The Witch's Ghosts (A Procreate Dreams Commission)

The second commission I directed and animated for Procreate procreate.com/ ! Everything you see here is animated, colored, edited and composited in Procreate Dreams procreate.com/dreams
Credits:
Directed and Animated by Michael Relth
michaelrelth.squarespace.com/
Sound and Music by Jen Pague/ Cat Head Noise
www.jenniferpaguesounds.com/
Background painters:
Sudarshan Kumar
www.sudarshankumar.com/
Jennifer Wang
www.jenniferwang.art/
Animation Frame Paint:
Colin Filgate
www.colinfilgate.com/
Eileen Huang
www.eileendoeswork.com/
Junior Animator: Colin Filgate
www.colinfilgate.com/
Color Consultant: Jennifer Wang
www.jenniferwang.art/
BG Assets and Props by Grace Poole
gracepoole.myportfolio.com/
Special Thanks:
Tim Yoon, EJ Kang, Grace Poole, Jennifer Wang, Colin Filgate, KJ, Dee and Mom

[@miguelcabading2470]

This actually made me tear up.. seeing her hug all of her selves and embracing those sides of her made me feel warm inside. Thank you for this!

[@k_912]

yeah, I was just about to comment something like that too! the story is just so touching and the artist really did a great job animating this ;0;

[@pb5335]

weak

[@aislingtheavey3860]

@@pb5335 ....What?

[@briskeel]

@@pb5335 how tf is it weak

[@RedstoneMiner18]

I just need a hug man

[@Basim_Zaheer]

Omg. This is so cool. It just reminds me of how every decision I made in life was the exact opposite of what my heart wanted. But in the end, everything was worth it because it brought me to where I'm today.

[@J1853]

Absolutely💯❤️

[@Gatozparty]

THATS WHAT I WAS GONNA SAY

[@lindao791]

do you still do that? or is your mind and heart more aligned

[@theswissmiss69]

Could you talk about an example of this? I can’t really picture a situation where following my heart wasn’t a valid choice. Maybe if you were to say that anxieties were also my heart but I don’t see it that way.

[@lukasmeier3291]

⁠@@theswissmiss69chunsch du au us de schwiiz?

[@draydenferguson3128]

I like the multicolored outline around the witch to show that her ghosts have merged with her once more. A great detail. Just 1 day left until this app hits the App Store...

[@distantmaniacallaughter8690]

WAIT ITS OUT TODAY!? FCK IT I WAS TRYNA GET IT ON THE RELEASE DATE BUT I might’ve accidentally stayed up literally all night. Anyway, I’ll just go photosynthesis

[@timtron123]

What's the app called?

[@robinmoore4189]

Yeah what app?

[@WellduhJustTakeTheL]

@@timtron123 *@robinmoore4189* procreate, I think

[@gonaye1]

@@robinmoore4189 Procreate Dreams 😊

[@gonaye1]

Beautiful. She understands and loves all the pieces of her self (even the parts that sometimes just want to sleep in, chill on the couch and do nothing, or put off neverending responsibilities). Reminds me of the videogame Celeste (in the best way possible).

[@jimidanaan2213]

Reminds me of Internal Family Systems therapy. Parts work is great!

[@CamMations]

This animation, for some reason, is giving me Steven universe vibes. This is really well done!

[@breys-desenhando7642]

She's kinda like Stevonnie vibe's

[@shadypixel4478]

​@@breys-desenhando7642yeah! I see it

[@panda9661]

And plus at the end they fuse!

[@ukaszgrzesik7231]

Pastell colours

[@shadypixel4478]

@@panda9661 into a normal-sized woman

[@dude.dans_]

This was so well Animated!

[@Addy__624]

I'm surprised no one replied yet-

[@bellathesuperpoms]

OH MY OH IK U

[@soviet_onionRSFSR]

Hi... Human... Wait, are you a human?

[@YouTookMyNugget22]

BRO

[@Cheesecake-ce7yp]

Whaaaaaa

[@ahristeo]

Wooow, I've been struggling with depression, ADHD, heavy procastination etc, and seeing her embracing those sides of her personality and "learning" to control them, going out and see other people who are also seeking that kind of magic, like going to teraphy and move foward or in the process of learning about themselves, makes me feel less lonely and very warm, this is BEAUTIFUL

[@Sophie-vw5ol]

You are not alone. I have the same struggle. This movie really touched me too. It speaks to me. We got this, slowly but surely ❤

[@philipjohnston5822]

I like how when she does something that doesn't match what she wants to do, she splits into different ghosts, and only by gathering up her ghosts is she allowed to leave her house. I like to think that every witch in that world, and even regular people in real life, have to go through this sometimes. It's nice.

