The Unbreakable Bond: Sports and Animation

What do nerds and sports may have in common? Well, we're here to prove that illustrators, designers and artists can actually like sports and enjoy working on sport-related projects. Responding to this query is our Brand Manager, Valentina Zardini , sharing insights on this topic.

Sports and animation, two seemingly disparate worlds, share an intricate and often overlooked connection. While sports are rooted in physical prowess and competition, animation delves into the realm of imagination and creativity. Despite their apparent differences, these two disciplines share a fundamental commonality – the power of storytelling and the ability to transport audiences to extraordinary realms.

Storytelling: the common thread

At their core, both sports and animation excel in the art of storytelling. Sports narratives often revolve around the triumphs and tribulations of athletes, their unwavering determination, and the unbreakable bonds of teamwork. They inspire us with tales of overcoming adversity, pushing limits, and achieving greatness.

Animation, on the other hand, has the boundless potential to craft fantastical worlds, introduce captivating characters, and weave intricate narratives that defy the boundaries of reality. One of the challenges in animation is to portray the right characters in the perfect environment to deliver an engaging story, with a goal in mind: embracing what the client wants to tell in the video, using a consistent visual language.

Talking about consistency, we had so much fun working on SailGP x Near, where we had the chance to play with pixel art, creating a story made of people, for people. A style chosen by the client, that we really appreciate.

Amplifying emotions and experiences

Both sports and animation possess an innate ability to amplify emotions and experiences. Sports, with its adrenaline-fueled moments, crowd reactions, and the thrill of competition, evoke a surge of excitement, passion, and sometimes, even heartbreak. Animation, with its ability to exaggerate expressions, manipulate perspectives, and create immersive environments, can intensify emotions to a level that surpasses reality.

That's exactly one of the aspects we liked the most about "Puma - Sport for Change". The task was "simple": we had to convey the topics of inclusion and education in a catchy video. First we focused on character illustration and animation and then on the different backgrounds.

Connecting with audiences on a deeper level

The shared ability to tell compelling stories and evoke powerful emotions allows both sports and animation to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Sports enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the stories of individual athletes, the camaraderie of teams, and the sheer joy of competition. Animator studios, through their creativity and technical prowess, craft stories that entertain, inspire, and sometimes even challenge our perceptions of the world.

How could we forget the work made with Dude for eBay and the joy we felt talking about female empowerment in sports?

Conclusion

Sports and animation studios, though seemingly distinct, share a profound connection. Both disciplines excel in the art of storytelling, have the power to amplify emotions and experiences, and connect with audiences on a deep level.

Their symbiotic relationship has given rise to a vibrant genre of sports animation, showcasing the limitless possibilities of storytelling through the fusion of athletics and creativity. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and immersive forms of sports animation, further blurring the lines between reality and creativity.

To start a new project just email [email protected] so that we can make the magic happen. Thanks.