LIFE

Seize the Awkward “Whatever gets you talking”

- 2020

OVERVIEW

"Seize the Awkward" is a PSA video I worked on with Ad Council and Droga5 to encourage teens to reach out and talk about mental health, helping prevent suicide. It’s a vital cause, especially during the pandemic.
The project’s strength is its diversity—artists from around the world each took a piece of the song’s lyrics and brought their unique style to the table. A bold, mixed-media video that’s experimental and vibrant, blending global perspectives with tons of creative freedom. It’s a fresh way to collaborate, delivering a powerful message with a visual punch.

Cel animation, 3D animation, videography, motion graphics, pixel art and video editing—a dynamic mix of media that echoes the theme: whatever works to get you talking.

A bold, mixed-media video experiment

ROLE

DESIGNER / ANIMATORDesigned / illustrated the styleframes for multiple shots. Design and animated the end shot and type work.

CREDITS

DIRECTOR: Kristian Mercado Figueroa
CLIENT: Ad Council
AGENCY: Droga5
PRODUCER: Colin Moneymaker
EDITOR: Reuter
DESIGNER: Katey Marquette
DESIGNER: Yandong Dino Qiu
ANIMATOR: Rafael Perez
ANIMATOR: Trung Bao
ANIMATOR: Lizzi Akana
ANIMATOR: Mitchell Zemil
ANIMATOR: Daniel Cordero
ANIMATOR: Raymo Ventura
STORYBOARDS: Syd Fini
COMPOSITOR: Kayako Ono
COLORIST: Phil Choe

Stars including Addison Rae, Akinyemi, Avery Cyrus, Bryce Xavier, James Henry, The McFarlands, Meghan Trainor, Molly Burke, mxmtoon and brothers Zach Valentine and Pat Ramirez