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Creative concepts
Translate the brief into a focused idea and a visual point of view.
FEATURED PROJECT
Torch
A cinematic animated short for Pacific Legal Foundation, built through storyboards, character design, illustration, animatic development, motion design, music, and sound design.
View case study
FEATURED PROJECT
Christmas Worship Experience
A multi-film Christmas worship experience for Element Church combining cinematic biblical storytelling, character animation, large-format LED media, and stage-synchronized effects.
View case study
FEATURED PROJECT
Easter Service Video 2025
A two-film Easter worship package for Element Church, pairing cinematic editorial storytelling with motion design across a custom 2145×975 church-screen format.
View case study
FEATURED PROJECT
Hangman Clash
Game branding, robot character design, UI/UX, Rive animation, launch advertising, and promotional content for Spyre’s competitive browser-based word game.
View case studyMATTIBURNS / ART DIRECTION
Art direction that connects every frame.
Give your production a clear visual direction before the details multiply. MattiBurns develops concepts, style frames, storyboards, and visual systems for animation, films, and campaigns. From St. Louis to teams nationwide, the work connects story, style, and execution.
THE SERVICE
One visual direction. Every detail connected.
Establish the look and feel early, then keep the creative decisions connected as production grows. Work can support your existing team or shape a project from the beginning.
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Style frames & storyboards
Make the direction tangible through key frames, composition, and sequence.
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Visual systems
Connect color, typography, image-making, and motion into a consistent language.
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Production direction
Guide creative decisions and reviews so the finished work follows the vision.
A GOOD FIT
For animation, films, campaigns, and productions that need a cohesive visual approach.
Scope, timing, and deliverables are agreed together before production begins.
Our Process
Our Process
Turn scattered ideas into a focused visual language.
MattiBurns provides art direction and visual development for campaigns, films, branded content, and story-driven worlds. We shape the creative concept, visual language, styleframes, color, typography, composition, and production direction so teams can move from scattered references to one coherent system.
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Creative Discovery
We gather the story, audience, references, constraints, and creative problem so the direction has a real target.
Concept Direction
We build concepts, moodboards, visual rules, references, style territories, and language for the world the project needs.
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Visual Development
We create styleframes, design explorations, visual systems, and production-ready direction that guides the work.
Production Guidance
We help translate direction into actual assets, frames, animation language, web visuals, campaign art, or pitch materials.
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Creative System
The final direction gives creative teams a clear map: what to make, how it should feel, and why it belongs together.
400+
completed projects
20+
years of experience
48k+
social engagement
16+
Awards Won
Ready to bring your story to life?
Whether you’re launching something new or refining something meaningful, I’d love to help.
Get in touch with me
Fill out the form or send an email
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about process, timing, scope, and working together.
Have a different question?
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Do you only do animation?
No. Animation is a core specialty, but many projects also include illustration, character design, branding, UI/UX design, and Webflow development. That flexibility helps projects stay cohesive instead of being split across multiple vendors.
What types of clients do you work with?
I work with creative agencies, authors, artists, ministries, non-profits, educators, medical teams, tech companies, sports organizations, and entertainment brands.
Some clients come with a clear brief. Others come with a rough idea and need help shaping it. Both are welcome.
What kinds of animation do you specialize in?
I specialize in character-based animation and story-driven motion design, including:
• Explainer videos (medical, educational, product)
• Children’s stories and curriculum
• Brand and campaign animation
• Sports broadcast graphics and arena content
• Social and digital motion assets
If your animation needs clarity, personality, or warmth—it’s probably a good fit.
What’s your typical project timeline?
Timelines vary based on scope, but most projects fall into one of these ranges:
• Short motion pieces: 2–4 weeks
• Explainer or character animation: 4–8 weeks
• Brand + Webflow projects: 6–10 weeks
Timelines are always discussed upfront and aligned with your goals.
Do you work with children’s content and educational material?
Absolutely. I’ve worked on animated curriculum, educational content, and children’s storytelling designed to be engaging, age-appropriate, and visually memorable.
I care deeply about clarity, tone, and respect for young audiences.
Do you work with agencies or offer white-label support?
Yes. I regularly work with agencies and offer white-label support.
I partner with creative agencies and marketing teams to handle project overflow, specialized animation, motion design, branding, and UI/UX Design. I integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, follow brand guidelines, and can remain completely behind the scenes when needed.
How do we get started?
You can reach out through the contact form. From there, we’ll talk through your goals, timeline, and scope and see if it’s a good fit for both of us.
