SAUL BASS TRIBUTE
This project explores Saul Bass's approach to cinematic title design through an original 2D motion sequence. I focused on graphic shapes, limited color, dramatic contrast, and visual storytelling to create a suspenseful title sequence inspired by classic adventure films.
CONCEPT & INSPIRATION
The concept began with the idea of an ordinary person discovering something mysterious and being drawn into an unexpected adventure. I wanted the sequence to feel suspenseful and cinematic while using the simplified graphic language associated with Saul Bass.
My visual research focused on dark environments, forests, isolated points of light, mysterious objects, and dramatic silhouettes. I also selected a tense atmospheric sound track early in the process so that the visual pacing could develop alongside the audio.
The visual approach uses simplified silhouettes, strong geometric shapes, limited colors, and high contrast. These choices helped establish a sense of mystery while keeping the imagery graphic and readable in motion.
STORYBOARD DEVELOPMENT
I developed the sequence through a series of hand-drawn storyboards that established the camera movement, visual transitions, and narrative progression before production began. The storyboard follows the character from the initial driving sequence through the discovery of the key and ultimately into the title reveal.
As the sequence developed, I focused on simplifying the compositions and creating stronger visual connections between shots. The storyboard allowed me to identify opportunities for dramatic lighting, silhouette, and graphic transitions before moving into digital production.
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
After completing the storyboard, I created the visual assets in Adobe Illustrator. I simplified the environments and objects into bold graphic shapes while maintaining a limited color palette and strong contrast.
The goal was to create artwork that could be easily manipulated and animated while maintaining a cohesive visual style throughout the sequence. I also designed the title typography to feel integrated with the graphic language of the animation rather than functioning as a separate element.
PRODUCTION
I imported the Illustrator assets into Adobe After Effects and began building the sequence shot by shot. I used keyframe animation, position and scale changes, transitions, and compositing to create movement and establish the pacing of the sequence.
One of the main challenges was translating the hand-drawn storyboard into a cohesive animated sequence while maintaining the graphic simplicity of the original concept. I refined the timing and transitions throughout production to strengthen the relationship between the visuals and the soundtrack.
REVISION & REFINEMENT
During production, several shots were adjusted to improve pacing, clarity, and visual continuity. I revised timing and transitions as the sequence came together, particularly where individual scenes needed to connect more naturally to the soundtrack.
The final version reflects these adjustments while maintaining the original visual direction established during the concept and storyboard stages.
FINAL ANIMATION
The completed title sequence combines graphic design, 2D motion, sound, and visual storytelling into a cohesive cinematic sequence. This project challenged me to develop a visual language before entering production and to use animation techniques in service of the narrative rather than treating movement as decoration.
