Project: Van 106

Client: The Good Kids

Role: 2D Animator

Tools Used: After Effects

Van 106 Logo Animation

A few years back, I teamed up with The Good Kids Branding Agency (TGKs) in Bismarck, ND, to help rebrand Van 106, a grip and lighting company in Hollywood, CA. TGKs wanted an animated logo that captured the company’s vibe: fast, reliable, and able to deliver gear wherever it’s needed.

The concept was simple but fun: a van speeding through iconic landscapes, showing off Van 106’s ability to hustle and get the job done.

Collaboration and Concept Development

Ben, one of TGKs’ co-founders, led the design work, while I handled the animation side of things. We started with storyboards, ironing out the details to make sure the motion felt smooth and natural. Early on, we hit a snag: the van moved left-to-right, but the final logo transitioned the opposite way. It looked fine on paper but felt off in motion. So, we reworked it, keeping everything flowing left-to-right, and it clicked perfectly.

Animation Process

Once the storyboards were finalized, it was time to bring the animation to life. Using Joysticks and Sliders in Adobe After Effects, I rigged the van to capture the lively, bumpy feel of driving down a dirt road. To dial up the action, we added a dramatic moment: the van hits a rock, the door flies open (animated frame-by-frame for extra impact), gear tumbles out, and the van barrels forward—because, let’s be honest, nothing’s stopping us from making that shoot on time!

The devil was in the details. The suspension rocked with every bump, light swept across the glass and logo, and dust naturally billowed from the tires. These subtle touches didn’t just add polish—they made the animation feel alive and authentic.

Outcome and Recognition

The final animation nailed it: dynamic, memorable, and true to Van 106’s brand. It was so well-received that TGKs submitted it to the North Dakota AAF Awards, where it won Best in Show 2022. (I even got my own trophy!)

This project was a blast. It’s a perfect example of how great design and thoughtful animation can turn a simple idea into something that really sticks. It was also a reminder of how much fun it is to collaborate with talented folks like Ben and TGKs to create work that makes a real impact.

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