Behind the Scenes:

A Hand-Drawn Journey into the World of Travel

Collaborating with IMPRO Ceļojumi and Aurian Agency on this project was an incredible experience, allowing me to bring traditional hand-drawn animation to life. This animation was designed to celebrate IMPRO’s 30-year journey of connecting travelers with unforgettable experiences.

The animation follows three key characters:

• The Raven – a curious observer, leading the audience through the journey.
• The Traveler – a brand-new, custom-designed character representing the spirit of adventure.
• The Cyclist – a friendly guide, helping along the way.

Everything was drawn by hand, taking inspiration from classic vintage cartoons, where black-and-white outlines dominate, with only one colored element per scene to direct focus.

Bringing the Story to Life

1. Setting the Scene

The animation opens in a peaceful meadow, but tranquility is quickly interrupted by the raven’s curious nature. As it soars past global landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Pyramids—it begins to question its own journey. This sets the stage for the central question: What’s inside the traveler’s backpack?

2. The Mystery of the Traveler’s Backpack

The traveler appears lost and confused, his backpack empty. The raven and cyclist step in to help, offering him objects that symbolize travel essentials—like a compass. However, in classic cartoon fashion, the raven also contributes an absurd item: a modern TV remote that magically summons a vintage TV, broadcasting IMPRO news with a journalist revealing the “secret” of the backpack.

3. Where Is the Traveler Going?

With a now overstuffed backpack, the traveler is asked: Where next? He shrugs, unsure. The raven and cyclist try to guide him—using a map, improvised notes, and even watching a documentary about travelers. The journey continues, leading to a moment of reflection and connection between the three characters.

4. The Emotional Finale

As the sun sets, the traveler sits on a cliff, admiring the view. The cyclist joins him, and soon, the raven lands beside them. The moment is warm, reflective, and filled with gratitude. Then—a phone notification! A message from IMPRO reads:

“Thank you for traveling with IMPRO for 30 years! Here’s to the next 30!”

With a single tap, a montage of breathtaking travel destinations flashes across the screen, ending with the IMPRO logo and a bow from the raven—fade to white.

Hidden Easter Egg: My Cat Hugo

As a fun personal touch, I hid my cat, Hugo, in the animation! If you look closely, you’ll find a small white cat snuggled inside the traveler’s backpack—a subtle tribute to my real-life furry companion.

A True Collaboration

While I focused on hand-drawn animation and character design, the talented team at Aurian Agency handled editing, sound, and final assembly. Together, we created an animation that blends humor, nostalgia, and a celebration of IMPRO’s legacy.

This project was a testament to the magic of storytelling through traditional illustration—where every frame is crafted with care, and every movement carries a deeper meaning.

Here’s to many more creative journeys ahead!