Directing Attention with Motion

Motion Design

Process highlights

I design motion that people don’t have to think about: but still feel. Over nearly a decade, I developed motion systems for diverse broadcast environments, from national elections to daily sports news.

The Multi-Project Challenge

In broadcast, you're competing with a million distractions. If a graphic takes more than a second to understand, you've lost the viewer. We needed to turn complex, live data into clear visuals that feel both authoritative and effortless.

Opportunity

We saw an opportunity to define resilient visual identities that thrive in high-pressure environments, using motion to guide the viewer's eye exactly where it needs to be.

Responsibilities

Motion Designer · Graphic Designer

Sector

Broadcast Media · Cultural Events

Tools

After Effects · Photoshop · Illustrator · Slack

Timeline

2013 – 2021

Project Overview

The art of the invisible

Motion design is more than just making things move: it's about managing cognitive load. From live TV graphics to cultural events, my focus is on creating visuals that disappear into the experience, leaving only the information and the emotion behind.

Presidential Election Coverage (2016)

The Challenge

During the 2016 presidential elections, Stöð 2 needed visuals that could communicate fast-moving results in a way that felt clear and trustworthy.

The challenge was to turn complex data into something instantly understandable, while also creating an intro that set the tone for the entire broadcast.

The Process

As a solo graphic and motion designer, I created both the visual identity and the motion system. I didn't just design an intro: I designed a system of visual anchors that guided the audience through the night.

  • Designed a logo and graphic language for the coverage
  • Built animations for presenting election numbers clearly
  • Created the main intro, used during and before the election

Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects

The focus throughout was simple: clarity first, always.

The Outcome

The visuals aired as part of the national election coverage.

  • Helped communicate results in a clear and structured way
  • Set a professional tone for the broadcast
  • Became my first major election project
Election intro used across broadcast coverage
Setting the tone with clear hierarchy, pacing, and trust-driven visuals.

Municipal Election Coverage (2018)

The Challenge

For the 2018 municipal elections, Stöð 2 required a system that could handle more data, more complexity, and live pressure.

This wasn’t just about design - it was about performance in real time.

The Process

I built a flexible motion system that prioritized speed and clarity. We designed for every scenario we could imagine, ensuring that even under extreme live pressure, the visuals remained rock-solid.

  • Created a visual identity and logo
  • Designed animations for real-time data updates
  • Produced the main intro for the coverage

Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects

A big part of the work was preparing for anything - designing for scenarios before they happened.

The Outcome

The system was used during live election coverage.

  • Supported fast and reliable information delivery
  • Handled the pressure of live TV
  • Marked the largest election project I worked on
Live election graphics built for speed and clarity
Designed to handle real-time updates without losing readability.

Sports News Intro

The Challenge

The sports segment on Stöð 2 airs every night - so the intro needed to feel exciting every single time, not just once.

It had to balance energy and longevity.

The Process

As a solo designer, I created both the identity and motion style.

  • Designed a sports section logo
  • Built a 3D-inspired motion style
  • Created a full intro sequence for daily use

Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects

The goal was to create something that feels fast, dynamic, and timeless enough to last.

The Outcome

The intro aired every night for several years.

  • Delivered a strong, energetic opening
  • Stayed relevant over time
  • Became a consistent part of the broadcast
Daily sports intro designed for long-term use
High energy motion built to stay fresh night after night.

Icelandic Design Awards (2020–2021)

The Challenge

For the Icelandic Design Awards, organized by Miðstöð hönnunar og arkitektúrs, the motion design needed to reflect the quality of the designers being showcased.

It had to feel as good as the work it was presenting.

The Process

I worked as a Motion Designer, creating visuals used across the awards.

  • Designed motion pieces for nominees and winners
  • Focused on a polished, high-end feel
  • Balanced creative expression with clarity

Tools: After Effects

This project gave more space to explore and push the visual side further.

The Outcome

The Motion Design was used throughout the awards.

  • Created a cohesive visual experience
  • Matched the standards of the design community
  • A project that was both fun and creatively rewarding
Nominee presentation for Icelandic Design Awards
Crafted to elevate and celebrate the work on display.

Reflection

Across all of these projects: from live elections to cultural events: I’ve been driven by the same thing: making motion that works in the real world.

Sometimes that means clarity under pressure. Sometimes it means energy that lasts for years. And sometimes it just means pushing an idea until I’m genuinely proud of it.

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