UK hedgerow wildlife in decline

A graphic for a Channel 4 News report into the decline of hedgerows across the UK, and the drastic effect this has had on the biodiversity of the countryside. I tried to create a woodcut style effect to these graphics, to give it an illustrative, rustic feeling. I kept the animations to each element simple as it is a lot to visually digest in a news report!

Two day project. Reporter Alex Thomson, produced by Rachel Seifert and Louise Turner.

Fox hunting in the UK

I was asked to make a graphic for a Channel 4 News report into alleged illegal activity in fox hunting in the UK. This one went through a number versions, until we finally ended up with the graphic below. My early drafts were far more gory – I wanted to reflect that hunting is a blood sport. I live in the countryside, surrounded by paddocks and stables, and I love the spectacle of equestrianism. But the ritualised nature of hunting is something I can’t support. You may disagree and that’s fine – lots of my neighbours do. I realise foxes need to be controlled, I just think there’s more humane ways of doing it than with packs of dogs. Still, the bright red coats of the hunters and the distinct features of a fox make for a striking graphic.

Reporter Alex Thomson, produced by Rachel Seifert and Louise Turner. Two day project.

Disappearing ice

I was asked to produce a map illustrating the effects of climate change on the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Magdalen Islands, off Canada’s east coast. Global warming is having a dramatic effect on Harp seals and other marine life in that area. It was tricky timing the animation to make it look as dramatic as possible but also keep it as accurate as possible. Broadcast on 13th April 2023 by Channel 4 News, produced by Tilly Cowan and Louise Turner.

“Vanished” series branding

The quick turnaround documentary I worked on back in February was recommissioned by Channel 5 as a four part series. ITN Productions asked me to remake the graphics. The good news was I had a bit more time to work on the titles, but the bad news was I wasn’t allowed to use the strong images I could use of the missing lady in the first job, as with this branding, no one could be recognisable. I was told to give it a glassy, glossy feel, and keep it dark blue, to suggest police colours. And then given a really clumsy subtitle to fit in at the last minute. Hey, that’s the job – keep your client happy! Two weeks of work: titles, name supers, content graphics, set panel design.