Annie Atkins | The secret world of graphic design for filmmaking

Annie Atkins specializes in graphic design for filmmaking. In addition to creating contemporary artwork for movie posters, she designs and fashions any graphic pieces outlined by a film script, such as prison escape maps, telegrams, and fake love letters. Atkins has designed the graphics for three Oscar-nominated films: the animated feature The Boxtrolls, Spielberg’s Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies, and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel-which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Production Design. Originally from Snowdonia, Wales, Atkins has been based in Dublin, Ireland since 2007.

[@obrianstudio]

there should be an Oscar for graphic design in movies

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Definitely!

[@Bringos76]

That's a great idea! What would be some of the nominees?

[@roaminggnome6878]

I am obsessed with Annie's work & I have worshipped Wes Anderson forever. This is such a dream job. I am blown away at the fact that there were only 4 people on the graphic design team for Grand Budapest. I have no idea how they handled this volume of work! Also, I was shocked when she said she starts researching 6-8 weeks before the camera starts rolling. This seems like an incredibly short amount of time! I'm sure it was much longer for Grand Budapest considering what went into it.

[@Aimlessartist]

I was already a film enthusiast but this lecture really gave me a greater appreciation for all the detail in the background that most people miss!

[@KishyaGreer]

This is literally my dream job! I have been trying my best to figure out how to do this full-time!

[@b.sylphaen]

Go on, friend, you can make it!

[@RomanLegioXx]

Are you working as a graphic designer in the film industry?

[@KishyaGreer]

@@RomanLegioXx I am a branding and packaging creative director/designer but not for film. My love of packaging is what created this dream. I love creating things with my hands and creating photo-ready mock-ups. I did this for a multinational retailer for years. Seems like the natural transition is into film! I just need to know the right people in the industry to get my foot in the door. Working on it!

[@sallyhudsondesign]

If you want to work in the film industry, you must apply to your local union of film workers, IATSE. You must have a desirable portfolio of varied work for review. The work hours are generally 60 hours a week and you must produce quality work within the strict time restrictions. You must also have a bit of a gypsy soul, as you are a contract worker. This means you will only have work for certain periods of time. It is a rewarding career BUT it can be very stressful lol. Best of luck!

[@dianad.4777]

Very nice insight on what goes on behind the movies. Graphic design is so much more than what so many think. And is literally everywhere.

[@DavidSmith-lj7tv]

Viewed this at AIGA San Antonio with student groups. It made a big impression and broadened the student's understanding of design opportunities. A real contribution to the craft of design.

[@inkvine9242]

The reasons for the kerning differences in the hotel sign -

[@robinc3840]

What fun this was to watch, lots!

[@nicholemarsh7896]

This talk is so inspirational! Love her work!

[@faunaduffy9159]

Thank you , very well explained and I can't wait to study this now!

[@peterwoolsey2060]

Been offered a graphic design job interview for large production movies (in Ireland too no less). Currently researching the job to see what I actually have to do. Panicing because I didn't even consider this as a career path and don't know what to show as a portfolio or practice. This video was immensely helpful.

[@PopPrincess714]

This is soo interesting. Thank you for sharing :)

[@amyfishervoiceovers]

so incredibly cool. all. of. it. thank you annie for your part in suspending our disbelief and immersing us in these films. love. love. and more love to you and yours!

[@FransHattingh]

"Don't be afraid to be niche." 💜

[@lancegoy9180]

Hallelujah !

[@angelascott1527]

This was soooooo Good!

[@aviakinardlewis5294]

Oh man, this is what I have wanted to do.

[@Lottus9]

amazing!!!

[@liam_rufino]

Super interesting!

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Fantastic talk, so damn inspiring!

[@arisfopalan9004]

bravo. 👍

[@ConradSpoke]

Fixing the double-T typo in 'patisserie' was Wes Anderson saying: "I wish I'd thought of it, because it suits the movie, but I didn't, so change it."

[@thatenbyartist517]

And now I want to watch the Grand Budapest Hotel movie-

[@JanneWolterbeek]

What's the guitar music in the Hotel Budapest reel near the end? Shazam doesn't give me any results. Is it maybe on the OST?

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Ah, I guess it is in the description, doh!

[@OeloDickAble]

14:06

[@Name-dz1um]

23:59

[@ale6284]

My teacher making me watch this for homework

[@POTATOYYYYY]

受益匪浅

[@man_arky]

Any one else think the interviewer looks like Ralph Fiennes?

[@Jack87504]

there is only 1 t in patisserie at least in my dictionary

[@deepsy2k]

Is that the narrator of 99% invisible?

[@DAYBROK3]

ok going with what she was just talking about people noticing things, her dress bugs me. there should not be wrinkles near her under arm, the darts are too shallow. she is right people notice the crazist things, details matter.

[@jwebstersmithii7459]

Must be nice being Peerage Royalty. Perks include: as soon as you graduate you get the sweetest, most high-level M15 job on Earth...doing television work for Royalty (cousins and other Uber-Wealthy Peerage mates). LOL. If you're a young designer, and you are NOT connected, don't bother thinking that you'll ever get anywhere close to doing these kinds of projects. They are sealed off for the families. You can serve them coffee and wipe their axes, but you won't ever reach that place. I know FIRST HAND how these clowns operate. They see you as competition if you're gifted. And they'll do everything they can to crush you. So, skip school. Learn on your own. And do it for the love of it. And do your own projects.

[@limitedlightyears]

And why should i listen to a random comment?

[@thebananaspeels]

Wtf is that mic setup.

[@deepsy2k]

that's a mic setup for someone who use to do podcasts