3D Character Animation: Joyful Animals for DNA

We designed and created a set of joyful, happy, and excited animal characters for DNA. Check out how we crafted this set of 3D Character Animation Magic and still images.

3D CHARACTER ANIMATION PROJECT OVERVIEW

Oh, the amount of uncontainable joy! Folk Finland, the masterminds behind this project, approached us to produce a delightful animation for the Finnish telecommunication company DNA. Our goal was to create a set of joyfully expressive characters that would become a recognizable part of DNA’s advertising. We produced both high-resolution 3D still images and 3D character animations to continue the story of previously designed characters for the same purpose. This time, we infused even more life and joy into them through 3D animation!

Thank you for this joyful project! We love these characters! Keep your eyes open for these happy creatures—and let the joy shine!

Client

DNA

Agency

Folk Finland

DESIGN PROCESS: 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

As with every character-driven production, we began with the literal character creation and visual character design process. This fast and iterative stage involves creating various sketches and illustrations based on the brief and references provided. Collaboration is key during the design process, as we use our visuals to gather feedback and refine the design until the client is thrilled with the result. Below, you can see a selection of illustrations from the 3D character animation design process.

LOOK DEVELOPMENT FOR 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

Look development focuses on crafting the final appearance of the characters. We transform 2D character designs into highly detailed three-dimensional objects, adding significantly more information than in the 2D illustrations. As we model the characters, we add various materials, textures, and other details. For instance, the bull character’s 3D fur is meticulously designed and groomed to be visually appealing. Other characters feature different details, such as wings or glowing rear-end puff features. All these elements undergo testing and refinement during the look development stage.

Poor fella!

FINAL STILL IMAGES

After completing the look development stage, we create high-resolution renders of our characters. These images then go through an image retouching phase, where we polish colors and details. Finally, we package the images into modular deliverables, allowing the client to create various ads and applications for different media flexibly.

PRE-PRODUCTION FOR 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION: STORYBOARDS

While designing the characters, we simultaneously plan the animations. Even before finalizing the character designs, we start creating storyboards based on production needs. For this project, we mapped out key poses and actions and planned how to integrate images with copy elements. Below are a couple of storyboard examples.

PREVISUALIZATION IN 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION PRODUCTION

Once we complete the storyboards, character designs, and character asset production (including modeling and rigging), we begin the 3D animation process. Previsualization, or Previz, is a rough version of the animation that gradually evolves into the final movement. After approving the Previz, we proceed to develop the animation’s final look. This stage includes creating materials and textures, shading, lighting, and eventually rendering the animations for compositing.

FINAL ANIMATIONS

After the character movements receive approval, we move on to creating the final animations. We incorporated significant modularity into the animations and layouts, enabling the client and their partners to use our assets flexibly. Once everything passed testing, we rendered the final image sequences and sent them to compositing for the final touch-ups. Enjoy the excitement of our lovely characters in their final animated form!

MORE CHARACTER DESIGN, ANIMATION AND JOY?

Still craving for more furry DNA animal fun? See our other work for the same campaign. Check out our 3D work for Panda! If 2D frame-by-frame animation is more your style, don’t miss our projects K-Citymarket Kalakaverit Remix and Veikkaus Herkkuzoot. They all capture the magic of cute animal characters!