“Imagine This”
ART DIRECTION | STORYBOARDING | ANIMATION | editing
This animated short traces Kamala Harris’s journey from her upbringing in an immigrant family through her career in public service and into the national spotlight. I led art direction, storyboarding, and animation, and collaborated closely with the illustrator to design each visual stage of her life through evolving environments, wardrobe, and lighting.
The piece was developed with a continuous, center-framed visual language inspired by Wes Anderson, aging Kamala over time without cutting away from her. The character style drew inspiration from Hair Love and The Proud Family, paired with a inspiring and uplifting score to support the narrative of resilience and ambition told through a Black woman’s voice.
My contributions included visual direction, motion design and animation, scene layout, pacing, character evolution, and ensuring the transitions felt fluid as Kamala grows throughout the film.
Storyboard
A major touchpoint for the video was a photo by Todd Heisler (The New York Times) of Kamala’s niece watching her speak from the audience. That image inspired the final illustration in the spot, capturing the sense of possibility and admiration we wanted to evoke.
Writer: Mike Peters
Narrator: Yvette Nicole Brown
Illustrator: Dennis Quiñones
Art Direction, Motion Design & Animation, Storyboarding, Editing: Motion Mami