This project brings together two motion pieces developed for Podtechs, both centered around education, learning and access to coding.
Fastest Kid on the Block combines a sprint competition with a coding challenge as part of a fundraising initiative, while Code DMV presents a coding course designed to help high school students learn programming skills through mentorship.
Although the formats differ, both videos were developed as part of the same visual system — using motion to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging and accessible way. I was responsible for the visual development and motion design, working as part of a team.
Concept
At the core of the project is the idea that learning and effort take many forms.
The concept was to draw parallels between physical and intellectual challenges, and to present coding not as something abstract or intimidating, but as an active, engaging practice connected to real people and real outcomes.
The challenge was to balance energy and clarity — communicating both the excitement of competition and the structure of an educational program within a shared visual language.
Visual decisions
Visual decisions were built around creating a shared universe across both videos, while allowing each one to express a different focus.
A common visual language was established through illustration style, color palette and type of animation, ensuring consistency across the project. Within that shared system, color and atmosphere were used deliberately to support the narrative.
When the focus shifts to coding, darker backgrounds dominate. Colors become more saturated, light effects come into play, and the visuals move toward a more cyber-inspired environment, reinforcing the abstract and technical nature of coding.
When the focus moves to the career and educational side, lighter backgrounds take the lead. The environment feels closer to reality, grounding the message and making the learning experience feel accessible and tangible.
This contrast allowed the visuals to move between two worlds — digital and real — while remaining part of the same cohesive visual system.
Storytelling
Storytelling guided how each video was shaped.
In Fastest Kid on the Block, motion connects physical effort and mental focus, moving fluidly between sprinting and coding to highlight shared values such as discipline, ambition and collaboration.
In Code DMV, storytelling is built through clarity and progression — introducing the course, its goals and its impact in a way that feels approachable and motivating for students and educators alike.
In both cases, motion works alongside sound design to reinforce rhythm, emphasis and emotional tone, supporting understanding without overpowering the message.
Outcome
The result is a set of motion pieces that communicate different aspects of the same initiative — competition, education and mentorship — through a consistent visual approach.
By adapting rhythm and structure to different goals while working collaboratively across disciplines, the project demonstrates how motion, sound and storytelling can come together to communicate purpose clearly and effectively.