Welcome to DMW, the home for showcasing work created by Aaron Smillie* in partnership with his exceptional clients and work colleagues.
So, who is this website for? Well, it's for anyone looking for the aforementioned services and a place to learn more about me, hello there!. Just in case you are new to Animation, Branding or Conceptual Design I've detailed why they are important and provided some examples of the types of output I have delivered. My hope is, you'll discover why these creative tools are super valuable to your business and be inspired to communicate in new ways.
I'm able to help you in many other areas too! For the sake of brevity and your precious time, I'll just write a little list - Brand Communication and Marketing Strategies, Creative Leadership and Emerging Creative Technologies including but not limited to AI, VR, and Augmented Reality. If this is what you are looking for instead, learn more about my 20 years of experience here*. I sincerely hope this site helps you get a little closer to finding your creative partner. If you think I could add value to your business, great, my contact details are located at the bottom of this site. I look forward to hearing from you.
*Branding
So, why does branding matter really? Branding is just another tool in your business to stand out and appeal more to a specific group of people than your rivals. It's not just about having a catchy logo or a nice website; it's much more. Branding is about understanding who your customers are and creating an environment that they feel connected to. This involves using stories, messages, and the personality of the brand to influence people to buy your products or services. The visual part of a brand, like its logo, is called brand identity. Meanwhile, brand strategy is the overall plan that guides how the brand interacts and connects with its customers. The Strategy informs the identity. Client examples below...
Top* | Branding* | Communication Design* | Animation* | Aaron Smillie*
*Conceptual Design.
Why is storytelling and conceptualisation so important in the creative process? Together they are the heart and soul of impactful visual communication.
Storytelling is the process of crafting narratives that resonate with your audience, drawing them into a journey that aligns with their values and aspirations. It's about weaving a tapestry of experiences, emotions, and insights that captivate and inspire.
Conceptualisation, on the other hand, is the skill of shaping abstract ideas into tangible, relatable concepts. It involves understanding the essence of your message and translating it into a form that is both innovative and comprehensible. The magic happens when storytelling and conceptualisation work in harmony, creating a powerful vehicle for conveying ideas, sparking imagination, and fostering deeper connections with your audience. Client examples below...
Top* | Branding* | Communication Design* | Animation* | Aaron Smillie*
*Animation
So, what's the big deal about animation? Just like branding isn't only about logos and websites, animation isn't just about moving pictures. It's about bringing ideas to life, conveying value, and connecting with audiences in a way that no other medium can. Animation allows storytellers to break free from the constraints of the physical world, to visualise the abstract, and to make the imaginary feel real. It's a fusion of art, technology, and narrative that transforms how we see and understand concepts, stories, and messages. Whether it's in films, advertisements, educational content, or interactive media, animation enriches our experience and deepens our understanding. Client Clips below...
Top* | Branding* | Communication Design* | Animation* | Aaron Smillie*
Contact details: aaron@digitalmotionworkshop.com
So whats my employment history?
Production:
My career began at ITV in 2005 as a Motion Graphics Designer, where I developed my foundation in production, working on branding and information graphics. This role was a hands-on experience in all creative aspects of live television and multi-media. In 2009, I moved to Sky News, as a Realtime (Viz) 3D Designer. Here, my focus shifted to designing all breaking news "hero graphics" and specialising in Elections and Politics. Combining my skills in motion graphics with a growing interest in realtime information design and visual strategy. This role marked my transition from purely production-oriented work to more creative strategy focused tasks.
Strategy & Management:
My shift to marketing creative strategy took flight, so to speak, when i moved to Twitter in 2014 as a Brand Strategy Creative & Content Producer, while freelancing at New Scientist, my favourite publication. These roles allowed me to blend creative thinking with strategic planning culminating in taking on a management role as "Creative Controller of Entertainment Marketing" at Sky Entertainment, and then as Brand Marketing Director & Social Media Director at Healthspan. In these positions, I oversaw marketing and content strategies and multiple creative teams, combining my background in production and strategy with creative leadership and management skills. Each of these phases of my career has been integral to building a strong, authentic skill set that allows me to service my clients and employers at all levels.
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