SOFTWARE
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
MY ROLE
Independent Motion Designer
Illustrator
Video Editor
DELIVERABLES
Concept Development
Storyboarding
Illustration & Asset Creation
Motion Design
Video Editing
TOOLS & CREDITS
Music: "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"
Performed by Nancy Sinatra
Originally written and performed by Cher (1966 recording)
Envato Elements (licensed subscription assets & mockups)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Bang Bang is a conceptual motion graphic music video created through illustration, animation, compositing, and visual storytelling. Inspired by Nancy Sinatra's iconic recording of the classic song, the project reimagines the track through a vintage western-inspired visual language that combines bold graphic shapes, stylized characters, and cinematic scene transitions.
The goal was to translate the rhythm, tension, and emotional progression of the song into a cohesive visual narrative rather than simply illustrating the lyrics. Each scene was designed to support the music through movement, pacing, visual contrast, and carefully timed transitions, creating a sense of anticipation and building toward the song's dramatic moments.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
The visual direction draws from retro western film imagery while incorporating a playful, graphic interpretation of the song's themes of rivalry, confidence, and nostalgia. Character silhouettes, western-inspired environments, typography, and illustrated assets were developed to create a distinctive visual world that could shift between quieter moments and more energetic sequences.
The project began with storyboard development and visual planning to establish the narrative flow, composition, and timing of each scene. Original illustrations and supporting graphic elements were then developed and brought together through compositing and animation in Adobe After Effects. Movement, transitions, and pacing were refined in relation to the music to create a finished piece that demonstrates how motion design can turn a familiar song into an original visual experience.
PROCESS
The concept for Bang Bang was inspired by the visual style of Kill Bill and developed through research into music-driven motion graphics. I wanted to create a piece that relied heavily on typography, using black-and-white imagery, 1960s-inspired design elements, and carefully timed animation to bring the lyrics and rhythm of the song to life.
The process focused on translating specific lyrics into visual moments, allowing the typography itself to become the main storytelling element. For example, the phrase “the church bells rang” transforms into a church created from the lyrics, with “rang” becoming the bell, while the repeated “bang bang” lyrics inspired a clock design featuring bullet holes that appear with the beat.
Color was used sparingly as an intentional contrast, creating emphasis at key moments while maintaining the overall monochromatic aesthetic. The final animation combines typography, illustration, timing, and movement to create a cinematic sequence that reflects the song’s energy, attitude, and retro-inspired style.
GALLERY
Let's make some noise.
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