ENMAX is a Canadian company based in Alberta. It provides electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy services across the province. They wanted to explain the new hybrid system for their power plants, where batteries and natural gas turbines work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the need for the gas turbine to run while on standby.
Style
The client wanted a 2D animation explainer video with simple illustrations and a limited color palette. To start, I researched and created two moodboards, with one being more minimalistic and less colorful than the other. The client selected the simpler option and I proceeded to create a storyboard based on the script.
Moodboard 1
Moodboard 2
Storyboard
Storyboard
I use Google Slides to create pitch decks for my presentations. It is useful because the client can add comments. Here is the link to my pitch deck template.
After receiving feedback and making changes, I began creating the illustrations using Adobe Illustrator.
The main color of the ENMAX visual identity is red, and I overused it in my illustrations. The first feedback I received was to replace the red with other colors from the visual identity.
Animation
I animated this project using Adobe After Effects. To bring the assets from Adobe Illustrator into Adobe After Effects, I utilized the Overlord plugin. This plugin allows me to transfer assets from Adobe Illustrator to Adobe After Effects in one-click.
To animate some of my illustrations, I used the Trim Paths shape attribute. This attribute allows you to animate the start, end, and offset of a path.
Here is an example of how I utilized the Trim Paths shape attribute. I also added a parallax movement to give a sense of depth.
If you want to learn how I created this smoky power plant animation, feel free to download the AE project and dive into it.