Circus of Wishes

CONTEXT:

Circus of Wishes was a 25–30 minute YA/teen dark fantasy 2D animated musical developed by an indie animation team using Toon Boom Harmony and After Effects.

Inspired by the magic of carnivals, Broadway theaters, and eerie liminal spaces, the film followed Sadie, a 15-year-old Black girl whose ambition to take the stage leads her into a mysterious circus run by the charismatic yet dangerous Mordecai Whimsy. Beneath the dazzling performances lies a sinister truth about the cost of chasing the spotlight.

CREATIVE DIRECTION:

As Creative Director, I guided the project from concept to audience-facing brand, shaping both the story’s creative vision and its promotional strategy.

My work included:

Story & Theme Alignment: Collaborated with the writing team to refine emotional arcs, ensure thematic clarity, and maintain a balance between whimsical spectacle and the darker undertones of ambition and exploitation.

Visual Development Oversight: Directed color palettes, set designs, and character turnarounds to establish a cohesive and immersive world.

Proof-of-Concept Animation: Oversaw pacing, tone, and animation style to capture the film’s emotional and visual DNA.

Music Integration: Partnered with the composer to weave thematic motifs into character arcs and key narrative moments.

Brand Identity & Pitch Deck: Designed the look, tone, and flow of the pitch deck for investors and crowdfunding audiences.

Social Media Campaigns: Created promotional videos, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes content to build audience anticipation and transparency during production.

This role required blending narrative vision with strategic marketing, ensuring Circus of Wishes maintained a distinct identity that was both artistically compelling and ready for public engagement.