Character - based explainer
Client: Dragonfly Cancer Trust
Problem:
To help patients and their families better understand the work of Dragonfly Cancer Trust, a charity supporting children and young people with life-limiting cancer diagnoses.
Idea:
Develop a character-driven explainer series highlighting the charity’s key areas of support. The concept consisted of three short animated films, each focusing on a core offering: memory making, keepsakes, and activity boxes.
The animations were designed in a simple, friendly visual style, using character-based storytelling to maintain the anonymity of patients while still conveying warmth, empathy, and authenticity.
Outcome:
The films were premiered at the Dragonfly Ball ‘25, where they were very well received by attendees. The project was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to focus on character animation, an area I’m passionate about and to work with a great charity who do amazing work.
Deep dive
Memory making:
They help young patients create meaningful life experiences and memories with their loved ones during difficult times.
Keepsakes:
The charity provides keepsakes and memory boxes that families can treasure forever. These might include hand-made items, engraved objects and hand casting kits.
Activity boxes:
Dragonfly Cancer Trust sends creative activity boxes to children and young people in hospital to offer distraction, comfort and creative engagement during treatment.
Behind the scenes:
As it was challenge to design so many characters, I created a template on After Effects with interchangeable features. This was a fantastic time saver and was a process I would like to use in the future in character heavy projects.