Physical signs of depression
This explainer animation focuses on the often-overlooked physical manifestations of depression. While depression is commonly associated with emotional or mental states, this video aimed to highlight how it can impact the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, changes in movement, and weight fluctuations.
The goal was to provide a comprehensive, empathetic understanding of depression that goes beyond its psychological aspects, making it more relatable and encouraging broader recognition of its signs.
I utilised stylised 3D characters rendered in various scenarios to visually represent these physical symptoms. The scenes were carefully composed to show characters experiencing these challenges in everyday settings, helping the audience connect with the concepts.
These 3D assets were then brought into After Effects for animation and compositing, ensuring a fluid and engaging narrative.
Credits
Direction, Animation & Design: Sasan Shekarestan
Voiceover: Zohreh Tabakh
Client: Digipezeshk
Tools Used: Daz Studio, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
Challenges & Creative Decisions
One of the main challenges was translating abstract physical sensations into clear, digestible visual metaphors. For instance, conveying "lack of energy" or "slowed movements" required careful animation pacing and specific character poses that were immediately understandable without being overly literal or dramatic.
The 3D characters, rendered in Daz Studio, were crucial here, allowing me to depict precise body language and posture to convey these internal states effectively.
Another creative decision involved maintaining a consistent visual tone that was informative yet empathetic. While the subject matter is serious, the animation needed to feel accessible and non-stigmatising.
The use of clear, clean visual layouts for each symptom, as seen in the examples provided, helped to break down complex information into easily digestible segments, ensuring the message was conveyed with both clarity and compassion.
