Schizophrenia
This explainer animation focused on schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition that affects perception, thoughts, and behaviour.
The goal was to introduce the topic with clarity and sensitivity, breaking down its common symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options.
Through character-driven storytelling and visual metaphors, the animation aimed to humanise the experience of schizophrenia while providing educational value for a general audience.
Credits
Direction, Animation & Design: Sasan Shekarestan
Voiceover: Zohreh Tabakh
Client: Digipezeshk
Tools Used: Daz Studio, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
Challenges & Creative Decisions
Portraying a condition as nuanced as schizophrenia required a delicate balance between visual clarity and emotional resonance. I created a lead character whose shifting perception of reality could guide the narrative.
Scenes were constructed to subtly shift in tone-objects morphing, shadows behaving unpredictably-to simulate hallucinations or disorganized thinking.
To achieve this, I used 3D-rendered environments and characters from Daz Studio, giving me control over lighting, mood, and posture. These renders were then composited in After Effects, where animated distortions, echoes, and symbolic overlays added layers to the narrative.
Careful attention was given to ensure the viewer could empathise with the character’s inner world without reinforcing stigma. The project demanded close consideration of mental health ethics, tone, and pacing, all while managing the technical complexities of blending realism with metaphor.
