For this brand video project, we imagined an immersive and visually captivating 2D animation that would reflect the cultural and iconic status of the Aperol Spritz.

The Pre-production for 2D Animation

Our journey began with a deep dive into the conceptualization of a graphic universe that could bring this renowned Venetian cocktail to life in a unique and refreshing way. In our initial brainstorming sessions, the idea of “diving into a cocktail glass” naturally bubbled up, embodying the lighthearted and bubbly nature of the drink itself. This concept not only captured the spirit of the Aperol Spritz but also presented a creative challenge: how to translate the visual appeal of the drink, with its sparkling Prosecco, sparkling water, and Aperol, into a narrative experience. We were tasked with crafting a brand video that would make viewers feel like they were immersing themselves in the vibrant world of the Spritz.

Our creative directors approached this project with a clear vision, using the Spritz’s iconic orange hue as the foundation for the entire animation. The bright and refreshing color palette extended from the signature Aperol orange to lighter shades of citrus, mimicking the natural tones found in fresh oranges. This careful choice of colors not only connected the 2D animation to the Aperol brand but also evoked the energy and warmth of summer.

We wanted the design to reflect the effortless charm of the European aperitivo culture, which is central to the Aperol lifestyle. To bring this to life, we imagined a glamorous character—a young woman lounging on a sun-drenched terrace, enjoying her Spritz. Through extensive character design research, we carefully developed her look, style, and proportions, ensuring that she embodied the laid-back yet sophisticated attitude of the brand.

At the heart of this project in pre-production was our commitment to using traditional frame-by-frame animation techniques, utilizing Toon Boom Harmony or TV Paint as part of our production pipeline. This allowed us to breathe life into every element of the 2D animation, capturing even the smallest details with precision. Each frame was illustrated individually, allowing us to achieve smooth transitions and organic character movements that felt natural and fluid.

This meticulous process, tailored to our target audience, resulted in high-quality motion, giving us the freedom to explore how a character’s gestures, an object’s movement, or even the bubbles in the drink could contribute to the overall storytelling. The choice to use frame-by-frame animation was intentional; it mirrors the artisanal craft of creating a cocktail, where every ingredient and step matters, just as every frame contributes to the final visual masterpiece.

From storyboard to animation process

As the 2D animation began to take shape, our team focused on refining the storyboard during pre-production to ensure seamless transitions between each scene. Utilizing an animation technique that emphasized frame by frame animation, we aimed for a visual experience that felt cohesive and smooth, reflecting the crisp and refreshing sensation of sipping an Aperol Spritz.

The animated sequences were designed with care, drawing inspiration from the concept art to capture the movement of liquid, the shimmer of sunlight, and the glamorous atmosphere of the terrace setting. Every transition in the 2D animation was crafted to enhance the storytelling, ensuring that the viewer remained engaged and immersed in the sparkling world of Aperol. Our goal was to create a brand video that felt as lively and sophisticated as the drink itself, while also evoking the essence of summer relaxation.

The Craft of 2D Animation

We began our journey into 2d animation by mastering the animation process, starting with rough animation as the foundation. This critical phase involves sketching the basic forms and motions, allowing our animators to visualize how each scene will come to life. In the creation of frame-by-frame 2D animation, the rough animation guides the entire animation sequence, giving structure to every movement that will eventually be refined. Our animators meticulously design each animation sequence by hand, just as in the making of traditional animated movies, where each frame is individually crafted to create movement that feels fluid and dynamic.

The animation process continues as rough animations evolve into fully detailed scenes, where layers of images are built up to add depth and complexity. Starting from the storyboard, our animators created these layers step by step, bringing the characters and backgrounds to life in a way that feels authentic. Each scene is crafted with care, and the images are carefully layered to create a cohesive, immersive world. By following this rigorous process, we ensure that every 2D animation we create captures the essence of storytelling, with each scene, storyboard, and animation sequence contributing to the overall impact, much like in classic animated movies.

Elevating 2D Animation with Sound

Finally, we turned our attention to the audio mix, an essential element in any animation project. We blended sound design harmoniously with the background music to add depth and dimension to the visuals. From the subtle sound of bubbles rising in the drink to the ambient noises of a bustling terrace, each layer of sound was designed to enrich the viewer’s experience. The music we selected complemented the mood of the animation, further enhancing the playful yet sophisticated tone we wanted to convey.

With the final touches in place, the result was a vibrant, visually stunning brand video that not only showcased the iconic cocktail but also celebrated its place in modern culture as a symbol of style, leisure, and joy. Through the use of 2D animation and frame by frame animation, we successfully created an orange world where viewers could truly experience the essence of Spritz.

To see more examples of 2D animations using the frame by frame technique, you can check out our NFL Super Bowl animation, the Tracy Locke Manifesto, or The Last Shot!