BUTTERFLY
Sarofsky, 2025
Client: Amazon Prime
My role: Concept | Storyboard | Design | Animate | Typography
The main title sequence was built around a few core themes that shaped each vignette. Espionage was central, bringing out the secrecy, tension, and intrigue of the story. We also wanted to show the cultural and emotional bridge between Korea and America, highlighting how the two worlds collide within the narrative. Action and relationships played an equally important role, balancing high-energy sequences with the conflicts, connections, and growth between characters to create both intensity and emotional depth.
I was brought on to help pitch the title sequence alongside designer Daniel Geiszler, where we worked together to create the initial concept and look. Once that direction was chosen, I continued developing the sequence, building style frames and collaborating with other artists to refine the visuals. I also had the chance to animate many of the shots.
INITIAL THUMBNAILS
Initial StyleFrames
COLOR EXPLORE
Although the team initially gravitated toward black-and-white styleframes, they ultimately decided the sequence should be in color. Our next task was to explore the colors of Korea. While some of our palettes were bright and vibrant, most leaned toward a more desaturated, muted look. This reflected the worn and sun-faded tones found in many of the locations featured in the show.
FINAL STYLEFRAMES
MOTION
The Opening Sequence
David is introduced through a voicemail to his daughter, visualized as a textured soundwave that transforms into Seoul’s cityscape, bridging his personal world with the larger story. This design sets the tone and establishes the show’s cohesive visual language.
The Locators
To identify the many locations featured throughout the show, we chose to use simple white typography over the establishing shots. The text animates on and off by glitching from the Korean version of each location’s name. This animation style is consistent with the way the credits appear during the main title sequence and the opening title card of the first episode.
CREDITS
Executive Creative Director: Erin Sarofsky
Executive Producer: Steven Anderson
Creative Director: Duarte Elvas
Producer: Dylan Ptak, Kelsey Hynes
Lead Designers: Nick Gardner, Daniel Geiszler
Lead Animator: Nik Braatz
Animators: Nick Gardner, Luke Shelley, Lukasz Tatarek, Mark Phillips, Davis Cameron Chu
Additional Design: Luke Shelley, Scott Wenner, Pete DiCamilo