The Underdog’s Crown: A Creative Journey Through 3D Design and Motion
In the ever-evolving realm of design, Clay Boan’s latest portfolio illustrates how personal experiences fuel creativity and collaboration. Emphasizing 3D design and motion, this post dives into the story behind Boan’s inspiring work.
How It All Started
A few years ago, Clay Boan took a step back to reflect on his journey as a designer. After years of collaborating with talented professionals worldwide, he felt inspired to update his portfolio. Not only was he keen to showcase his work, but he also wanted to highlight the importance of mentoring design students and junior designers.
Direction + Design
Inspiration
Motivated by the vibrant community around him, Boan’s mission to inspire others became a driving force behind his new portfolio. This project was more than a compilation of his work; it was a chance to express his personality and explore new challenges.
Clay Material
The use of clay in his designs symbolizes Boan’s fondness for ceramics—a passion he has cherished since school. He aims to capture the essence of the creative process, celebrating imperfection and experimentation.
Doberman Pinscher (Ruby Roux)
For those who know Boan, his dog, Ruby Roux, holds a special place in his heart. Adopted during the pandemic, she represents resilience—the same spirit he embodies as an underdog in the design world.
✌️ with the Oura Ring
Freelancing has been a consistent aspect of Boan’s career. His collaboration with Oura honed his skills, leading to impressive projects for brands like Apple, Nike, and Gucci.
Crown
The crown symbolizes Boan’s roots in the Queen City (Charlotte). It serves as a reminder of his journey across different cities, including the Bay Area and Brooklyn.
Boanyard
Boanyard, a playful name inspired by a friend, represents a space for experimentation. It encompasses projects that may not have been client-approved but contributed to Boan’s growth as a designer.
Blackletter + Calligraphy
Reflecting on his childhood, Boan recalls the beautiful calligraphy notes written by his father. This passion for lettering remains a significant aspect of his artistic journey.
Frontend Development
Calligraphic Type Animation
The Emeritus font forms the heart of Boan’s animations, showcasing the harmony between design and technology. GSAP’s drawSVG plugin was instrumental in creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience.
Clip Path Animations
Incorporating diamond-shaped motifs across the site, Boan uses SVG clip paths to create layered visual depth. This design element reinforces the thematic continuity throughout his portfolio.
Scroll-based Timeline Animations
Boan utilized GSAP timeline animations in sync with user scrolling to create an immersive experience. Such animated storytelling breathes life into the portfolio, enhancing user engagement.
WebGL Integration
Setup & System
Every WebGL scene utilizes a single canvas, delivering a seamless experience. Implementing Three.js helps maintain performance across various devices.
Rendering & Visual Direction
Boan’s real-time rendering approach allows for dynamic adjustments, enhancing the overall visual quality. This method fosters a more interactive environment, providing flexibility in design.
Backend Development
Using Vue/Nuxt, Boan established an efficient backend-for-frontend architecture. This structure streamlines data usage, optimizing the user experience and allowing for smooth operations.
Content Management with Storyblok
Integrating Storyblok as a headless CMS enables the design team to manage content effortlessly. This setup promotes rapid iteration and supports a clear separation between content management and development.
Collaborative Spirit
Clay Boan’s journey has been a collective effort. The project showcases the importance of collaboration, with talented designers and developers contributing to its success.
Conclusion
Clay Boan’s portfolio exemplifies the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Through 3D design and motion, he not only shares his artistic vision but also uplifts the next generation of designers.
Related Keywords: 3D design, motion graphics, portfolio design, creative collaboration, GSAP animations, WebGL, freelance designer.
