedicated texture systems for the core brand colors, one for black, one for white, leaving all the other colors free to ignore the rule.
Animation Process
Once I was happy with the design, I built the pacing right around the concept. The first half feels playful and full of wonder, the end hits a dark turn, and the whole piece loops infinitely.
Characters
The character designs were simple, but I pushed the rigging to the limit! Every character uses its own technical tricks and custom setups, giving each one a totally distinct personality.
Direction
Storyboard
Illustration
Animation
Music Production
Sound Design
