We the People "Miracle of Morning"
"The Miracle of Morning" is the final episode in the "We The People" series on Netflix. It's a visual interpretation of Amanda Gorman's poem of the same name. As the art director on this project, my biggest challenge was maintaining visual consistency across 36 shots. I established art direction guidelines for color palettes, characters, animation styles, and textures, and oversaw the overall visual narrative to ensure it captured the poem's shifting tones.
This series won the Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Program in 2022.
2021 • Netflix • Art Direction / Design / Animation
Full Credit: Here
01
Story Arcs
The story follows three emotional arcs, echoing the poem’s belief that we’re stronger together. We begin with uncertainty and observation as she wakes to unexpected sunlight and quietly starts following the light. In the second act, action and solidarity, she reflects inwardly on the storm’s toll and the resilience that emerges through it. Finally, we reach unbridled optimism as light bursts through the clouds and she steps outside, renewed and ready to move forward in unity.
Story Arcs
01
After the storm, the first streak of sunlight becomes a symbol of hope—resilient, optimistic, and guiding us forward. Even through loss and chaos, light returns stronger, echoing the poem’s belief that we’re stronger together.
The story follows three emotional arcs:
-
Uncertainty & Observation — She wakes to unexpected sunshine and quietly begins following the light.
-
Action & Solidarity — Internally, she reflects on the storm’s toll and how light still breaks through.
-
Unbridled Optimism — Light bursts through the clouds. She steps outside—renewed, ready to act.
01
Story Arcs
After the storm, the first streak of sunlight becomes a symbol of hope—resilient, optimistic, and guiding us forward. Even through loss and chaos, light returns stronger, echoing the poem’s belief that we’re stronger together.
The story follows three emotional arcs:
-
Uncertainty & Observation — She wakes to unexpected sunshine and quietly begins following the light.
-
Action & Solidarity — Internally, she reflects on the storm’s toll and how light still breaks through.
-
Unbridled Optimism — Light bursts through the clouds. She steps outside—renewed, ready to act.
02
Early Explorations & Character Study
Our visual approach was grounded in Amanda Gorman’s perspective—seeing through her eyes rather than observing from afar. Inspired by her bold voice and vibrant spirit, we developed painterly textures and rich color palettes to reflect the poem’s emotional depth. Light became a narrative tool, guiding focus and expressing hope. While the film is optimistic, it holds space for quiet moments of uncertainty, acknowledging the weight behind the words.
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03
Color Keys
The color story mirrors the emotional arc, beginning with soft blues and muted hues at dawn to reflect uncertainty and quiet observation. As the narrative turns inward, deeper tones suggest reflection and resilience during the storm. In the final act, the palette brightens into vibrant, saturated colors, capturing the optimism and energy of her renewed outlook as she steps into a brighter future.
04
Final Designs
As the final episode in the We the People series, “The Miracle of Morning” aimed to leave a lasting impression that celebrates personal agency, hope, and collective strength. The film centers on a young person using her voice and imagination to engage with her community, showing the meaningful impact one individual can have. The following designs reflect this message through light, color, and expressive storytelling.
