Let’s be honest: the classic headshot is getting old. In a world where creativity is key, it’s time to give those static portraits a serious upgrade. At Pearldrop, we did just that, transforming our team’s headshots into full-blown, animated extravaganzas—complete with rainbow-coloured goop, wings sprouting, hair growing wildly, and a whole lot of dancing.
Curious about how we made it happen? Let’s dive into the creative process behind these surreal and dynamic animated portraits. You can find the final film at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: The Headshots (A Calm Before the Storm)
We started with the basics: clean, professional headshots that captured each team member’s unique personality. But don’t let those initial shots fool you. What came next was anything but ordinary.
Step 2: Enter Runway ML – Your AI Partner in Animation Madness
Once we had our base images, it was time to shake things up. Using Runway ML, an AI-powered tool designed for next-level animation, we unleashed our creative vision. And this wasn’t about subtle movements. We went all-in, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with headshots.
We animated our team members in ways that no one would expect from a simple portrait. Imagine rainbow-coloured goop flying through the air and splattering across the subjects, staff members sprouting wings, hair magically growing long enough to rival Rapunzel’s, and then – just when you think it’s over – everyone breaks into a full-on dance party.
Step 3: The Iterative Process—Refining Every Clip
To get each animation just right, we had to go through multiple iterations for every clip. It wasn’t a one-and-done process. We’d generate a version of a scene, refine the prompt based on what we liked or didn’t, and then reroll it. Some scenes required several generations to nail the balance between wild creativity and fluid motion. Whether it was perfecting the moment a staff member’s wings unfurled or timing the rainbow goop splash just right, every clip was a product of careful refinement and multiple tries to achieve that final polished look.
Step 4: Posing for Animation—Anticipation is Everything
A big lesson we learned along the way was how helpful it was to get our team to pose as if something was about to happen. That little sense of anticipation brought the animations to life more naturally, allowing us to blend the characters into the action. Another tip? Avoid covering faces with hands. When faces were obscured, Runway would often over-guess the person’s appearance, making them look much older than they really were. Keeping the face clear allowed for a much cleaner and accurate animation.
Step 5: Bigger, Bolder, Crazier
Our goal was to make each animated portrait not just eye-catching, but unforgettable. By using a mix of AI-generated effects, motion tracking, and creative magic, we added layers of surrealism and fun to each scene. Wings? Sure, why not. Hair that grows like a time-lapse plant? Absolutely. Goop explosions? Bring it on. We wanted each animation to feel alive, fun, and unexpected—because who says headshots need to be serious?
Step 6: Telling a Visual Story with Every Move
The beauty of using animated headshots is that they can tell a story beyond the static image. With each transformation – whether it’s a character bursting into a dance or growing wings – there’s a narrative happening. These movements are not random; they reflect the energy and creativity of our team. Each wild animation mirrors the spirit of innovation that drives our work at Pearldrop.
Step 7: The Final Edit—Bringing it All Together
After animating each headshot, we stitched everything together into a seamless video. And because this video is all about energy, we synced the movements to a vibrant soundtrack that elevates the experience even further. Every splash of goop, flutter of wings, and dance move hits with precision, making the whole thing feel cohesive and high-energy.
Why Go All-Out with Animated Headshots?
Because in a world full of static images, bold stands out. These animated portraits are attention-grabbers, conversation starters, and above all, memorable. They show off not just who your team is, but how they move, how they feel, and how they bring your brand’s creativity to life.
Here’s the final film:
Ready to Transform Your Headshots? Let’s Make Magic Together
At Pearldrop, we’re taking team portraits to new heights. If you’re ready to shake things up and turn your static headshots into vibrant, animated pieces of art, we’re here to help. Whether you want subtle animations or full-blown visual madness like rainbow goop and wings, we’ve got the tools and imagination to make it happen.
Contact us today to get started on transforming your team’s headshots into something truly unforgettable.
Let us know your thoughts! Would your team take the leap into the world of animated headshots? What wild ideas would you love to see come to life? Drop a comment below.
