Nine to Five

Nine to Five is a short 2D motion design piece exploring the gradual drain of energy during a typical 9–5 workday. Using vibrant gradients and a stylized 2D approach that mimics 3D depth—all created in After Effects—the animation brings to life a tidy workspace featuring cheerful flowers, a desk clock marking the passing hours, and a cup of pens and pencils. Through playful yet relatable visuals, the piece reflects on the familiar cycle of enthusiasm fading as the day wears on.

The piece started as a frame-by-frame animation, with rough sketches made in Photoshop using the AnimDessin 2 plugin. However, as the project evolved, I pivoted toward a more abstract and minimal visual style—favoring clean vector shapes, vivid gradients, and a 2D approach that fakes a 3D feel, all brought to life in After Effects. The scene features a tidy desk setup with a clock, pen holder, and cheerful flowers that subtly reflect the shift in mood as time passes.