Mysteries in Time

Mysteries in Time is an award-winning subscription box for children aged 7–11 that brings history to life through storybooks, crafts, and activities. Each month, children receive a “time machine” box that whisks them away to explore a different era – from Ancient Egypt to the Vikings.

To help explain the concept in a fun and engaging way, Mysteries in Time commissioned this 60-second animated explainer video for their website and social media, particularly Facebook. The animation needed to show the excitement of receiving the subscription box, the thrill of travelling back in time, and the variety of historical adventures children can experience.

Animation Stills

Creative Approach

Mysteries in Time had existing characters and artwork so I began by designing an animation style concept which was close to the existing artwork.

Animation style design based on existing Mysteries in Time artwork

I illustrated the characters and backgrounds in Adobe Illustrator and animated them in Adobe After Effects, using detailed rigs for facial expressions, walking cycles, and other character actions. The animation follows two children opening their time machine box, pressing the “time machine” button, and being transported into a whirlwind of different historical settings.

A lively original song with lyrics was composed and produced to accompany the animation, adding extra energy and appeal for the young target audience. The timing of the animation was carefully synced to the song to maximise impact.

Production Process

Concept & Script:

We worked as team to refine the client’s initial ideas into a clear animation script and lyrics.

Storyboards & Animatic:

Sketched storyboards were developed to map out the journey through time, then assembled into an animatic to test pacing with the draft song.

Sketching storyboards

Sketched storyboards

Illustrated storyboards:

Illustrated storyboards

Animation:

Using the Illustrator artwork, I animated the full video in After Effects with expressive character rigs and dynamic scene transitions. A draft song was composed at the storyboard and animatic phase so I could animate in time to the song.

Facial rig for a character in After Effects

Animation scene in After Effects

Music & Sound:

Ben Haynes composed and produced the original song. We worked together with the client to write lyrics. Sound effects were added to bring the time travel and action sequences to life.

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