Jazz Nicknames

Overview

Jazz Night in America, a partnership between NPR Music and WBGO Studios, is a multi-platform radio, video documentary, and concert presentation series hosted by Christian McBride. The show's mission is to introduce audiences to the best jazz musicians and performances from around the world.

The animation created for Jazz Night in America and NPR was a celebration of black history month, focusing on the nicknames given to jazz musicians throughout the history of the genre's existence. I worked as the lead motion designer alongside the Jazz night team and the NPR Music team to produce this piece, which was well-received on social media and reached the expected KPIs.

Challenge

To create the animation, I conducted research on the colors, themes, and vibes that would work well with the chosen musicians. The goal was to keep the design within the target audience while celebrating black history month. After reviewing the research, I selected a color palette that included deep blues, purples, and oranges to evoke a sense of energy, passion, and history.

Furthermore, I utilized a combination of 2D and 3D animation techniques to bring the musicians to life. The animation showcased the musicians' nicknames in bold, stylized typography, along with animated graphics that highlighted the history and significance of each name.

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Results

The animation was well-received on social media and reached the expected KPIs. The animation received positive feedback from both the Jazz night team and the NPR Music team, who were impressed by the designer's ability to capture the essence of the jazz musicians' nicknames through animation. The animation also helped to promote black history month and celebrate the contributions of black musicians to the genre of jazz.

Overall, the animation created for Jazz Night in America and NPR was a successful celebration of black history month and the nicknames given to jazz musicians throughout the genre's history. The lead motion designer's research, design choices, and animation techniques all contributed to the animation's success, and the project received positive feedback from both the client and the target audience.

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