Ban on Captivity of Whales and Dolphins
VCD 6: Motion Design | Spring 2020
The goal of this project was to use static data and display it in a more engaging way using animation. I chose to animate a map that displayed all the countries that banned the captivity of whales and dolphins. To provide more context for this piece of data, I also decided to educate the viewer on the suffering that these mammals undergo when they are held captive.
I chose a vector illustration style for this information to ensure it is friendly and approachable. The information at hand can often be distressing to learn, especially for younger audiences who have enjoyed viewing these animals up close in aquariums or performing in shows. Using illustration rather than photographs of these suffering animals allows the viewer to comprehend the negative effects of captivity as the lead Orca whale progressively loses its freedom and as the physical and mental health impacts begin to take a toll. It is educational and demonstrates why the ban of captivity on whales and dolphins is important for their well-being.
The animation begins with the image of a mountain overlooking the ocean to emulate the natural environment of Orca whales in the Pacific Northwest. The viewer is then taken underwater where the lead whale is introduced. We follow the whale as it illustrates the detrimental effects of captivity. As its condition worsens, the whale dives deeper underwater. The deeper blues are able to reflect the increasingly depressing mood of the story. After the whale's body shows physical distress, it begins swimming upward and reunites with its pod. The colors transition to a lighter and more hopeful tone as context is provided for the map that will be shown last. The animation concludes by displaying progress that has been made around the world to save whales and dolphins from captivity. This leaves the viewer on a positive note to inspire them to continue the fight to prevent unnecessary suffering of marine life in the future.
