LA Olympics
Design Challenges
Partnering with Hailey McMahon, we designed a fresh visual package for the 68th Grammy Awards, including an updated show open and a modernized logo. The focus was on creating a stylish, energetic aesthetic that reflected the prestige and excitement of the event. The new graphics set the stage for a memorable broadcast, giving the show a bold, contemporary identity that resonated with music fans worldwide.
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Softwares Used:
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Illustrator
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After Effects
Credits:
Design and Animators:
Teja Hickenbottom
Research
The Grammy Awards exist to recognize excellence in the recording arts and to honor the creative voices shaping the music industry. Through extensive research, we explored the Recording Academy’s mission to support and advocate for music creators, celebrate their artistic contributions, and inspire future generations of music professionals. This understanding informed our visual direction, ensuring that the design reflected both the prestige of the Grammys and the passion that drives the music community.
Concept
Ocean Waves
Waves have energy, rhythm, and motion of the Pacific Ocean serving as a metaphor for the flow of athletic power, unity, and cultural movement across Los Angeles.
Abstract Architecture
This LA Olympic concept is bold, modern interrelation of the iconic city’s identity, drawing inspiration from the abstract forms and geometric rhythm of Los Angeles architecture.
Color
Vibrant duo of red and orange that radiates bold energy and warmth-perfect for capturing the dynamic spirit of Los Angeles Each Color of the gradiant should cover 50% of each side of the logo. No other color shold be a gradiant . The Red should always be at the bottom and the orange at the top.
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Logo Exploration
Logo Final
Animation
Second Pass
For our second meeting with the director, we introduced a transition to enhance overall continuity. However, we still encountered challenges in creating a smooth lead into the final lockup, which continued to feel abrupt. Additional feedback included removing the ripple effect on the Grammy and incorporating a moving hold on the lockup to maintain consistent energy throughout the sequence.
First Pass
After completing the style frames, we produced a 5-second opening animation. However, in a review with the director, we agreed that the three separate cuts felt disjointed and lacked the cohesive, fluid motion established in the animation.
Third Pass
In the third version, we introduced a circular transition into the final lockup, but it created a visual disconnect. To resolve this, we added a matching transition between the first and second scenes to create a more cohesive flow. We also extended the final frame by half a second and included a transition out of the opening to better reflect how the piece would appear in broadcast. Lastly, we planned to center the logo and Grammy icon to create a stronger sense of alignment and unity.
Lower Third Animation
First Pass
In our initial review of the lower thirds, we were asked to give more emphasis to the name and category. While those adjustments were made, there were still concerns regarding the readability, the layering of graphic elements, and the overall lack of exaggeration in the movement, which needed further refinement.
Final Pass
Based on the feedback we received, we emphasized the circular motion by introducing a more pronounced ripple effect. We also increased the scale of the typography and aligned the animation of the “Album of the Year” logo with that rhythm to maintain consistency and cohesion across the full package.
Album of the Year Animation
First Pass
In our initial review of the lower thirds, we were asked to give more emphasis to the name and category. While those adjustments were made, there were still concerns regarding the readability, the layering of graphic elements, and the overall lack of exaggeration in the movement, which needed further refinement.
Final Pass
Based on the feedback we received, we emphasized the circular motion by introducing a more pronounced ripple effect. We also increased the scale of the typography and aligned the animation of the “Album of the Year” logo with that rhythm to maintain consistency and cohesion across the full package.
Background Animation
Second Pass
For our second meeting with the director, we introduced a transition to enhance overall continuity. However, we still encountered challenges in creating a smooth lead into the final lockup, which continued to feel abrupt. Additional feedback included removing the ripple effect on the Grammy and incorporating a moving hold on the lockup to maintain consistent energy throughout the sequence.
Third Pass
In the third version, we introduced a circular transition into the final lockup, but it created a visual disconnect. To resolve this, we added a matching transition between the first and second scenes to create a more cohesive flow. We also extended the final frame by half a second and included a transition out of the opening to better reflect how the piece would appear in broadcast. Lastly, we planned to center the logo and Grammy icon to create a stronger sense of alignment and unity.
First Pass
After completing the style frames, we produced a 5-second opening animation. However, in a review with the director, we agreed that the three separate cuts felt disjointed and lacked the cohesive, fluid motion established in the animation.
Technical Execution
Our overall technical process involved using a Cinema 4D emitter combined with a field force and tracer to create particle strands that emit light. These glowing strands became a key visual element, serving as a dynamic and expressive “character” within the final piece.
For the lower thirds animation, we used After Effects to blend circular motion with ripple inspired vector elements, creating a sense of rhythm and flow. To capture the signature gold aesthetic, we applied textured gold overlays to the text and outer ring using masking techniques. Additional glow effects were layered onto select rings and the featured artist’s name in this case, Bruno Mars to bring warmth, depth, and visual emphasis to the composition.
Final Deliverables