[@ZefDavenport]

"You can only move forward when you accept yourself" Hard to achieve, but it's possible to open that door. Lovely animation.

[@ajaxburner8380]

I think you should know this genuinely made me cry. It wasn’t full on sobbing, just more of a gentle laugh accompanied by tears. Maybe it was the colors, the beautiful instrumentals and soft humming, or the message behind it all, but this was so beautiful and I’m genuinely at a loss right now. I think this short animation captures so much in a short amount of time, and does so expertly. I don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful piece with us. I’m startled by how much it affected me, but in the best kind of way, and I wanted you to know that.

[@merdaclipes9344]

It's so beautiful, right? I almost cried too ;)

[@lunamiranda23]

Not a single second wasted, just pure storytelling. Not only is it beautifully animated, it’s so heartfelt and honest in such a short amount of time. Truly a work of art :’)

[@JAZZY_DREAMER]

The amount of goosebumps I got from this 1 minute film is insane. From the music to the animation and art it’s just so UGH. 10/10 would recommend this masterpiece,

[@kylenaumann2318]

Incredible short! Great message as well. I loved how alive the light was throughout the entire story. Impressive work

[@flareons]

short, but it has a great message. That message being that despite your short comings, no matter how lazy you are, those are parts of you that make who you are and you should love yourself because of them. Dont think of them as bad parts of yourself. (hope I'm not getting the message wrong lol)

[@imnotthatmatt6524]

This fills me with so much warmth. The music and sound design of her separating and then merging was just so perfectly tuned, it gave me goosebumps

[@Veronyak]

What a beautiful and impactful story! I really connected with this story considering I started practicing witch craft to help with my mental health. All what was shown in this short I feel I had experienced over time myself. Such a beautiful story and beautiful art style. Thank you and everyone who contributed for taking the time to create and share this short.

[@khun_le]

Love it. This even reminds me of the amazing Satoshi Kon’s Ohayo.

[@salmandhaif1422]

That’s what I thought too

[@MichaelRelthArt]

Oh yeah Ohayo is one of my favorite very short films!! Satoshi Kon is a legend

[@Poafa]

THIS IS SO GOOD!!!! the contrast of colors from inside to outside and the lighting is insane!!!

[@LilStarling]

when you keep accidentally losing your soul in all seriousness this was so so beautiful i cant even put it into the words. It was just so smooth and everything flowed just right :)

[@oliveranderson928]

It can be hard to get yourself up and moving in the morning. You just gotta give yourself a little love and assurance.

[@ClaraDunn-rf4pf]

This has singlehandedly convinced me to buy procreate dreams and make an attempt at serious animation

[@Phoenix-et1vw]

dang that really captures the feeling of struggling with depression and managing to push through a day after a bad slump of not being able to get yourself to do anything for a few days/weeks

[@OO0RI]

I love these visuals, and I love the little boiling animations on the light coming in through the door - gorgeous work like this has me SO excited to see how procreate dreams will take the indie scene by storm. Amazing work!!!!!

[@hallocarmo]

awww this was such a lovely animation with such a feel good vibe. REALLY LOVE THIS. cant wait to try out the procreate dreams!!!

[@hallocarmo]

i shouldn't say 'feel good vibe' but more like... wholesome story telling about love. thank you for this

[@MichaelRelthArt]

Thank you so much for your kind words!!

[@AaronBlaiseArt]

This is beautiful

[@Asoulcalledrose]

that made me tear, I loved how she embraced all her other versions.

[@M-ss4nr]

Me encanta 🥰

[@natedcarr6148]

Needing every part of yourself in order to be whole and proceed to the next part of life. Pretty heavy meaning right here.

[@shork2539]

From start to finish, this animation was perfect. As someone who has and still deals with depression and other mental health issues, I feel so represented by this work. It highlights small accomplishments like getting out of bed or watering plants as significant feats. Even if it's something as simple as getting off your phone, it's still a step towards getting better. The way she acknowledges that she is not perfect by embracing her flaws at the end brought me to tears. Absolutely excellent work.

