Etsy Shop Animated Ads

Ryan Wakefield • June 22, 2026

A series of fun animated video ads was needed for the launch of my new Etsy page titled Aby's Joint Apparel. My late father's nickname was Aby and he loved calling his favorite shops and restaurants 'joints.' Therefore, Aby's Joint Apparel was the perfect choice for the name of the shop. Aby's Joint is home to t-shirts, coffee mugs, stickers, and more and I wanted all items to have crazy personality.


During the first few weeks after my shop's launch, I decided to work on a few ideas for humorous, animated ads that highlight particular shirt designs. With the combination of Adobe Premiere and AI video generation, I was able to create a few ads that perfectly convey the humor and personality of the print-on-demand products I'm selling. I know there is a lot of controversy regarding the use of AI, but it's not going anywhere and it continues to improve every day. Learning to prompt and properly use this tech with animated projects is something all designers should add to their resume.

By Ryan Wakefield June 22, 2026
I’ve always loved designing logos for clients, whether they’re wordmarks, lettermarks, pictorial marks, or anything in between. But the projects that excite me most are mascot‑driven logos. I’m especially drawn to the bold, energetic mascots you see in sports branding, so I decided to have some fun and create a few of my own. Below are several mascot logo concepts for fictional sports teams. Most are built within a crest or emblem, though I also enjoy exploring how a mascot looks when it breaks free from the frame.
By Ryan Wakefield March 8, 2026
The Assistant Director of USF’s Youth Experiences (YXP) program reached out to me to develop new logo designs for three of their high school summer programs. These camps give students in Grades 9–12 hands‑on experiences in STEM, entrepreneurship, and other career‑focused pathways, helping them explore future professions, build leadership skills, and prepare for college across USF’s campuses. The three programs titled Anatomy of a Roller Coaster , USF Aerospace Engineering , and Aqua Bulls Ocean Exploration, each have distinct themes and learning outcomes. As shown in the examples below, my design process begins with researching the subject matter of each program. Once I understand what students will be studying, I move into concept sketching. This stage helps me visualize potential directions and identify the strongest symbolic elements for each logo. Because pictorial marks resonate especially well with youth audiences, each design incorporates imagery tied directly to the program’s focus, creating logos that are both engaging and immediately recognizable. You'll also notice changes from the initial sketch to the refined vector look created with Adobe Illustrator. Everything you design, including logos, will evolve into something both you and the client will like.
By Ryan Wakefield February 11, 2026
I recently had the opportunity to design a mascot for the USF College of Engineering. The goal was to create a friendly, approachable robot that could be featured in social media posts and other outreach materials. I developed three illustrations showing the mascot in action such as running, flashing the Go‑Gulls sign, and carving a turkey dinner. I later transformed the design into a 3D‑printed model, which now makes occasional appearances in the college’s social media content.
By Ryan Wakefield February 10, 2026
My department was discussing ideas for a social media Halloween post, and I proposed 3D-printing a pumpkin with the USF logo cut out in place of a typical scary face. I got to work building the pumpkin with a program called Adobe Substance and proceeded to cut out the USF logo. Once printing was completed, I attached two battery-powered LED lights that glowed green, creating an eerie and creative look.
By Ryan Wakefield February 10, 2026
My book, Journey to Jumbalot, was long overdue for an updated trailer - especially for social media. I had already created more than a dozen character illustrations for ads and promotional posts, but none of them were animated. Using AI tools, I uploaded my illustrations to use as a reference to generate new character animations that could bring the world of Jumbalot to life across social platforms and beyond. Below is the latest reel showcasing some of those new animations.
By Ryan Wakefield December 19, 2025
I was recently tasked with designing an animated holiday greeting for the dean of the USF College of Engineering. Like many of my projects, the process began with a simple pencil sketch, a step that helps me visualize the idea before refining it digitally on the computer (usually Adobe Illustrator). The reindeer illustration originated as a vector file for a laser-cut ornament, but I thought it could also be used in an animated format. To adapt it, I enhanced the details of the design and then brought the artwork into Premiere and After Effects, where I built out the animation. 
December 19, 2025
Commencement marks a meaningful rite of passage for every college student. To honor that moment, the University of South Florida asked the College of Engineering to record raw footage of the dean delivering an inspiring message to its students. I captured the video inside one of the college’s labs, where various pieces of mechanical equipment were running in the background. After submitting the footage to the university, I realized the message could have an even greater impact if enhanced with animation and music, making it ideal for sharing through email and social media.
By Ryan Wakefield May 16, 2025
This is my latest video project for the University of South Florida's Department of Medical Engineering. In this video, we explore the significance of the Medical Capstone program, showcasing how it equips aspiring medical engineers with the essential skills and knowledge needed for their future careers. The program emphasizes the development and execution of research projects, which are crucial for addressing real-world medical challenges. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, students learn to navigate the complexities of medical engineering, preparing them to innovate and excel in a field that is constantly changing.
By Ryan Wakefield May 4, 2025
The USF Department of Electrical Engineering asked for a sleek and contemporary t-shirt design for their graduating class of 2025 seniors. This eye-catching shirt prominently features a large, dynamic bolt of electricity on the front, symbolizing the power and innovation inherent in the field of electrical engineering. Surrounding the bolt are intricate technical circuits, representing the complexity and precision of the work these students have mastered. On the back of the shirt, you'll find a detailed list of various research areas that highlight the diverse applications of electrical engineering. These areas include renewable energy systems, robotics, telecommunications, and microelectronics, among others. Each research area underscores the critical knowledge and expertise that electrical engineers bring to advancing technology and solving real-world problems. This t-shirt not only celebrates the achievements of the class of 2025 but also serves as a proud emblem of their journey and the impactful contributions they are poised to make in the field of electrical engineering.
By Ryan Wakefield May 3, 2025
Augmented reality (AR) has proven to be incredibly entertaining. I envisioned transforming a new poster design that showcases the University of South Florida's mascot, Rocky the Bull, into a superhero akin to Iron Man. Having recently started learning an AR-related program, I decided to make the poster interactive. Now, by scanning the QR code with a smartphone, one can activate a 3D animated version of the poster complete with music and a video backdrop.
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