Coral UnDEFEATED Sports Stars Promo
Never thought I’d see Mo Salah riding a horse at epsom
Undefeated Sports stars: A Motion Graphics Recap of Sporting Greats
Software & Plugins
Adobe After Effects
Cinema 4D
Octane Render
Creating Stunning Visual Effects for Coral's "Undefeated Sports stars" Campaign
Coral’s "Undefeated Sports Stars" campaign stands out as one of the most engaging projects I’ve worked on as a freelance motion graphics artist. Launched in July 2019, the campaign brilliantly combined fantasy with sports reality, showcasing legendary athletes like Mohamed Salah, Anthony Joshua, and Jurgen Klopp in imaginative, cross-disciplinary matchups. My contribution to this project, in collaboration with a skilled studio team, involved creating striking 2D visual effects (VFX) that elevated the campaign's overall aesthetic and storytelling.
An Iconic Campaign in Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are integral to creating memorable campaigns, and Coral’s "Undefeated Sports Stars" was no exception. The project emphasised that in sports, surprises are always possible—mirroring Coral’s betting ethos. Working on this high-profile project gave me the opportunity to push creative boundaries using Adobe After Effects and other tools.
About Coral’s Undefeated Sports stars Project
The Concept: Bringing Sporting Greats Together
The concept was simple yet ingenious: highlight upcoming major sporting events by pitting undefeated sports legends against one another in fantastical scenarios. For instance, Mohamed Salah was depicted riding a horse at Epsom, while Jurgen Klopp faced Anthony Joshua in a surreal boxing match. This blend of whimsy and realism helped convey the unpredictability of sports.
My Role in the Undefeated SportS stars Project
Collaborating with a Talented Studio Team
As part of a larger studio team, I worked alongside talented illustrators and animators who brought the initial concepts to life. My role focused on enhancing the visuals with dynamic effects to capture the audience's attention and add depth to each scene.
Tools of the Trade: Why Adobe After Effects Was Essential
Adobe After Effects was the backbone of my work on this project. Its versatility allowed me to integrate various 2D effects seamlessly into the animated scenes. From particle systems to lighting adjustments, After Effects offered the precision and flexibility needed for this high-profile campaign.
The Visual Effects I Created: Smoke, Sparks, Grass, and More
The VFX I contributed included smoke trails, sparks, lighting effects, and even subtle grass movements. These elements, while small, added an immersive quality to the animations, making the scenes more engaging and lifelike.
Behind the Scenes: The Animation Process
Layered Illustrations in Photoshop
The first step in the process involved creating detailed, layered illustrations in Photoshop. These layers provided the foundation for subsequent animation and effects work.
Animating in After Effects: Positioning, Keyframes, and the Puppet Tool
Once the illustrations were ready, they were imported into After Effects for animation. Techniques like position and rotation keyframing and the puppet tool brought still images to life, giving the illusion of natural movement.
Cinema 4D and Octane Rendering: Creating Cinematic Post-Processing Effects
The studio’s use of Cinema 4D and Octane rendered the scenes with realistic blooms and lens flares. These post-processing effects added a cinematic touch, making the animations visually compelling.
The Challenges of 2D Motion Graphics
Achieving Realism in a Limited 2D Environment
One of the biggest challenges was creating a sense of realism within the constraints of a 2D animation style. Using After Effects’ 2.5D capabilities, we simulated parallax and depth to make the scenes feel three-dimensional.
Perfecting Subtlety in Movement and Transitions
Another challenge was ensuring the transitions and movements were smooth and subtle. Too much motion could disrupt the illusion of realism, while too little might make the animations feel static.
The Final Result: Capturing the Spirit of Sport
Striking a Balance Between Realism and Fantasy
The campaign struck the perfect balance between realism and fantasy, making it both relatable and awe-inspiring. The visual effects played a key role in achieving this harmony.
Feedback and Reception of the Campaign
The campaign was well-received by audiences and clients alike, praised for its creativity and visual execution. It served as a testament to the power of collaboration in bringing ambitious ideas to life.
Reflections on the Project
What I Learned from Working on Undefeated Sports stars
This project reinforced the importance of attention to detail, collaboration, and adaptability in motion graphics. Each scene required meticulous planning and execution to meet the campaign's high standards.
How It Shaped My Freelance Career in Motion Graphics
From designing intricate particle effects to layering dynamic elements like sparks and smoke, every detail contributed to a cohesive and impactful visual narrative.
What truly made this project memorable was the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of professionals. Collaboration not only improved the final product but also enriched my understanding of how different disciplines - illustration, animation, and post-processing - can come together seamlessly. The project also served as a reminder of the importance of subtlety in design, where even the smallest details can significantly enhance the audience's experience.
Moreover, this project cemented my confidence in tackling large-scale, high-profile campaigns. It opened doors to new opportunities, expanding my client base and inspiring me to continually refine my craft. For any motion graphics freelancer, projects like "Undefeated Sports Stars" are rare gems - offering a perfect blend of creative freedom, technical challenge, and career advancement. I’m proud to have contributed to this campaign, and it remains a highlight in my portfolio that I’ll reference for years to come.
FAQs About Working on Coral’s Undefeated SportS stars Project
1. What Was Coral’s Undefeated SportS stars Campaign About?
It was a promotional campaign that showcased undefeated sports legends in fantastical scenarios, emphasising the unpredictability of sports.
2. What Tools Did You Use to Create the Visual Effects?
I primarily used Adobe After Effects, along with Photoshop for layered illustrations and Cinema 4D for rendering using Octane Render.
3. What Challenges Did You Face During the Project?
The main challenges were achieving realism in a 2D environment and ensuring smooth transitions and movements within the animations.
4. What Are Some Techniques for Adding Realism to 2D Animations?
Using parallax effects, subtle transitions, and detailed particle systems can significantly enhance the realism of 2D animations.
5. How Did This Project Influence Your Career?
It helped me gain recognition as a motion graphics freelancer and expanded my skill set.
6. What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Motion Graphics Freelancers?
Focus on building a versatile skill set, stay adaptable, and seek opportunities to work on high-profile projects to grow your portfolio.
Credits
Produced By: Unit9
Studio: Grizzle London
Illustration: Roger Wade
Animation: Tom Carpenter, Ciaran McCusker, Alex Dray
VFX: Tom Paddon