Blender Studio teams up with OK Go, Will Anderson, and Lucas Zanotto to create “Impulse Purchase,” a groundbreaking animated video. Explore the project’s innovative techniques and download free source files.
“Impulse Purchase,” a collaboration between Blender Studio, GRAMMY Award-winning band OK Go, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Will Anderson, and designer Lucas Zanotto, brings a unique visual experience to OK Go’s track. Created entirely in Blender, this project combines quirky animation with interactive technology, offering a glimpse into the future of real-time animation.
The Making of “Impulse Purchase”
The “Impulse Purchase” visual blends Will Anderson’s animation style with Lucas Zanotto’s design. Lucas Zanotto is a designer and artist known for creating playful and engaging animations, often characterized by simple shapes and bright colors. OK Go frontman Damian Kulash controlled the main character in real time using face-capture technology, capturing a live performance rather than relying on traditional animation methods. This system allowed for spontaneity and a unique level of expressiveness.
“OK Go – Impulse Purchase (Official Animated Video)” via OK Go.
Damian Kulash’s Perspective
Damian Kulash shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It began with my love of Lucas Zanatto’s short animated loops — they’re so inventive, so full of joy, always delivering little doses of the kind of wonder we’re always searching for in our own videos. So I thought the universe flowing from his brain might be the perfect setting for a lyric video, but when I reached out to him, he had a more ambitious project to propose: a ‘live performance’ with me as one of his characters. Suddenly it was a much weirder, more wonderful project than what I’d envisioned.”
Blender’s Role and Free Resources
Will Anderson and Lucas Zanotto designed a procedural system in Blender for puppeting a digital character via face-capture software. The source files for “Impulse Purchase” are available for free on the Blender Studio website, inviting users to adapt and experiment with the project’s elements. All necessary files, tools, and documentation can be downloaded here.
Blender Studio’s Mission
Blender COO Francesco Siddi emphasized the studio’s commitment: “Blender Studio is all about exploring technical and artistic solutions for creative challenges, and this project is a perfect example. We are proud to support and partner with these talented artists, who share Blender’s values of creating and sharing knowledge with the world.” The project aims to share both the file and the process behind it, so users can interact with the main character and learn how to create their own interactive animations. You can read the official announcement on Blender.org.
“Impulse Purchase” showcases the potential of Blender in innovative animation and interactive design. By providing free access to the project’s resources, Blender Studio continues to empower artists and foster creativity within the community.
