How Important are Nonprofits?
Categories: Motion design, infographics, messaging, nonprofit
According to a 2023 study, only 5% of people in the US think they or someone they know is helped by nonprofits. This animation aims to show audiences that this number is way off, and that nearly everyone benefits from the work of nonprofits–even if we don’t realize it.
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How can we demonstrate the importance of nonprofit organizations in our daily lives in a way that is relatable and not boring?
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Millenials and Gen Z. I think this message is important for everyone, but I focused my language and call to action on younger viewers who may not have the resources to donate or volunteer.
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Timeframe: 3 weeks
Tools: AfterEffects, Photoshop, Markers, Scanner
An Approachable Animated Primer
This animation combines playful analog textures with digital motion in a handcrafted, friendly visual style that draws viewers in and holds their attention without overwhelming the message. A casual, authentic voiceover and concise format make the video easy to understand and ideal for social media sharing—helping spread awareness of how nonprofits show up in our daily lives.
Process
I wanted the animation to have a handcrafted, friendly feeling. I also wanted to ensure that there was enough motion on screen at all times to hold attention, but not so much that it distracted from the infographics and text. I achieved both of these aims through a combination of digital and analog techniques. The paper and marker textures were scanned and masked onto object layers in AfterEffects, allowing for a handmade, stop-motion-esque look that was relatively quick and efficient to produce.
Initial concept drawings
Primary components were drawn in pen or marker, or torn from paper, then scanned.
Textures, like crumpled paper and marker scribbles, were scanned and made into animated sequences in AfterEffects.
Elements colored/recolored in Photoshop before they are added to AfterEffects.