IKEA - Hotdog

Made in conjunction with the spot FlatPack Llama, Hotdog is one of two FPS entries into the IKEA ‘Things’ collection of animated shorts, promoting the efficiency of IKEA products the the IKEA way of thinking!  We worked under the direction of Art Practice, who came up with the initial concepts.  Hotdog is a combination of 3D and 2D, with 3D taking place in the ‘real’ world, and 2D denoting the creative world of the designer.

The design of the designer was inspired by a clean ‘Scandinavian’ aesthetic with slight Bauhaus influence, reflecting the ergonomic designs and clean lines of the IKEA brand.  By contrast, the 2D world of the hotdogs took a more traditional cartoon route with dynamic linework and forms, creating a distinct contrast between the two techniques.  It was a challenge to smoothly transition between the two worlds, and considering how we would translate 3D camera moves to a 2D space and vice versa, but a thoroughly enjoyable one that culminates into a playful product!

IKEA - Llama

Llama was one of two animated spots FPS contributed to the IKEA ‘Things’ collection of shorts.  This one focused on IKEA’s flatpack furniture, and their efficiency of storage.  The brief was to create a llama character who would be working at their desk, when suddenly the furniture around him packs away, leaving him looking satisfied.  One of the challenges was the appearance of their boxes and furniture, which had to be accurate to the company’s branding.  This involved us having close conversations with IKEA along with the directors at Art Practice as to how the furniture would fold away, how much of the packing process we show, and the structure of the boxes.  Additionally, there was the llama character, who was to have a ‘Claymation’ appearance. 

We experimented with a number of textures on the flesh and fur to achieve the final look, which had to show slight thumb marks as it he was handled by hands.  The wool was to appear textural in contrast to the skin, which involved more experimentation, ensuring the final look was cohesive.  We enjoyed adding fun little details to the motion on this short, including the llama chewing as he worked, and the little splash of coffee in the end as it falls back into the mug!