[@RiverBroslife]

I want to see that as a movie it is so well done and you can see the amount of thought put into it

[@SylvesterMassey]

Congratulations to you and your team on accomplishing this beautiful short for Procreate. Amazing, thought-provoking, encouraging and inspiring. I loved it. Love the background, the color and you did an amazing job as a director, and with your animation Michael, inspired me! 🙌

[@chlorophyllheart]

I translated that to leaving the bad habits behind, there is time enough for them later. I struggle with those bad habits too, and feeling guilty because of them. It's easy to just sit, but it's better to just get up. Nice video reminder.

[@smiley6149]

I accidently synced it withh with "Hate me" by Eurielle, it added a sad ethereal note to the over all animation. The animation is really beautiful!

[@gracefullyklumzy]

I would watch a full season of this, he'll a movie would be amazing over this consept, I love this

[@honey8ter]

wow- this entire thing just blew me away! the animation was impeccable and it was very touching- i love how real the character felt. amazing work

[@caitlinmanning1292]

Saw this on my socials the other day and now on KZbin and it still makes me smile, this is truly beautiful.

[@TheIncidentHouse]

This animation feels so warm and comforting.

[@melindaacordero]

The music to this is so fitting and perfect, I love it.

[@RubyRider_62442]

I like how the MC's outlines are multicoloured and her friends are just one solid one showing that embracing your ghosts in this realm is probably rare and few people do it, sort of like how some people don't take the time to better themselves and stay in a cycle (idk maybe I'm looking to far into it tho).

[@gloriaborisova6150]

This made me cry

[@niharikasaxena6926]

Brings me to tears. The peace and simplicity i crave is right here.

[@ThatPaintingLass]

This is one of the most beautiful stories! I love how she brought all of her parts together in the end. I would absolutely watch more and more of her. I want to know more.

[@lourdeslozanokhoury128]

Wow this looks amazing 🤩🤩🤩

[@iriidesci]

genius detail with the friends at the end also having outlines. we all struggle the same battles. silently. it's a subtle reminder that we aren't alone

[@jolin2948]

Looks so healing

[@BrookeGlaser]

I hadn’t seen this one! Love the textures on the edge of the light. Another amazing animation, Michael (and team)

[@raydashietwitwi3955]

This is magical. I was expecting something a little dark, but was warmly greeted with something so soft and I'm in love with that.

[@bujomoss]

man this made me cry. so good

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

Love all your parts. They all make up you💖

[@random_youtuber8095]

heartwarming animation! The color scheme, background, character, everything had a calm and warm vibe. I love it!

[@athebeau8776]

That was the most heartfelt minute and a half I’ve had in a while! Thank you

[@kiplingbassil]

So happy you got to share this one man, so much meaning behind the storytelling, beautiful

[@alzzarla4610]

The thumbnail gave me big DID/plural vibes, and the film did not disappoint 💕

[@SaifKhan-ye9dn]

Its beautiful how she acknowledged the other parts of herself too!. Really loved pointing this out

[@AsNatureIntended13]

This is beautiful, moving and emanates love. I cried. Thank you.

[@ferrnandagadelha]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've watched. Made me tear up. I watched this on your TAD talk today and was tearing up in public 😅😂 it just made me emotional and I related so much to it. I've had some tough times mentally throughout my life and I still do, but nowadays I manage to handle them just like the witch, being more compassionate with myself and learning to embrace the parts of me that may be more challenging or make me feel lost and confused at times. These are all me and I gotta keep navigating life as the whole being I am. Thank you for reminding me of that through this animation.

[@Meatpieman]

This is so insanely beautiful

[@beescared]

THIS IS LITERALLY SO EPIC HOW

[@pringle584]

I feel like this captures how it feels to finally have motivation to do anything.

[@nansifyanimations]

I felt literal shiver on my body…dude….the animation? The meaning? The sound design? 😭😭😭😭😭

[@hodaomran]

I love 2D animation. It elevates the meaning and the feeling of the film. I wish the industry will go back to 2D or we artists will have the ability to make 2D feature films easily … thank you for the amazing short ❤️❤️

[@phuqaeART]

Didn’t think a lil animation would make me cry like that but ya did it 😭

[@Space-Milk]

I didn’t even notice the “procreate dreams commission” and was coming back to say I saw it on the ad ^^

[@adriennbalogh-feher6125]

I came across this in the perfect time. Incredible animation, I absolutely loved everything. The character, the shapes, THE LIGHTING (!!) and the story too, so amazing!

