MXL: On-Air Packaging using Processing
brand & Motion
brand & Motion
In this 2-week project, we focused on the theme of „Dynamic Identity“ with support of Studio LAFKON. We conceptualized and created a visual, moving package for the MXL that on the one hand holds its diverse content, projects and formats together in a recognizable and concise way and on the other hand reflects the experimental and lively character of the Motion Experience Lab at Köln International School of Design. These are some colorful and extremely fun to make animated posters created while experimenting with Studio Lafkon's Petter.
The program automatically asigns random names to the current experiment, I had up to 150 different names! These are some posters I experimented with Casie, Al and Gilles.
The aim of this two-week short-term project was to craft an introduction, an opening sequence, three bumpers, and a closing segment. The purpose was to have these elements ready to serve as On-air-package for the Best of curated gallery projects at Motion Experience Lab in KISD. For that, we focused on learning and using Petter, an open-code Processing based platform created by Benjamin Stephan at Studio LAFKON and combining this technique with the use of Adobe After Effects and Premiere. We first started using Petter to create different patterns and combinations from simple shapes, colors and objects and then, mainly typography.
Even though I joined this project with previous experience in Motion Design, the most demanding aspects for me were: 1) the limited time frame given (just two weeks) and 2) the tools available for me to use at that moment. I was working with a hardly operational MacBook from 2011, equipped with only 512GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. However, by the project’s conclusion, I successfully managed to create an on-air package comprising nearly 7 short videos. These videos were animated and edited using Petter, After Effects and Premiere.
The biggest challenge for creatives is battling budget constraints—whether time, money, or resources—but these limitations spark resilience and ingenuity, now shaping my approach to design.
The conventional functionalities of an on-air design, paired with the use of unconventional, experimental design tools and methods, their meaningfulness, limitations and possibilities, resulted in a playful field of tension away from classic CIs. Tech and Art, Pattern, Typo and Motion Design are the ingredients – a construction kit as audiovisual red-line for the MXL identity. The Open-air package I developed was selected as the video case for the MXL projects for 3 years in a row, comprising the best projects of my motion designers colleagues at KISD! Wohoo! 🙂 the audio design: Germanys Next-Top-Motion, credits for: Balint Lanyi
As a master’s student, looking back on this journey, I can’t help but feel proud of how far I’ve come. Despite the limited resources I had to work with, I managed to exceed my own expectations. Working under pressure, although isn’t my favorite thing –and the shortage of resources- actually led me to a big breakthrough as designer and a great realization that I keep as an attitude towards design.