Branching Out

Animated Short Film by Nikhil Misra

While on its surface this is a metaphor for finding one’s own path no matter how unconventional, the project was inspired by my interest in institutionalization and obstacles that artists face; navigating a path unique from ‘standard’ professions to overcome societal expectations. Using different mediums for each stage of the journey, this animation was an experiment in symbolizing how creative work ultimately permeates the perspectives of every industry, and how each can accomplish more by branching out to other fields.

Storyboard

Ideation

Design

For sequence of the artist flowers’ journey, I wanted to explore different mediums. From the all-is-lost point where it wilts and falls (Digital - Gouache) to finding its own unconventional route in a cold underground, forming a foundational root network and navigating toward the sunlight (Stop-Motion), to it’s emergence and growth (Traditional - Watercolor), and its blossoming and circulation (Traditional - Acrylic).

I created these vector flower graphics with the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. Their boxy design is intended to portray rigidity and structure, and emphasize contrast with the artist flower's free-flowing form. These flowers represent more traditional professions that are '“in the sunlight” from the outset, seemingly receiving the most encouragement and approval from society. They follow a proven, perhaps conventional route, but as their colorful transformations indicate - any profession can benefit and grow by embracing creativity, art, and branching out to other disciplines.

Stop Motion (Outside in the Snow)

This stop-motion sequence was completed outside in the snow, with rocks, leaves, and eco-friendly paint in an experimental multimedia animation style intended to reflect the main character’s own unconventional path through a cold underground filled with obstacles.

Key Frames

Background Painting