Timeline and Motion Graphics Presentation

A freelance client was celebrating his mother’s centennial birthday and needed something extraordinary and show-stopping. For Sara Nelson’s centennial birthday celebration at the Williamsburg Inn, I unleashed every bit of my creative insanity for her milestone event. I created two unique pieces: I designed a massive 156” x 42” x 48” timeline display (timeline and the display structure) as well as a companion 12-minute video of her first 100 years. I’ve always wanted to design a “museum style” piece, and this event offered me such an opportunity.

The Timeline Graphic

The timeline graphic was 156” long by 42” wide and printed on a large-format HP printer. The top section of the timeline outlined significant world events and the bottom half details personal events. At the very top of the graphic was substantial decade achievements. Among other design elements, ghosted in the background was Sara’s signature.

See hi-res timeline PNG graphic

Every year on the timeline featured a physical year-specific penny while milestone years had year-specific quarters or gold dollars.

The mad scientist and his work.

Structure Design and Construction:

The structure was 156” long x 42” wide x 48” tall and was built out of the AGAM Modular System. I chose the frame to be a “historical” brown/aged copper powder coating that vaguely matched the center penny line.

Early conceptual sketch for the industrial designer to begin physical frame brainstorming.

The timeline structure as it was first built after fabrication.

Motion Graphics Presentation:

A chronological summary motion graphics presentation celebrating Sara Nelson's remarkable first 100 years. Originally shown December 6, 2013 to a group of close family and friends during Sara's centennial birthday party.

The event at the Williamsburg Inn East Ballroom featured a projection of the motion graphics presentation.

Credit and LInks:

Structural Design Collaboration: Alexandra Hart, Industrial Designer
More Information: Motion Graphics Presentation Vimeo Link

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