Motion Designer and Vancouver Film School Digital Design alum Arm Sattavorn and is just one of many artists who brought creative flare to the Paris Olympics this past summer. Contracted by NBC, Arm created animations and motion graphics for NBC Sports broadcasts that captured the rich art & architectural history of Paris and showcased a variety of events & anticipated matchups during the games. The result was truly incredible.
It’s been over 125 years since the first Olympic Games took place in Athens Greece. To this day, The Olympics remains one of the most anticipated global events, growing in size and magnitude with each new competition. Just this past summer in Paris, both kayak and break dancing made their official Olympics debut, and a variety of changes were implemented to a handful of other sports including boxing, sailing, track and field, and more.
Of course, the athletes are always the highlight, but there is so much creative work being done behind the scenes by some incredible artists to bring this event to life, including Arm’s motion graphics work, seen here:
But how did this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity come about? In 2023, Arm was contacted by David Barton, VP of Creative at NBC Sports, to be part of a larger project that the company was working on to air during The Olympics. Arm was a huge fan of the concept and art direction which was described as ‘art de vivre, chic, sport + style, delight, whimsy, inclusive, humanity, beauty, and elegance.’ Talk about a vision! The end product aired across NBC, Peacock, their cable networks (USA, CNBC, E!), and more, and even included its own social media package.
“If you removed the sports aspect from this package, it could be used for a very chic fashion channel” Arm comments. “It isn’t the typical masculine and flashy style we usually see for sports programs.” This is very refreshing to see indeed.
Suffice to say, Arm jumped at the chance to work for one of television’s foremost broadcasters on a project surrounding one of the largest (if not the largest) global phenomena. Arm explains that part of his role was to set the tone and motion direction for the game highlights and promo videos. Luckily, he was supplied beautiful artwork by talented illustrators. Arm asked himself: “How can I emphasize the illustrations and create a feeling that makes the artwork feel alive?”
As Arm began to come up with ideas to do exactly that, he would sketch them out to create a rough storyboard which helped him flesh out these concepts and discover any hidden angles or potential obstacles that might arise. His process involved playing with ‘rhythm and tempo’ and looking for interesting ways to translate the action of each specific sport into animation.
He cites beach volleyball as a particularly challenging sport; having received only one illustration, Arm still wanted to create fun motion that would simultaneously look good and recreate the same tension you would feel watching or playing volleyball. “It was hard to wrap my head round the scope and scale of the project” Arm comments, looking back on the experience. “At the end of the day, I’m very happy with what I accomplished on the project.”
Arm Sattavorn’s motion graphic work highlighted a variety of Olympic events including ‘Women’s Beach Volleyball’, ‘Men’s Hurdles’, and ‘Rhythmic Gymnastics’.The most recent subject of our Vancouver Film School alumni success stories, Arm spoke with us at length about his motion graphics techniques on this project, but also about his experience as a Vancouver Film School student, his career in motion design, and what lies in store for the digital design industry:
How was your experience attending VFS?
My VFS experience was an important chapter of my life. It was very fun and challenging, and I learned a lot – and not just from the classes, but also from my peers around me. The environment and my classmates during my time at VFS set me in a creative learning mode. I also made good friends from my program and other programs at VFS who were passionate and motivated. The feeling lifted me up and pushed me to make my own work better.
As an international student from Thailand, I found the Digital Design program helped me see the clear picture of the industry, gave me all the tools and training and all the skills the industry wanted, and most importantly, connected me with the industry. It was a perfect transition into the North American animation industry.
What have been some career highlights for you?
I’ve worked with a lot of studios that are well known in the industry, and a lot of well-known brands. But what matters most to me is focusing on the fun stuff in each project because that’s why I love what I do. The fun and excitement of doing animation and motion design is my passion, and the bonus is getting to work with great clients and make an income doing what I love. For each project, I always remind myself to focus on creating something fun because that is what really satisfies me.
How do you view the current state of the digital design industry? What can current & future designers expect?
In the music industry they say: ‘No one can tell you how to write a hit song!’ These days, we have a lot of different influences in the industry and many styles to pick from for the message you want to share and the story you want to tell. It can feel overwhelming and even stressful to keep up with the different style trends and try to predict where the industry is going. The best advice I can share is to stay true to yourself and it will make you excited to create.
Any advice for aspiring designers?
Accept who you are and let the fun lead you!
Aspiring designers – ready to launch your motion design career? Discover how VFS’s Digital Design program can fully train you for opportunities like the Olympics. Your vibrant career in graphic design, motion design, or UX/UI design is just 1 short year away! And, view other success stories and digital design industry trends from VFS’s Digital Design alum, including our blog on digital marketing agency Dark Igloo and alum Joy Richu’s design of Coca-Cola’s Wozzaah.
FAQ
1. What is motion design in the Olympics?
Motion design in the Olympics involves creating animated visual content to enhance the broadcast and digital presentation of the games. This can include:
- Event graphics: Animations showcasing specific sports, scores, or schedules.
- Opening sequences: Stunning visuals to introduce the games or specific segments.
- Storytelling animations: Highlight reels or recaps featuring dynamic motion graphics to illustrate key moments.
- Thematic design: Animations that reflect the host city’s culture, art, and architecture.
For example, NBC Sports' Paris Olympics featured motion designs inspired by the elegance and history of Paris, using animation to bring the event's spirit to life across television, streaming, and social media platforms.
2. How can I start a career in motion graphics?
Starting a career in motion graphics involves a mix of education, hands-on experience, and building a strong portfolio. Here’s how:
- Learn the Basics:
Study design principles, animation, and storytelling. Tools like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Blender are industry standards. - Get Formal Training:
Enrol in specialized programs like Vancouver Film School’s Digital Design program to gain professional skills and industry insights. - Build a Portfolio:
Create a diverse portfolio showcasing motion graphics projects, including branding, broadcast design, and personal projects. - Network and Gain Experience:
Intern with studios, attend design conferences, and collaborate with peers. Freelance work can also help build credibility. - Stay Updated:
Motion design trends evolve quickly. Stay current by learning new tools and keeping an eye on industry leaders.
3. What programs does Vancouver Film School offer for motion designers?
Vancouver Film School offers the Digital Design program, a comprehensive 1-year program designed for aspiring motion designers and digital creators.
Key Features of the Program:
- Specialized Training: Students choose to specialize in motion design, UX/UI design, or graphic design.
- Industry Mentorship: Training is provided by master instructors and mentors pulled directly from the design industry.
- Hands-On Projects: Work on real-world projects for existing companies, including branding, broadcast graphics, and app interfaces projects. Past students created a virtual training centre for Tesla!
- Portfolio Development: Graduate with a professional-quality portfolio that showcases your skills and will serve as your industry calling card.
- Industry Connections: Gain access to an ever-growing alumni network for career opportunities and industry recruitment events.
Graduates of this program have worked for some of the world’s most prominent creative tech companies & studios, including Henry Chu (Senior Designer at Microsoft), Julien Herras (Sr. Lead Experience Designer at EA), and Hugo Carillo & Jorge Leon Salas (META).