BREATHE
Client: Motherslug
Director & Producer
"Breathe" is a music video that goes beyond a typical visual accompaniment, offering a journey of self-discovery and acceptance through the eyes of a little monster. Cameron, the frontman of Motherslug, approached me with an initial concept centered around theme of transformation.
 With their trust in my creative vision, I was able to expand this concept into a compelling and visually stunning narrative about self-acceptance. The video became their most successful release, with nearly 150,000 views on YouTube—almost 30 times more than their second most-watched video.
In "Breathe," I took the lead in shaping the storyline, beginning with the storyboard and animatics, and laying down the groundwork through layouts. My role extended to guiding the animation and clean-up processes, ensuring that each frame conveyed the narrative's depth and emotion. I meticulously supervised the final compositing, shaping the visual essence of the project to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience.
One of the most significant challenges was designing the central character—balancing his transformation into a raging beast with an appeal that would still resonate with viewers. Crafting a narrative that navigated between drama and comedy was another delicate task, as we aimed to create a character who could embody both vulnerability and strength. 
Our distinct style and budget limitations demanded simplicity, yet we strove to infuse enough layers to make the story impactful. The goal was to bridge the gap between the turbulent nature of the creature and the universal struggle of self-acceptance, creating a tightrope walk of design and emotion.
The final product resonated deeply with audiences, earning nearly 150,000 views on YouTube—far surpassing Motherslug's other videos. Its success highlighted the power of visual storytelling, effectively conveying a message of self-acceptance and transformation that connected with viewers on an emotional level. The video helped elevate the band's profile and drew new attention to their music.
"Breathe" was a testament to the importance of creative exploration and thoughtful character design. The project underscored my ability to transform a core concept into a nuanced visual story, managing both the creative and technical aspects of production. It was an opportunity to craft a narrative that speaks to the heart and mind, showcasing the potential of animation to convey complex emotions and universal themes.
"Doncel made the whole process, from concept to final render, a blast. Communication was smooth, and he totally got our vision. Now we're stoked with a video that rocks as hard as our music!"
- Cameron Crichton
CREDITS

Produced & Directed by Doncel

Executive Producer: Cameron Critchton
Artist: Motherslug
Production Manager: Laura Moncada
Storyboard & Storyline
Doncel

Art Direction & Backgrounds Design
Luis Carlos Barragán

Character Design & Character Layout
Doncel

Animation Direction
Doncel

Animation Team
Esteban Jaime - Octoon - Jonathan Muñoz
Santiago González

Ink & Paint Direction
Jonathan Muñoz

Ink & Paint Team
Jheison Carrillo - Alfredo Guzmán - Jonathan Muñoz
Composite
Luis Salas