Depression
This explainer video was created to help viewers better understand what depression is, how it manifests, and the range of available treatments. The goal was not only to inform but to convey the emotional weight of depression with care - encouraging viewers to recognize symptoms, seek help, and reduce stigma around mental health.
To visualize such an internal experience, I designed a symbolic visual narrative using a blend of 3D character renders and 2D compositing. The animation followed a central figure through shifting emotional states and environments that reflected their internal struggles.
Care was taken to ensure that each visual metaphor was rooted in empathy and accuracy, avoiding over-dramatization while still creating emotional impact.
Credits
Direction, Animation & Design: Sasan Shekarestan
Voiceover: Zohreh Tabakh
Client: Digipezeshk
Tools Used: Daz Studio, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
Challenges & Creative Decisions
This project required a careful balance between emotional sensitivity and educational clarity. Depression is deeply personal and often misunderstood, so I worked to create a visual tone that was gentle, non-judgmental, and emotionally resonant. Metaphorical imagery like shadows, isolation, and gradual re-emergence into light helped convey mood without relying on cliché or literalism.
Technically, the production involved a detailed 3D-to-2D workflow. I created and rendered multiple character poses and scenes in Daz Studio, which were then brought into After Effects for compositing, scene transitions, and motion design. This allowed for fine control over pacing, expression, and timing, but also introduced complexity in terms of rendering and asset management.
To manage the growing complexity, I broke the explainer into smaller, modular scenes, which made it easier to organize layers, maintain consistency, and focus on transitions between emotional beats. This scene-by-scene approach also helped streamline the render process, reduce technical overhead in After Effects, and allowed for more efficient revisions during client feedback rounds.
Despite the technical load, the most important goal was always clarity with compassion to offer viewers a sense of being seen, understood, and encouraged to take action if they’re struggling or know someone who is.
