Fourth Year Studio

My day job as an intern architect typically keeps me busy with drawing, coordination, and sometimes actually designing but in December I have the opportunity to design our firm holiday card.  Last year (click CDP holiday card 2009) was the first time we switched from a traditional envelope and stamp card to an online version.  I have been thinking, for longer than I probably should, on how to build off the same character of last year’s but make this one even better. You may disagree if it is better, but I can assure you it was more complicated. Turn on your sound, sit back in your seat and enjoy this small break in your day.

What does this woodland scene have to do with architecture you might ask? As designers we are thinking year round about how to improve the spaces of others and during the holidays it becomes even more important to be sure you are surrounded by loved ones and decor help you feel comfortable and cozy. These little squirrels are improving their space too and working darn hard to do it, I respect their persistence and attention to detail.

How was this possible?  I designed the scene in Illustrator.  Then I separated each frame out in order to create the illusion of movement, in a similar fashion to a flip-book. Chris, a co-worker, used Flash to thread the scenes together.  There he added the zoom effect, falling snow, and the Nutcracker tune.  It is a really fun way to touch base with our clients and friends as well as make new ones. My hope is for it to put a smile on your face while “gearing you up” for the chilly winter and Happy New Year.  For more information about CDP (Cockrill Design & Planning) please visit their site.

Enjoy!