[@gaiabuntic2646]

To me this looks like a visual representation of coping with grief. Those parts when you want to give up but you don't and then you are proud of yourself, you collect the pieces and go into the world. Wholesome.

[@MichaelRelthArt]

yes! especially with grief its important to give yourself grace and to take a moment to feel the feelings when you can, thats kind of what the hug is about

[@renae-parfait]

This is phenomenal! A heartwarming story told with beautiful sound & visuals 💗I love that after getting energy by making choices that bring her joy, she still embraces her ghosts at the end and feels whole

[@user-hn3wb5yx8v]

The quality is amazing! You really made it!

[@chai_and_books]

This was amazing. The character, concept, background work.... Everything gave such a smooth, calming, sweet vibe that just makes me want to watch this over and over again

[@ViktorHelt-mi2uk]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful artwork and story❤

[@sades_sketches]

Genuinely made me tear up. This is such a beautiful concept. 🥺✨

[@emmecee6273]

I was on a music hunt and almost skipped this because it was an animation instead of music, and I am glad I didn’t skip it. It was surprisingly emotional and a very welcome reminder to be more gentle with ourselves without letting ourselves off the hook. She still took them off the bed, couch, avoidant behavior but with love.

[@Max-1906]

This is beautiful, can't imagine how much time, thinking and hard work it took ❤❤❤

[@marzettik]

This speaks to my heart. ❤

[@user-sl4cs8kd5x]

Beautifully explained, love the concept

[@ThePerceptivision]

The QUALITY OF DREAMS !!!!

[@stargazingrainstorms]

This is gorgeous

[@WENN_cv]

This animation just hits different❤

[@courier2353]

This is genuinely beautiful! Fantastic art! We all need to push past our feelings that prevent us from living life, but there is no abandoning them… accepting them as who you are is the best way forward

[@wilmelar]

This hit me directly to my heart 😢❤

[@dndngzl2670]

That was so beautiful it gave me a tear in my eye 😭😭

[@skycreeper0173]

Super freaking awesome animation. Everyone involved did amazing with this commission!

[@user-wl9gw3dy3v]

I LOVE THIS!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT‼️❤️‍🔥

[@AlexGriggAnimation]

Big love Michael. This is so well done.

[@annudraws]

everyone are chasing the expressive word, trying to hook people into watching their video...But this video just proved that you just have to show dont tell...i clicked on this video out of pure curiosity to see what people are creating with procreate dreams and this one is by far the best i have come across..love to see more of such beautiful animation and storytelling

[@sergeki108]

Love it so much! The story and animation are great!😍

[@zbot]

Bro this is freaking beautiful wow I’m crying

[@limosas]

Oh god this is so stunning. Cant wait for its official release tomorrow!

[@bigbig-nx2uj]

I love this short sooooo much!! this story is warm ,I found that I love myself more after watching this story❤❤

[@acesinger6092]

This is so beautiful…

[@Beeheart8]

This animation is really cool. I love how the sunlight shines on everything good.

[@-PatchworkPony-]

This is the best procreate dream animation I have seen yet!

[@claudyview]

So beautiful!!!

[@SugaryDeath]

Amazing short! I love the style and colors! Great use of transition and camera movement!❤❤❤

[@calypsoe.j5110]

This is the most inspiring and beautiful short animation I have ever seen. The scenes are so accurate and colors are delightful, not to the the main message. Oh, it really made my day

[@alienking8050]

this made me tear up, beautiful animation 🤍

[@artentics]

Wait this made me so emotional, I wasn’t expecting this wholesome bomb when I started watching

[@evnea]

This is so beautiful, I love the concept!

[@sweetteasippen]

This is incredible!!! Can’t wait for this to blow up, this is so amazing!!! I love how you added the little slivers of light beaming into the darkness, like there’s always goodness that you’re choosing to ignore even in the darkest moments when you know you need it most. Cheesey as that description is, I really like this!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@natalie_3193]

This is so cute, and is has a lovely message too! The art style was so cozy and cute too, you did a great job

[@Kybalion963]

OMG!!! Every cell in my mind just imploded thinking that you made that with Dreams!!! Amazing Sir, Amazing!!!