Arm Sattavorn discusses crafting motion graphics for NBC Sports Paris Olympics

VFS shares the journey of Digital Design alum Arm Sattavorn, one of the artists who created some creative flair for the Paris Olympics. Arm created animations and motion designs for broadcasts that captured Paris' rich art and architectural history and showcased various events and anticipated match-ups during the games. 

It’s been over 125 years since the first Olympic Games occurred in Athens and it remains one of the most anticipated global events. This past summer in Paris, both kayaking and break dancing made their official debut and a variety of changes were implemented for a handful of other sports, including boxing, sailing and track and field. Athletes are always the highlight, but some incredible artists do creative work behind the scenes to bring the event to life. 

In 2023, Arm Sattavorn was contacted by David Barton, VP of Creative at NBC Sports, to be part of a larger project that the company was working on to air during The Olympics. Arm was a huge fan of the concept and art direction, described as "art de vivre, Chic, sport + style, delight, whimsy, inclusive, humanity, beauty and elegance." Talk about a vision! The end product aired across NBC, Peacock, their cable networks (USA, CNBC, E!) and more, including its own social media package.

“If you removed the sports aspect from this package, it could be used for a chic fashion channel. It isn’t the masculine, flashy style typical of most sports programs.”

Arm Sattavorn

Arm jumped at the chance to work on the project. He explains that part of his role was to set the tone and motion direction for the game highlights and promo videos. Talented illustrators supplied him with the artwork. 

Arm asked himself, “How can I emphasize the illustrations and make the artwork feel alive?”

He began sketching the ideas and created a rough storyboard to help him flesh out concepts and discover any hidden angles or potential obstacles that might arise. His process involved playing with ‘rhythm and tempo’ and looking for interesting ways to translate the action of each sport into animation.

He cites beach volleyball as a particularly challenging sport; having received only one illustration, Arm still wanted to create motion that would simultaneously look good and recreate the same tension you feel watching or playing the sport. 

“It was hard to wrap my head around the scope and scale of the project, looking back on the experience. At the end of the day, I’m thrilled with what I accomplished on the project.”

Arm Sattavorn

Here are some questions asked with Arm regarding his experience at Vancouver Film School, career and his thoughts on the future of the design industry:

What was your experience attending Vancouver Film School? 

My VFS experience was an important chapter of my life. It was fun and challenging; I learned a lot from the classes and my peers. The environment and my classmates at school set me in a creative learning mode. I also made good friends in my program, and others, who were passionate and motivated. This feeling was inspiring and pushed me to improve my own work.

As an international student from Thailand, I found the Digital Design program helped me gain a clear picture of the industry, and ensured I had the tools and training the industry wanted, and, most importantly, connected me with industry professionals. It was a perfect transition into the North American animation industry.

What have been some career highlights for you?

I’ve worked with many well-known studios and brands in the industry. But what matters most to me is focusing on the fun stuff in each project because that’s why I love what I do. The fun and excitement of animation and motion design are my passions, and the bonus is working with great clients and making an income doing what I love. For each project, I always remind myself to focus on creating something fun because that is what really satisfies me. 

How do you view the current state of the digital design industry? What can current and future designers expect?

Like in the music industry, they say: ‘No one can tell you how to write a hit song.’ These days, there are a lot of different influences in the industry and many styles to pick from. It can feel overwhelming and stressful to keep up with many trends and predict where the industry is going. The best advice I can share is to stay true to yourself, and it will make you excited to create.

Any advice for aspiring designers?

Accept who you are, and let the fun lead you! 

Aspiring designers – if you’re interested in a vibrant career in graphic, motion or UX/UI design, Vancouver Film School WANTS YOU! Click here to learn how their accelerated training launches your industry design career in just one short year.