The Art Assignment
Art + Motion
THE BRIEF
Spillt brought us into a series within Complexly’s The Art Assignment, a show that explores art and art history through what is happening today. While Spillt provided scripts and selected artwork for each episode, we were brought in to interpret the material in a way that felt handcrafted, clear, and understandable.
The brief called for speed, accuracy, and a consistent voice across many small parts. Adopt the look, build the motion language, and deliver a set of pieces that support the host, not overshadow her.
THE TEAM
Creative Direction Josh Blair
Motion Design Josh Blair
Our Approach
We established a motion system that reads as tactile and human. Drawing from collages, cut paper, and a subtle stop-frame feel we added slight jitters to remind the viewer this is art in the hand, not just pixels on a screen. This style supported three themes across the episodes; Originality and Authenticity (including how AI intersects with authorship), Why Art is Expensive, and Art and Activism.
Working with Spillt’s scripts and episode assets, we produced three to four short animations per episode, along with a longer tangent explainers for each.
What we produced
3 episodes supported in total
3 to 4 short animations per episode, on top of live footage or as full screen graphics
3 long form tangents
Creative devices
Collage layers, cut edges, and paper textures
Intentional frame jitter for a stop-frame feel
Bold color fields for emphasis, with restrained transitions
OUTCOMES
Clear, handcrafted visuals that supported dense scripts without slowing the viewer.
Consistent style across three episodes and the greater channel as a whole.
Fast review cycles. Most shorts approved in a single pass, tangents cleared in two on average.
Smooth partnership with Spillt, from request intake to delivery and final approvals.
Stills and a short reel available to demonstrate the tangents and overall approach.
Have an explainer that needs clarity, not confusion?
