AJ's Portfolio

Studio Museum of Harlem

2025 Grand Re-Opening

Background

Tasked with celebrating the monumental opening of the Studio Museum in Harlem's new building, I was given 1.5 weeks to produce a compelling short-form video. The film serves as a visual testament to the museum's journey, weaving together archival footage with modern-day cinematography to honor its deep roots within the community. It captures the essence of Harlem's cultural legacy by highlighting the transition from the museum's original location to its new, iconic home. Through creative camera techniques and narrative-driven transitions, the video tells a dynamic story that bridges the museum’s past with its promising future.

Challenges

As the Studio Museum in Harlem prepared to unveil its new 82,000-square-foot building, it faced a critical challenge: how to visually narrate its profound evolution? The museum needed a compelling piece of media that could honor its deep-rooted history and community connection while celebrating a transformative, future-forward moment. The core task was to create a cohesive narrative that bridged the past with the present, seamlessly integrating archival materials with footage of the modern institution.

Client

Studio Museum of Harlem

Role

Motion Designer, Editor

Tools

After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop

Duration

2:49

The Concept

Blend archival and modern footage to create a narrative that bridges past and present. Use unique camera techniques (e.g., static frames, Super 8/VHS transitions) to emphasize evolution while reflecting the community's essence. Focus on smooth transitions for a cohesive story that resonates with viewers and captures the core message.

Process & Workflow

I started by using Milanote to create a moodboard and build a custom color palette. Storyboards were developed in Illustrator and Photoshop, where I also cut out images for the animation. Using After Effects, I brought everything to life with custom animated textures, posterize time, motion blur, and camera movements, achieving smooth transitions and a dynamic final result.

The Solution

To address this, I directed and produced a short-form video that crafts a visual journey through the museum's history. By employing creative camera techniques, such as static frames and stylized Super 8/VHS transitions, I seamlessly blended archival footage with contemporary visuals. The film guides the viewer from the original museum location, through the iconic streets of Harlem, and to the steps of its new home. This narrative approach morphs between past and present, creating an engaging and cohesive story that reflects the museum's enduring legacy and its exciting future in the heart of Harlem.