DNS Explained Animation

My latest animation for DNS Made Easy which details the process that happens every time you enter a domain name into your browser (unless the IP address is cached, but you know what I mean). The animation currently resides here, and was designed to teach not only technical people the ins and outs of a DNS lookup, but the general public as well.

Created with Creative Suite 5 for DNS Made Easy.

Recently featured on Technorati by Mr. Curtis Silver!

Working with DNS Made Easy

Working with DNS Made Easy over the past few years has given me a tremendous opportunity to experiment with different types of motion graphics concepts. My favorite piece so far? "The Importance of DNS above. Not only has this been the most popular video on our channel, it was also the most fun and fast paced to work on. I thought a hybrid, infographic/kinetic typography approach was just the thing needed to keep this video entertaining and educational.

As for the technical end; the majority of the art was created in Adobe Illustrator with some pieces (the TV and the Monty-Python-esque politicians), done in Photoshop. All the animation was done in After Effects and the audio was processed in Adobe Audition. Be sure to check out it's static counterpart here.

We've had an overwhelmingly positive response so far, and are looking forward to creating the next one in the series, which is currently in pre-production. Check out my latest character driven piece as well if you haven't already.

It's been a really big year, so thanks to everyone who's made it special. Try to have a safe and happy holiday!

Back in the Saddle

Sorry everyone. It has been entirely too long since I've updated this poor blog. I know I've said that in the past, but I'm not certain that I ever let it sit for quite this long.

I suppose an explanation is in order (even though you've most likely deduced it on your own). Last year, around the time of my last blog post, I was working upwards of 80-90 hours a week between 4 different companies both at home and onsite. It was a fairly insane schedule and I'm only too happy to be free of it. My work with the Teaching Company came to a close soon after and I accepted a full time position as Creative Director with Tiggee LLC, branding their company DNS Made Easy. I've been with the company for over a year now and have produced a medley of animated shorts. I still do some freelance work on the side, but Tiggee is the company I work for primarily. The position has challenged me both creatively and professionally, and forced me to work outside my normal workflow a little, but it's been some of the most fun I've had in the field since I started doing this back in 2004.

Below you'll find some examples of work I produced for the company accompanied by a brief description of each piece and cast notes.

The pieces were designed in Illustrator and animated in After Effects. I was responsible for writing and reworking the scripts with edits from the company's president: Casting, directing, recording and editing the voice over: Designing and animating all characters, sets and motion graphics pieces: Also edited the spots and added music and sound effects. The voice-over artists were David Coyne, Nicole Vaka, and myself.