Whitney Chiamaka Otti
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
​Vincent van Gogh captures the essence of my approach... but let’s be honest, great work rarely comes easy. Motion design can get messy, iterative, and sometimes discombobulated. However, I believe every decision, from concept to final frame, is deliberate, debated, and occasionally scrapped. My process isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about pushing boundaries, challenging assumptions, and turning even small details into something that captivates, engages, and doesn’t go unnoticed.
Overview
Below, I outline my creative process from initial concept to final delivery. To illustrate this, I am using an HSBC: Notional Pooling dummy video that I produced for internal training purposes. The brief was intentionally flexible, which allowed for creative freedom, while the fast turnaround presented a challenge that required focus, efficiency, and careful planning. Despite the tight timeline, it was an opportunity to demonstrate how structured thinking, creative problem solving, and attention to detail come together to produce a clear and effective final product
My process
1. Project planning
Understanding the Objective & Audience
-
First, I define the goal of the video: Is it to educate, inform, or engage?
-
I identify the target audience to tailor the messaging and tone.
-
I would typically collaborate with stakeholders to align on key messages and desired outcomes.
-
Additionally, I start preparing my folders and project files for organisation and efficiency​
Example: If the video is about explaining notional pooling to non-financial teams, I ensure the language is simple and use analogies to enhance understanding.
​
For this project, my target audience was a global audience, more specifically, global internal employees and the purpose was to create a dummy training video to see how it will fair it garnering internal alignment and understanding amongst all employees, despite the employees department.
2. Scripting & storyboarding
Scripting & Storyboarding
-
I draft a script that aligns with the key message while keeping it engaging and concise.
-
I create a storyboard or visual outline to map out how the content will be presented.
-
For the story board I may use reference imagery to speed up the storyboarding process, but the finalised piece would be something on-brand
-
If animation or motion graphics are involved, I ensure the visuals reinforce the message effectively.
Example: For a compliance training video, I might use a scenario-based script to make it relatable and interactive.
Here are some reference images I was inspired by
Visually, I wanted to convey something quite literally in terms of liquidity/ pooling, but making it creative by using it in an analogy.
Using the script I created below, I made a brief storyboard using the reference images I found online, describing how each scene would work.
"Imagine you're in the office, and the juice (finance/ currencies) dispenser in your department has run out of juice.
Without notional pooling, once your departments dispenser runs out, your colleagues (accounts) are left without a drink—while another dispenser still has plenty to spare.
Now, picture a virtual pump that automatically balances the juice levels across all dispensers. No refills needed—just a seamless flow ensuring everyone gets their share.
That’s how notional pooling works in finance, optimising cash across accounts without physically moving it. Smart, efficient, and always balanced!"
3. Production & asset creation
Depending on the format (live-action, animation, or screen recording), I gather necessary resources:
-
-
For live-action: I plan the shoot, arrange locations, and coordinate with speakers.
-
For animation: I use Adobe software to create assets., Fortunately, as I have a bank of characters I have created, it sped up this process as I was able to repurpose them. On the right, are how the characters looked originally when I created them
-
For screen recordings: I ensure clarity and smooth transitions.
-
-
I typically record high-quality voiceovers or interviews, ensuring clear audio and professional delivery. However, in this case, I used my iPhone
Example: If the video involves leadership messaging, I ensure proper lighting, framing, and branding consistency in the visuals.
4. Editing & post production
​
-
I use editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) to assemble the video.
-
I enhance engagement by adding:
-
Transitions & animations to reinforce key points.
-
Subtitles & captions for accessibility.
-
Music & sound design to enhance the viewing experience.
-
-
I review the video for clarity, pacing, and brand alignment before seeking stakeholder feedback.
Example: If the video is an internal announcement, I ensure the tone is warm and engaging while keeping the message clear.
​
I imagine something like this would be used for a global internal use. Training perhaps
5. Review, feedback and finalisation
-
I share the draft with stakeholders for feedback and make necessary revisions.
-
I ensure compliance with branding guidelines and accessibility standards.
-
Once approved, I implement the changes and export the final version in the required formats and distribute it through the appropriate channels
Example: If the video is for internal training, I ensure it's uploaded to the company’s LMS with tracking enabled for completion rates.
