This piece follows Kyle, a U.S. soldier struggling with PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. It’s part of CNN’s Life After digital series, which explores personal change after trauma. The story aims to raise awareness about mental health among veterans and the need to challenge the stigma around PTSD.
As Art Director, I worked with the team to create a visual language that felt universal and accessible. We used silhouette animation to express emotion without focusing on a specific identity. This helped the story connect with anyone who has faced fear, grief, guilt, or isolation. The stripped-down style gave room for interpretation, while visual metaphors helped communicate the emotional toll of PTSD.
The animation used soft transitions and symbolic cues to reflect the internal struggle. These choices were made to show respect for Kyle’s experience while allowing space for viewers to see their own stories in his. The piece was released around Memorial Day weekend, a fitting moment to invite reflection and solidarity.
To learn more visit cnn.com
Supervising Producer: Jacque Smith
Lead Producer: Madeleine Stix, Katherine Jennings
Art Direction: Elisa Solinas
Design and Animation: Kelly Flynn, Taylor Su, Agne Jurkenaite
Sound Design: Katherine Jennings
Awards:
2024 Emmy Nomation for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction
2024 Society for News and Design Award of excellence in Animation design
2024 Webby Awards Honoree
As Art Director, I worked with the team to create a visual language that felt universal and accessible. We used silhouette animation to express emotion without focusing on a specific identity. This helped the story connect with anyone who has faced fear, grief, guilt, or isolation. The stripped-down style gave room for interpretation, while visual metaphors helped communicate the emotional toll of PTSD.
The animation used soft transitions and symbolic cues to reflect the internal struggle. These choices were made to show respect for Kyle’s experience while allowing space for viewers to see their own stories in his. The piece was released around Memorial Day weekend, a fitting moment to invite reflection and solidarity.
To learn more visit cnn.com
Supervising Producer: Jacque Smith
Lead Producer: Madeleine Stix, Katherine Jennings
Art Direction: Elisa Solinas
Design and Animation: Kelly Flynn, Taylor Su, Agne Jurkenaite
Sound Design: Katherine Jennings
Awards:
2024 Emmy Nomation for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction
2024 Society for News and Design Award of excellence in Animation design
2024 Webby Awards Honoree