Creating a 3D Coca-Cola commercial
I designed and modeled a Coca-Cola Zero can in Autodesk Maya, using nParticles, motion paths, and depth of field to create a dynamic 3D ad. Final touches, like logo animation and graphics, were added in After Effects and Premiere Pro for a polished finish.
Creating a short, animated commercial for Coca-Cola Zero as part of the course Gestaltningsteknik at Umeå University. The project followed a full production pipeline: from concept development to final 3D animation and post-production.
💼 Project
I handled the entire process, designing the concept, creating the Coca-Cola can and its detailed label design in Adobe Illustrator, modeling and animating the 3D can in Maya, applying advanced techniques like nParticles and motion paths, and completing post-production in After Effects and Premiere Pro to deliver a polished commercial.
🤹 My Role
Autodesk Maya for 3D modeling, animation, and effects. Illustrator for label design, After Effects for logo animation and graphics. Premiere Pro for final editing.
🛠️ Tools
For a project in the course Gestaltningsteknik at Umeå University, I created a 3D commercial for Coca-Cola Zero. I modeled the can entirely in Autodesk Maya and enhanced the scene with nParticles for realistic water droplets, motion paths for smooth animation, and depth of field to highlight the product.
The final composition was completed in After Effects and Premiere Pro, where I animated the Coca-Cola logo and designed motion graphics like the "new flavor" headline. The project combines technical 3D skills with motion design to create a short, eye-catching ad.
📖 Project Overview
Working on this project during the pandemic came with unique challenges. With limited access to campus resources, I completed the entire production on my personal MacBook Air, which meant working with restricted computing power. The rendering process was particularly time-consuming, and once it was underway, there was little room for making adjustments. This taught me the importance of careful pre-planning, efficient project management, and finding creative solutions within technical limitations.
🌱 Challenges & Learnings
This project began with concept development and a moodboard to define the visual direction. My goal was to make the can look refreshing and cold, with strong shadows, realistic water droplets, and a sleek, striking finish. I drew inspiration from Coca-Cola’s established color palette and previous campaigns to stay aligned with their clean brand style.
After setting the direction, I created a storyboard to map out the animation flow. The can was then modeled in Maya, with detailed label graphics designed in Illustrator. I used techniques like nParticles for the water droplets and motion paths to animate the can’s entrance naturally.
In post-production, I animated the logo in After Effects and finalized the spot in Premiere Pro, adding a “new flavor” headline, sound effects, and music from Coca-Cola’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The result is a short, cohesive commercial that feels true to Coca-Cola’s identity while highlighting my skills in 3D and motion design.
🔄 Process
Final Results
The final commercial is a clean, dynamic, and brand-aligned 3D animation that captures the essence of Coca-Cola’s vibrant identity. Through motion graphics and sound design, the ad delivers a clear and engaging message — showcasing both the new flavor launch and my ability to manage an entire creative production from concept to finish.
