I was contracted by PepsiCo as a Senior Motion Graphics Designer for their Digital Commerce team. The role quickly evolved into a Character Designer/Animator position in support of a proof-of-concept loyalty product. My primary responsibility was developing brand characters, with the concept centered on customers scanning Pepsi products after purchase to build an avatar tied to each brand.
I led the character design exploration for multiple brands and created initial 3D models. Due to tight deadlines, we incorporated AI tools to generate detailed 3D renders from sketches, followed by AI-assisted animation resources to produce basic idle motions and subtle transitions. I then composited and animated these assets into cohesive sequences aligned with the partner agency’s creative direction, while also contributing UI animation elements.
This was my first contract incorporating AI into the production pipeline. While I was initially hesitant, the tools significantly accelerated workflows and added visual interest to what might otherwise have been fairly static shots.