Substance created the titles for Node2018 to explore the idea of connection, through a cinematic narrative. We developed the tagline: “Explore, Connect, Create” as a summary of what Node meant to us, and described this visually through the journey of the Explorer. Each stage of the unidentified pioneer’s odyssey is only made possible through the preceding steps, and a successful outcome may not be visible when first setting out…

Node brings together the best in Australian and New Zealand motion design, presenting a range of styles, tools, techniques, ideas, processes, and approaches. It inspires us to explore a wider view of motion design, both in our own practice and with regard to our place in the design industries.

The connections we make with these techniques and ideas – and with each other – cause changes that will ultimately inform our own process of creation.

Director’s Statement

In Australia we don’t have a lot of motion design festivals – actually, none! So when Node started a few years ago, focused on the AU/NZ industry, it was a godsend for us all.

Substance director Scott Geersen was one of the speakers at the first Nodefest in 2016, and we were excited to be involved again for 2018, with the opportunity to create titles. For us, “nodes” and Nodefest are about connection – with ideas, techniques, and with other motion artists. It inspires us to explore a wider view of motion design, both in our own practice and with regard to our place in the design industries.

With this in mind, we developed the tagline: “Explore, Connect, Create” as a reflection of Node’s key ideas and a directive that could resonate with all creatives.

All our decisions grew from this foundation. So much so in fact, that it become the scaffold of our narrative. To explore we needed an Explorer, and a strangely familiar world through which to travel. The connections made on this journey would cause changes that ultimately inform and empower the act of creation. So goes the creative process for us all.