Letting cultural meaning exist through movement
Letting motion carry meaning
A quiet, atmospheric animation inspired by traditional Southeastern art, where motion becomes a way of carrying meaning through movement.
Cultural visuals are often reduced to aesthetics. I wanted to explore how motion could preserve meaning with style.
When culture becomes aesthetic instead of intention
I was drawn to how traditional art holds symbolism in subtle ways. I wanted to translate that into motion without losing its softness or intention.
Building visual language before animating
I started by building a visual system focusing on a color palette rooted in traditional tones and shapes that reflect organic forms
From there, I created a storyboard to guide how the animation would unfold, focusing on pacing and flow of when each petal falls.
The process of animating
Before the final animation, it took many tries to get it right. Different stages show the progression of how the chrysanthemum took final form.
While my rough animation (left) focuses on the subject, my clean up one (right) refines the subject and incorporates its environment. Both were necessary to bring the chrysanthemum to life.
Slowing things down
The final animation feels slow and intentional, allowing each element to exist without rushing. It’s less about telling a story directly and more about creating a feeling.
Restraint as a design choice
This project shows restraint. Instead of adding more, it focuses on atmosphere and control, letting small details carry meaning.
What meaning looks like to someone else
Something I wish to improve is pushing the narrative further. I want to explore how viewers interpret the symbolism and whether the intended feeling comes through.