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Skyline - Spotify Canvas GIF
Animation | Lasalle College of The Arts
2023
Ride the night under the eyes
Inspired by the dreamy, upbeat tone of Khalid’s Skyline, I created a series of looping visuals designed to move with the rhythm of the song. Each 10-second canvas captures a different mood or visual metaphor, crafted to elevate the listening experience and blend seamlessly into the Spotify interface.
Creating the Storyboard
To clarify the narrative sequence, I developed a storyboard that mapped out each visual transition. This helped ensure a smooth animation flow and kept the mood consistent with the beat and emotional cues of the song.
Choosing the Art Style
I explored several visual directions through trial and error, balancing aesthetic appeal with animation feasibility. After experimenting with different approaches, I landed on a clean, flat style that fit both the timeline and the psychedelic yet minimal vibe of the song.
Understanding the Brief
I focused on a specific section of Khalid’s Skyline (around 1:43), where the lyrics evoke a dreamy, emotionally charged escape, cruising through the night, feeling elevated, and deeply connected. The reference to altered perception inspired me to explore visuals that reflect a surreal, free-flowing state of mind.
I incorporated a cat as a symbolic figure, often associated with spirituality and intuition, commonly seen in visions or altered states. The eye became another key motif, representing connection and the dreamy gaze between two people. These elements helped create a visual loop that feels intimate, symbolic, and aligned with both the tone and beat of the track.
Simple Animation
Flat Colour
The initial animation was sketched in rough form to test pacing, transitions, and visual timing. This early version acted as a draft to refine the rhythm and ensure each element responded well to the track’s tempo.
After finalizing the movement, I applied base colors to bring visual unity and contrast. The use of flat color allowed the key symbols, like the cat and eye, to remain the focal points, aligning with the dreamlike concept.
In the final version, I polished transitions, cleaned up frames, and ensured a seamless loop. The result is a subtle, rhythmic visual experience that captures the surreal and spiritual essence of the song while feeling at home within the Spotify Canvas format.
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