​
I made use of my friends and asked them for some honest feedback, here is what they came back with. Typically, this would be the changes I would implement
6. Measuring success & continuous improvement
After release, I track performance metrics (e.g., engagement rates, feedback, completion rates).
-
I gather input from viewers to refine future videos.
-
I document lessons learned to improve efficiency in the next project.
Example: If analytics show employees drop off at a certain point, I adjust future videos for better engagement.
The flow of finance: Dummy training video
Creation process
1. Project planning
Understanding the Objective & Audience
-
First, I define the goal of the video: Is it to educate, inform, or engage?
-
I identify the target audience (e.g., employees, clients, or leadership) to tailor the messaging and tone.
-
I would typically collaborate with stakeholders to align on key messages and desired outcomes.
-
Additionally, I start preparing my folders and project files for organisation and efficiency​
Example: If the video is about explaining notional pooling to non-financial teams, I ensure the language is simple and use analogies to enhance understanding.
​
For this project, my target audience was a global audience
2. Scripting & storyboarding
Scripting & Storyboarding
-
I draft a script that aligns with the key message while keeping it engaging and concise.
-
I create a storyboard or visual outline to map out how the content will be presented.
-
For the story board I may use reference imagery to speed up the storyboarding process, but the finalised piece would be something on-brand
-
If animation or motion graphics are involved, I ensure the visuals reinforce the message effectively.
Example: For a compliance training video, I might use a scenario-based script to make it relatable and interactive.
Here are some reference images I was inspired by
Visually, I wanted to convey something quite literally in terms of liquidity/ pooling, but making it creative by using it in an analogy.
Using the script I created below, I made a brief storyboard using the reference images I found online, describing how each scene would work.
"Imagine you're in the office, and the juice (finance/ currencies) dispenser in your department has run out of juice.
Without notional pooling, once your departments dispenser runs out, your colleagues (accounts) are left without a drink—while another dispenser still has plenty to spare.
Now, picture a virtual pump that automatically balances the juice levels across all dispensers. No refills needed—just a seamless flow ensuring everyone gets their share.
That’s how notional pooling works in finance, optimising cash across accounts without physically moving it. Smart, efficient, and always balanced!"
3. Production & asset creation
Depending on the format (live-action, animation, or screen recording), I gather necessary resources:
-
-
For live-action: I plan the shoot, arrange locations, and coordinate with speakers.
-
For animation: I use Adobe software to create assets., Fortunately, as I have a bank of characters I have created, it sped up this process as I was able to repurpose them. On the right, are how the characters looked originally when I created them
-
For screen recordings: I ensure clarity and smooth transitions.
-
-
I typically record high-quality voiceovers or interviews, ensuring clear audio and professional delivery. However, in this case, I used my iPhone
Example: If the video involves leadership messaging, I ensure proper lighting, framing, and branding consistency in the visuals.
4. Editing & post production
​
-
I use editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) to assemble the video.
-
I enhance engagement by adding:
-
Transitions & animations to reinforce key points.
-
Subtitles & captions for accessibility.
-
Music & sound design to enhance the viewing experience.
-
-
I review the video for clarity, pacing, and brand alignment before seeking stakeholder feedback.
Example: If the video is an internal announcement, I ensure the tone is warm and engaging while keeping the message clear.
​
I imagine something like this would be used for a global internal use. Training perhaps
5. Review, feedback and finalisation
-
I share the draft with stakeholders for feedback and make necessary revisions.
-
I ensure compliance with branding guidelines and accessibility standards.
-
Once approved, I implement the changes and export the final version in the required formats and distribute it through the appropriate channels
Example: If the video is for internal training, I ensure it's uploaded to the company’s LMS with tracking enabled for completion rates.
​
I made use of my friends and asked them for some honest feedback, here is what they came back with. Typically, this would be the changes I would implement
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6. Measuring success & continuous improvement
After release, I track performance metrics (e.g., engagement rates, feedback, completion rates).
-
I gather input from viewers to refine future videos.
-
I document lessons learned to improve efficiency in the next project.
Example: If analytics show employees drop off at a certain point, I adjust future videos for better engagement.