Creative Inspiration: Jamie Caliri

We are surrounded by motion graphics daily and there are those pieces that really catch my eye.  Recently, you may have seen United Airlines new television ads.  One in particular always makes me stop and watch.

It's called "Heart" and is directed by Jamie Caliri.  Motionographer.com recently posted the ad online here:

"Heart" by Jamie Caliri

More often than not, I automatically assume that a piece is completely (or mostly) digital.  In the case of "Heart," I wondered "how did they manage to capture this beautiful aesthetic of paper with that amazing lighting and depth."

I figured it was paper that was then scanned and then animated in After Effects.

I was wrong.

I learned that Caliri also did an earlier United commercial called "Dragon."

I also recall that piece striking me and so I checked Caliri's website where I learned that both "Heart" and "Dragon" were done with paper cut outs and stop motion animation.  I was floored!  Both pieces are so amazingly graceful with impeccable camera moves and lighting.

Here are some production photos from Caliri's website:

After you've gotten a chance to watch "Heart" and "Dragon," take a moment to watch the making of video for "Dragon."  You can download it here.

In addition to the incredible craftmanship, both pieces have a captivating storyline.  I think in motion graphics and even more so in animation, it's the story that connects the audience to a visual piece.  It's all empty eye candy without the human element.

Also, I feel like a chump animating on a computer.  Caliri's work is amazing!