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Smisko Ackerman
Smisko Ackerman

Setting ideas into motion.

Quantization

GFX

AT&T

Product Launch

The Future Looms

Concept Film

Tangents

Research + Development

D'Addario ProMark

Product Line Showcase

IAM Weekend

Event, Visual Identity

Laneige

Product Activation

Estée Lauder Serum

Product Activation

Estée Lauder Double Wear

Product Activation

D'Addario XS

Product Launch Campaign

&Walsh

Brand Collaboration

The V&A

Art Installation, Brand Collaboration

Quantization; the process of converting a large set of values into a smaller, finite set. Used in a myriad of places, from how AI models are optimized to how classical physics transitions into quantum physics. Inspired by image dithering, where color’s position, value and intensity is randomized to create tonal depth, we set out to make a quantum graphic world. In this experimental motion graphics video, we used construction motifs to represent individual data packets and a shifting gradient to depict a continuous signal. What started as a study of image processing techniques evolved into a journey of compressing a vast amount of continuous information into a finite video.

Quantization

GFX

Introducing the AT&T 5G Helmet; the world’s first football helmet designed to level the playing field for Deaf and hard of hearing players. We directed an impactful spot, celebrating the achievement and delivering a clear understanding of the technology. Using LetinAR technology, the helmet instantly delivers plays to the eyes of their players via AT&T 5G. Working with Tendril, as a collaboration with Translation, we got to direct this dive into the technology of a cutting edge helmet. The film provides a clear understanding of its inner workings while celebrating its enormous impact for the players.

AT&T

Product Launch

The Future Looms is a series of vignettes inspired by a personal history of looms and computers, echoing Sadie Plant's exploration of technology, gender, and labor. Challenging the perceived ease of AI images, layered 2D simulation data along with sounds of looms weaving highlight the invisible processing behind digital art and spotlight the personal data involved. The loom, an early information processor, laid the foundation for computing. Women's labor in textile production, historically undervalued and often invisible, mirrors the unseen work behind technological progress. Inspired by women still life painters at the time of the jacquard loom introduction, flowers, fruits, and shells symbolize the ephemeral yet enduring nature of data—intangible and everlasting.

The Future Looms

Concept Film

‘Tangents’ was inspired by project files and inspiration that had been left unfinished and unseen. At the beginning of the year we decided to revisit some of these ideas, with the goal of going off on a tangent. We challenged ourselves to focus on instinctive exploration, curiosity, and advancement of our style and technical abilities. We used old ideas to push our practice further and spark unencumbered creativity.

Tangents

Research + Development

Smisko Ackerman
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