Helpcloud

HelpCloud Project Overview

HelpCloud is an information technology firm that offers services such as tech support, system optimization and software license. They have an entire search engine dedicated to technical support on just about every device or gadget as well as 24/7 tech support for individuals, families, and organizations. They came to us wanting two videos that were going to serve as advertisements and explainer videos on their website and socials. After review of the scripts, we knew that this project was heavy on the character side and since this video had to be created rather quickly, we decided to create our characters in 3D and then cel shade (2D like shades of color) them in Cinema 4D so they would appear to be 2D but give us the versatility of character animating in 3D. This method proved very effective as described more below. All images featured in this project overview are property of HelpCloud, Motifize was contracted by HelpCloud to create the storyboards, styleframes, artwork, animation, and sound design.

Client: HelpCloud
Production: Motifize
Design and Illustration: Motifize
Character Modeling: Motifize
Animation 2D and 3D: Motifize

Character Development

The character development started out as sketches with pencil and paper in both front and profile views. Having the character illustrated in these two views gave us enough reference for the 3D modeling to be done successfully. After the sketches were all done, we added some color to each of them and then moved on to the 3D modeling and rigging phase.

3D Character Modeling and Rigging

With all the animation that was required for these characters we figured that modeling and rigging them in 3D and then texturing them with cel shaded textures would make the animation and revision process a whole lot easier. Instead of having to draw out each individual frame as is done in traditional frame by frame character animation, we were able to animate the whole thing in 3D and make adjustments on the fly. The process saved us time and still left us with a 2D look and feel.

Animatic

An animatic is a black and white rough run through of the video. It shows the key poses of each character and flows through the sequence of the animation so that the viewer can roughly see what the video will look like before it goes into full production. We presented HelpCloud with two animatics, one for each video, they were able to review the rough animations before we went full send into the animation phase.

Artwork

We wanted our characters to stand out, so we made the backgrounds light with a monochromatic color choice. The characters and elements in the foreground were more bold and bright. To establish a style for animated videos we always ask to see our client’s branding guidelines, this gives us a good taste of the company’s brand and color palette. From there, we are able to incorporate the branding guidelines into our artwork. This process was followed with HelpCloud. Before the project began we asked to see HelpCloud’s branding guidelines. From there we were able to apply their color palette, fonts, icons, and more into our design process. Using HelpCloud’s branding guidelines made sure that the videos we created were on brand throughout the entire animation process.

Give The Gift of Tech Support

HelpCloud asked us to create two videos with the same style. It was a good idea to jumble those two videos in one project as we were able to leverage the same style and characters for both. HelpCloud was wonderful to work with and we were pleased with how the video turned out. HelpCloud has been able to use this video to not only educate potential customers, but also to establish credibility in their respective industry.

If you are interested in an animated video, please feel free to contact us. We are very prompt to respond to inquiries and we would be happy to show you more of our work and our process.