Client: NAIARoles: Storyboard / Illustrations / 2D-Animation2024/Freelance
He Kōrero is an animated Pūrākau web series created by NAIA, bringing Māori stories to life with exciting new visuals.
In 2024, I was invited to collaborate with NAIA to refresh the visual style of He Kōrero. As their stories journeyed south—from Ngāti Kuri to Ngāi Tahu—they sought a distinctive new look, unique to the southern Iwi.
Working collabratively with NAIA’s in-house designers, we developed a new visual approach inspired by the works of Genndy Tartakovsky, incorporating bold color, rich textures, and dynamic compositions to craft a uniquely Ngāi Tahu aesthetic.
From there, I moved into concept development. Using NAIA’s script as a foundation I was tasked with storyboarding the episode, developing the characters while working closely with Naia to visualize the story of Tuhawaiki.
During the storyboarding phase, I focused on creating compositions full of movement and energy to streamline the animation process. Once the storyboards were approved and the illustrated assets were completed, I built mechanical 2D rigs from the character designs. This approach emphasized the dynamic nature of the scenes, enhancing the illustrations with smooth animation.
Being trusted with the visual direction and animation of this story was extremely rewarding. It was a pleasure to contribute to a project that breathes new life into pūrākau Māori, sharing these timeless stories with whānau across Aotearoa.