Swift Logistics Animation: A Creative Journey through Shipping Methods

An Innovative Animation by Ben & Anvil

The inspiration behind Swift Logistics Animation stems from the modernist use of a limited palette. The cohesive project features innovative and vibrant colors that differ from the actual colors of the depicted items. This deliberate choice ensures that the animation's images are perceived as symbols or icons rather than mere graphical representations. The limited palette also serves as a running theme throughout the animation, tying all the elements together.

What sets Swift Logistics Animation apart from others is its ability to convey the essence of a logistics company's operations in a concise and visually appealing manner. The animation begins with a blue backdrop and six circles that transform into a box for delivery. The box is then sealed and morphs back into circles, which subsequently transform into a van. The van, complete with bouncing boxes in the back, then transforms into an airplane that sways from side to side, simulating flight. Finally, the airplane becomes a door that opens to reveal the package on a doorstep, which seamlessly transforms into the shipping company's logo.

Ben & Anvil brought this animation to life using the Adobe Creative Suite. The team utilized Illustrator and Photoshop for the initial design and composition, and then seamlessly integrated the elements in After Effects. Movement was a crucial aspect of the animation, ensuring that the symbols appeared dynamic rather than static. To maintain viewer interest, each element was given a bounce or sway. The choice of an upbeat and light audio track further enhances the sense of fun and excitement.

Swift Logistics Animation was rendered in a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio, adding a touch of cinematic flair to the project. The animation was completed within a week in May 2015, showcasing the team's efficiency and dedication to delivering high-quality work.

The underlying research for this animation focused on conveying the idea of various shipping methods working together to deliver a package. The limited palette and seamless transformations effectively communicate this concept. By utilizing simple vector shapes with similar styles in their angles and design simplicity, Ben & Anvil achieved a graphical and illustrative look that perfectly captures the essence of the animation.

The design process presented its own set of challenges. Creating images that were equally similar in detail was crucial to maintain a cohesive set. Additionally, the team had to strategically place colors to ensure each element had equal proportions of the palette, further enhancing the sense of unity. Breaking up each image and seamlessly transitioning it into the next required careful consideration to keep the animation fresh and engaging.

Swift Logistics Animation is a testament to Ben & Anvil's creativity and expertise in the field of animation and visual communication. This Dublin-based Creative Post Production business has successfully crafted a concise and visually captivating animation that effectively showcases the many methods of shipping employed by a logistics company.

This animation, created by Daniel Cantwell and Ailbhe Cantwell, has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2016 in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

Image Credits: Daniel Cantwell, 2015

Video Credits: Daniel Cantwell, 2015