A modular animation system for Zapier designed to express the power of automation.
We partnered with Zapier to create a series of animated snippets that express the sophistication and flexibility of its automation platform. The goal was to showcase capability without feeling technical or cold. Together, we set out to build a small but impactful library that could live across channels while reflecting the breadth of Zapier’s product and the intelligence behind it.
Spot 01 - Clear your brain ↓
Life can be overwhelming. The Zapier platform promises to simplify your work life by connecting your favorite apps and automating your tasks. It's like a trusty sidekick that helps you stay on top of things so you can focus on the big picture.
For this spot, we paired two incredible BUCK artists, designer Kyle Strope and animator Johan Eriksson, to illustrate the insanity of our daily desktops in a cool, saturated, (and hectic) short filled with subtle details and glowy blooms.
Spot 02 - A whole New You ↓
“You are a lot more powerful than you think.” — this prompt from the client is what got it all started.
We came up with hundreds of visual metaphors to illustrate the idea of “becoming stronger with Zapier.” We landed on the powerful caterpillar/butterfly metamorphosis because that’s exactly what Zapier does for you — it literally turns you into a better version of yourself.
For this spot, we chose to go with a surreal yet simplified style that excited everyone, especially artist Joel Plosz who was in charge of bringing this concept to life in his epically uncanny animation.
Spot 03 - The Multitasker ↓
Know that overwhelming feeling of staring at a daunting list of tasks? Zapier automates mundane tasks, freeing up your headspace for bigger things.
For this dramatic journey, we drew inspiration from the dynamic and oh-so-emotive world of anime. Using cel animation, we crafted a frame-by-frame adventure from chaos to inner peace. Concept artist and cel animator Rodney Lambright led the way with the skilled animation direction of Thea Glad.
Spot 04 - Get time back ↓
Don't you wish you could snap your fingers and magically finish your mundane tasks, leaving you more YOU time? With Zapier, that dream becomes a reality.
This dreamy, brilliant collab between artist Twisha Patni and animator Hannah Sun resulted in a strong, surreal visual that stops you in your tracks. Vibrant, airbrush-inspired, digital painting is combined with holographic, stylized 3D techniques and extreme camera lensing in this imaginary galaxy where time moves in reverse. The deja vu is real.
Spot 05 - Endless Possibilities ↓
Zapier connects with 5,000+ apps, including the critical business tools you use every day.
For this one, we tackled the not-so-simple assignment of designing and animating a “zap-inspired” Rubik's Cube, and boi — it’s harder than you think.
Two of our 3D wizards, designer Zuheng Yin and animator Jesseter Wang, teamed up to achieve the task, resulting in a colorful, sophisticated spot.
Spot 06 - Fly through Your Work ↓
Behind the scenes, Zapier does heavy lifting, empowering you to glide through your workday like a paper airplane soaring across a cloudless sky.
To capture this feeling of frictionless efficiency, we chose designer Pierre-Nicolas Riou. His signature design and animation style brought the daily grind to life, taking you on a trippy, looping adventure that showcases the ease of Zapier's workflows.
With buttery-smooth keyframes and iconic character design (inspired by Zapier's own creative team), the animation embodies the effortless vibe that defines the Zapier experience.
