Each year, Henderson sends a holiday card to clients—but in a digital-first world, we wanted to create something more memorable and meaningful. I led the creation of a motion graphics video that served as our official holiday message to clients, thanking them for their partnership and highlighting the collaborative spirit of the year. The video was not only a celebration of the season, but a branded storytelling moment designed to leave a warm, lasting impression.
Role:
Motion Designer
Industry:
AEC
Duration:
7 weeks
Challenges
Create a memorable message: Ensure that it reflects our appreciation for client relationships in a fresh, engaging way.
Incorporate motion design and storytelling: Elevate the traditional year-end message.
Align the creative direction: With our brand’s tone—professional but personable, thoughtful but polished.
Design for flexibility: So the piece could be shared across platforms: email, social, and internal channels.
My Approach
Concept Development
I began by pitching a few high-level story concepts and moodboard directions. The selected approach focused on conveying warmth, connection, and gratitude—while staying grounded in Henderson’s brand identity.
Storyboarding & Design
Once the concept was approved, I created a storyboard to map out scenes and transitions. I focused on clean illustrations, festive yet on-brand colors, and subtle seasonal elements that felt elevated—not cliché.
Motion Graphics & Animation
Using After Effects, I brought the story to life with thoughtful motion design, integrating kinetic type, branded iconography, and smooth transitions to guide the viewer through the message. Special attention was given to pacing and tone, keeping the animation concise yet impactful.
Collaboration & Finalization
I worked with our internal communications team to fine-tune the script, voiceover, and timing. Once the animation was complete, I exported it in multiple formats to support distribution via email, social media, and our website.
Results
The holiday video was warmly received by clients and internal stakeholders alike. It offered a unique, personal touchpoint during a time of year that often feels saturated with generic greetings. Engagement metrics were strong across email and social channels, and the project helped reinforce Henderson’s commitment to creative, people-first communication. Most importantly, it delivered a sincere thank-you that felt thoughtful and beautifully crafted.
Conclusion
This project was a great opportunity to flex storytelling through motion design. By combining brand visuals with a heartfelt message, we created something that stood out in inboxes and timelines—a digital card that felt handcrafted. The success of this piece showed how motion design can elevate even simple messages into meaningful brand moments.
