Project: Diamond Advantage

Client: Clutch Studio

Role: 2D Animator

Tools Used: After Effects

This one’s a throwback! When I first started freelancing, this was the very first project I was hired for as a 2D animator. It was a pivotal moment that made me feel confident—“Yes, I am good at this.”

Diamond Advantage, a remanufacturer of truck parts, helps keep companies on the road by providing replacement parts when things break. With their growing presence at tradeshows across the country, they needed a professional video to showcase their mission and services in their booth.

What Made This Project Special

What I loved about this project was how well it worked for a tradeshow environment—a scenario where content often falls short. The video was designed to work with or without sound:

With Sound: The voiceover provided helpful context about Diamond Advantage’s services.
Without Sound: The visuals alone were clear enough for anyone walking by to understand what Diamond Advantage offers.

Even attendees who didn’t want to chat with a sales rep could still learn about the company’s offerings and walk away knowing how to reach out when they were ready. This self-educating approach is something many companies overlook when creating tradeshow content.

What Made This Project Special

What I loved about this project was how well it worked for a tradeshow environment—a scenario where content often falls short. The video was designed to work with or without sound:

With Sound: The voiceover provided helpful context about Diamond Advantage’s services.
Without Sound: The visuals alone were clear enough for anyone walking by to understand what Diamond Advantage offers.

Even attendees who didn’t want to chat with a sales rep could still learn about the company’s offerings and walk away knowing how to reach out when they were ready. This self-educating approach is something many companies overlook when creating tradeshow content.

My Role

Clutch Studios provided the storyboards and assets, and my job was to bring everything to life. Here’s how I approached it:

Rebuilding Graphics from Scratch:
Using the Photoshop mockups as a starting point, I recreated all the graphics in After Effects, ensuring every detail—from fonts and shapes to colors and sizes—was spot on.
Emphasizing Contrast:
The design relied heavily on contrast to grab and hold attention. From white text on black backgrounds to shifts in size, movement, and even inverted colors, every element was crafted to keep eyes on the screen for as long as possible.
Collaborating and Fine-Tuning:
Working alongside Clutch’s creative director, we refined every detail of the animation. I pride myself on being upbeat and collaborative during revisions, ensuring the client gets the best possible result without unnecessary friction.

The Outcome

The final video delivered exactly what Diamond Advantage needed:

Attention-Grabbing Visuals: The bold design stood out on a busy tradeshow floor.
Clear Messaging: The video effectively communicated the company’s services, even without sound.
Memorability: The content left a lasting impression, encouraging potential customers to take action.

This project holds a special place in my heart as my first freelance gig and a reminder of how impactful tradeshow content can be when done right. If you’re looking for a 2D animator or need tradeshow-specific content, I’d love to help!

Contact.