Challenge
When COVID hit, Synchrony decided to send its workforce home to keep everyone safe. While many employees were accustomed to remote work, a large portion had never worked outside the office. They needed something clear and uplifting to help people adjust especially for call center employees used to perks, structure, and in-office support.
Approach
We kept it simple. The aim was to communicate helpful tips in a way that would feel supportive, not overwhelming. I started by scripting key touchpoints like routines, communication, setup, and boundaries. From there we storyboarded with minimal movement and transitions to keep production efficient. Because Synchrony had little precedent for animation, we had creative freedom, but also the pressure of tight timelines.
Initial draft of WFH storyboard
Execution
My co-designer and I split the animation in halves. I handled the first half, he took the second. We sourced an illustrator whose style aligned with Synchrony’s brand and adapted their work. In Illustrator I broke down each element into layers for animation, then moved everything into After Effects. Transitions, subtle character movements, voiceover editing—all had to feel authentic and human. We collaborated remotely across the team, iterating on feedback quickly to stay aligned.
Outcomes
The animation launched and was well received. Employees appreciated how the guidance felt practical and empathetic. Synchrony used the video in multiple internal communications, and it opened the door to more animation work later. The project proved that well-designed animations could move quickly and deliver clarity during uncertain times.
Final animation
Next Steps & Insights
I discovered how crucial preparation is: layered Illustrator files, clean source assets, and early mockups make animation smoother. Remote collaboration meant being extra precise with communication and checkpoints. If repeated, I’d build in more micro-animations to add warmth where possible. Also worth exploring repurposing the animation into bite-size clips for social or digestible employee content to increase reach and engagement.