elston - who else?

Our brief for this project was to create a CG sequence of designs embroidered onto business suit-style fabrics, conveying the sophistication of a professional, trusted, high-end financial services company. And boy did we leap at it with enthusiasm. 

We created a custom embroidery simulation for the project in Houdini that was the result of hours of research into embroidery techniques. Stitch angles, thread size and density plus a restricted colour palette, were all tested to establish the most legible and believable combination of variables.

The Process 

1. Interpret client script and storyboard.
2. Propose alternative imagery and present revised storyboard and animatic.
3. Research embroidery stitching, and begin development of CG embroidery setup and process. 4. Finalise design elements to be embroidered.
5. Refine close-up look of fabric weave and detailed stitching.
6. Animate camera and “magical” stitching.
7. Light and render scenes.
8. Final compositing and colour grade.

The team

Client: Elston
Communications Director: Peter Goodall

Design and Animation by SQUEAK
Creative Director / VFX Supervisor: Zenon Kohler 
Team: Matt Crump, Ross Macpherson 
Animation Producer: Jessica Vines 

Post Production by Cutting Edge
Music Composition: Mark McDuff
Sound Designer: Mike Lange
Post Producer: Izzy O'Rorke