MOTORTREND FAST TV - GRAPHICS PACKAGE

Case Study: Fresh Graphics for MotorTrend FAST TV

The Challenge
When my friends at Carousel called me in for a second-round pitch for MotorTrend FAST TV, the mission was clear: build on the momentum of their first pitch with a fresh perspective. MotorTrend needed a graphics package that didn’t just look good—it had to work across platforms, adapt to all kinds of content, and reflect their status as a trusted name in the auto world.

The Approach
I started by building out moodboards around three key ideas:

  • Gradient and Type: Smooth, modern color transitions paired with bold, clean typography.
  • Expert of Information: Tight, polished layouts that felt authoritative and easy to navigate.
  • Textural Commonalities: Bringing in subtle textures inspired by car materials, with dynamic lighting for depth.


From there, I got to work designing:

  • Lower Thirds Show Pop-Up: Eye-catching but clean, with MotorTrend’s signature slash as a framing element.
  • Show Info Screen for Streaming: Sleek layouts that felt modern but functional.
  • Internal Promo Frames: Bold visuals that kept energy high while staying tied to the brand.
  • Endpage Mockup: A clean finish, with built-in flexibility for partner logos.
  • Logo Animations: Motion that leaned into light and kinetic movement, giving everything a polished, dynamic feel.



 

 

The Slash Element
A big part of tying this all together was MotorTrend’s iconic slash. It’s not just a logo detail—it’s their fingerprint. We used it as a framing device throughout the package, giving every asset a sense of unity and flow. The slash didn’t just sit there; it helped guide layouts, direct attention, and make everything feel unmistakably MotorTrend.

The Execution
Red took the lead in the color palette—bold, confident, and on-brand. The designs balanced strong visuals with clear communication, blending gradients, textures, and lighting to add energy and depth. Everything was built to move, whether it was a logo animation or a dynamic promo screen.

The Result
The new graphics package hit all the right notes. It captured MotorTrend’s authority as a classic brand while bringing in a fresh, modern energy. The use of the slash gave the entire system a cohesive feel, turning individual elements into a unified design language. Whether for show promos, partner screens, or streaming info, these designs were ready to hit the road.


This case study shows how combining bold ideas with clean execution can hit the sweet spot—simple, impactful, and ready to roll.

Client: Mototrend
Studio: Carousel 
Role: Styleframe Designer, Art Direction, Logo Animation
Skills: Cinema 4D,  After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator
Additional Credits: Motortrend Assets

 

 

 

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© Jerry Nelson 2021 | Attack Motion Design is a company registered and licensed in Chicago, IL USA.

© Jerry Nelson 2013 | Attack Motion Design is a company registered and licensed in Chicago, IL USA.