Branding can be a challenging subject: who are you, and what do you stand for?
When Enviem came up with their new TinQE label, they faced two challenges: introducing a unique concept and finding an effective way to communicate it.
With Tim, their digital ambassador, they’re able to tell their story with the energy it deserves. And with a 3D film set, Tim shines in any story.
With an ambitious app comes complexity. To make TinQE’s user experience easier to understand, an illustrative approach was needed.
Enviem has big ambitions: they aim to offer not only affordable fuel but also energy contracts, a complex combination for which Framna has developed an excellent app. However, when you want to communicate a complicated concept, it helps to support it with compelling visuals.
Furthermore, external communication presents a significant challenge: how do you strike the right balance between providing accurate information and telling a story that’s easy to digest?
Starting a visual library in 3D is like creating your own collection of LEGO blocks: you make those houses once and are then free to adjust the lighting, change camera angles and much more.
With a fast, iterative approach between Framna’s designers and Enviem, we managed to create a library of reusable assets, suitable for many different purposes.
What started as a quick sketch by my sister and a quick 3D model with animation by me turned into an elaborate character design process. From moodboard to sketch to 3D model, Enviem was an active partner every step of the way.
The result? Tim: their own digital actor, ready for any creative project. With a big smile and an equally big haircut, he gives TinQE the happy tone of voice they were looking for.
The adventure begins!
He was immediately put to the test in a promotional video we created in collaboration with COOL Creative.
Tim and his universe are featured in the TinQE app, on TinQE’s website and on various screens around a soccer stadium!
We shot the live-action footage on location at TinQ’s newest gas station, and I animated Tim as Tom Coronel’s digital counterpart. During filming, Tom had to look at a plastic bottle as a reference for Tim, but afterwards we replaced the bottle with our new ambassador.
The final result? Check it out below:
Making a character-central animation is a unique experience each time, but generally follows these steps:
First, we need to figure out your tone of voice, especially if the character is going to be your brand ambassador. TinQE wanted an optimistic and energetic tone, geared towards working families.
With these ingredients in mind, I start by researching competing solutions, looking up reference materials and sketching ideas.
At every stage, I provide detailed explanations of the choices made, while the client remains in creative control.
Once we’ve decided on a definitive look, I translate the sketch into a 3D model. With good topology, I make sure the character is ready for animation, can wear multiple outfits and has a wide range of expressions.
I also prepare the project file for the next stages of production, ensuring our workflow is as efficient as possible.
We’re almost there: the rig (a digital skeleton) is thoroughly tested, lights are added and the camera is positioned at the right angle. Because we work in 3D, all assets can easily be adjusted if needed.
With a solid workflow in place, we’re ready for a wide range of applications!
Now we’re ready for action. With a solid script and storyboard, we work out what story to tell. A voice-over is recorded, and based on the audio and video references, I animate the character to match the story beats perfectly.
At various stages, versions are sent to the client for approval. This gives them the opportunity to provide feedback while the animation is still in production. Once everything is approved, the final lighting and materials are rendered, and everything is edited into the final product.
Having a digital character means you have the freedom to tell any story. Place it on the moon? Done. A safari trip? No problem. How about a collaboration with national soccer teams? Thanks to a flexible workflow, giving Tim a new outfit is a piece of cake.
Seeing him race around the stadium’s LED screens makes even me a soccer fan!
To promote their new label, Enviem chose to partner with various soccer clubs. Our digital character got some new shirts for his wardrobe, and he even appeared in animated content!
One example is a ring of LED screens around the field. Enviem asked us to animate their characters driving around the field, revealing TinQE’s branding. Such a fun project!
Bringing the work into the physical world is a special process. It never gets old seeing your work appear out there in the real world. Since we’re working in 3D, we have the freedom to create images for a wide range of sizes and applications.
With a busy schedule, it’s tempting to keep on working. But sometimes, it pays off to look back at the amazing projects I’ve been part of:
With 3D animation, we’re able to peel away every layer of ConDoor’s door systems, no matter the size. The virtual environment enables ConDoor to add/remove steps, change lighting or camera angles at will.
By placing Promat products in a 3D environment, we turn technical information into a story that is easier to understand and remember.
Hi, I’m Thomas. For over 10 years, I’ve helped companies tell their stories using animations and illustrations.
I’m not an engineer, but I’m able to quickly grasp complex material so we can focus on telling the best story possible.
But more importantly? Making your product shine.
Your product deserves the spotlight, but is easily buried in tiresome PowerPoints and technical PDFs.
Together we tell stories engineers believe and customers attract.
Plain and simple: I help visualize your story. No matter the technique, software or application. During the concept-phase I discover who you are and what you’re trying to say.
Then the sketching starts: together we look for the right story to tell, while keeping your client central to everything. In this collaborative process you see the story taking shape, with plenty of room for input and change.
With my background in Interaction Design, I’m trained to keep the target audience central to my creative decisions. Before (and during) the creation of anything visual, I ask myself: ‘Who is this for?’ and ‘How can we best achieve the desired result?’.
I’m not an expert in your field, but I don’t need to be; curiosity is all that matters. I talk with your engineers, to make sure our story is accurate and believable.
But first and foremost: I’m in love with animation as a craft; bringing something static to live is always a great joy!
Depending on the briefing, the lead time varies between 4 – 6 weeks. If you have a tight deadline, we can always discuss getting priority on my schedule.
A typical animation follows these steps:
As a freelance 3D animator, I’m able to communicate and process feedback incredibly fast. No need for a complicated onboarding process; we can start almost immediately.
Clients repeatedly express their pleasant surprise on my respond-time; having direct communication makes sure we can move fast, while achieving high-quality results.
