Sing-Sing / Motions (:60)

 Sing-Sing creative directed and designed the Communication Design for Exhibit Columbus’s 2024–25 architecture biennial. Inspired by the theme YES AND, we created a playful identity that celebrates openness, collaboration, and infinite possibility.

The system spanned wayfinding, large-scale signage, publications, and digital platforms, all unified by bold graphics and motion. A series of thirteen animated short films - created in collaboration with musician Mikey Maleki and 2D animator Will Pietsch - highlighted the creative process behind the exhibition’s installations, transforming architectural ideas into movement and sound.

Much like improv and jazz, the project unfolded as a dialogue of ideas - one spark leading fluidly to the next. Each element was designed to riff off the others, creating a rhythm where graphics, animation, music, and architecture could play together. The work was intentionally structured to flow rather than stand still, echoing the biennial’s spirit of experimentation and collective creation.

 Rather than composing music after the animations were complete, we wanted the score to feel equally spontaneous, reflecting the spirit of Yes And. We invited frequent collaborator Mikey Maleki to create the music, drawing inspiration from the visual and architectural references of each installation. Over the course of a week in the studio, he explored, improvised, and refined ideas, ultimately crafting thirteen distinct pieces, each with its own rhythm, energy, and personality.

In parallel, we conducted interviews with all participating architects, distilled their conversations into concise one-minute segments, and wove those narratives into the musical compositions, allowing voice and sound to move in harmony with the animation.

 Animator Will Pietsch joined our studio to bring the 2D sequences to life. Working in TVPaint from Sean’s story sketches, references, and shape language direction, he developed the motion in response to the project’s music and narration. His animation infused each piece with lively, inventive energy—transforming simple geometric forms into dynamic, expressive moments. Each transition carried a sense of rhythm and surprise that perfectly complemented the spirit of the overall design.

You can watch all thirteen animations on the Exhibit Columbus YouTube playlist here. Enjoy!