Cowspiracy.
In the documentary Cowspiracy, several animated segments are used to simplify complex environmental data.
This clip uses simple, fast-paced animation and icons to compare land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
I could echo part of this informative style in my animation. To present information in an easily digestible manner.
Animation taken from film Cowspiracy (gluckschmerz, 2014)
Moby – Why i’m vegan.
This animation uses bold collage-like animation style, combining hand-drawn elements with photographic textures and surreal imagery.
It presents the dairy, meat, and egg industries as morally and environmentally destructive forces.
Moby video about his road to becoming vegan. (Moby, 2022)
It’s animation style is intentionally uncomfortable at times, using distorted proportions and symbolism (like conveyor belts, crying animals and robotic consumers.) to reflect exploitation and detachment from the meat industry. This video influenced my approach by showing how symbolic exaggeration can shine a light on unsavoury practices that consumers have become emotionally detached from. I also like how throughout it delivers a serious message via visual metaphor rather than literal depiction, as this helps to make the subject easier for consumers to learn about without feeling guilty and stopping watching.
What would happen if everyone stopped eating meat tomorrow?
This animation imagines a global overnight change to plant-based diets and explores the environmental, economic, and ethical consequences.
It is vibrant and stylised. Using bold colours, minimal character design and fast-paced motion to keep viewers engaged.
A animation showing hypothetical switch to veganism. (TED-Ed, 2023)
I enjoy this style of animation as it doesn’t take away from the story that is being told, and information that is being communicated, as the illustration style is simple.
This video influenced my animation by showing how serious issues can be communicated through a visually light but intellectually heavy approach, similar to my other examples I think this is important when communicating a subject can be overwhelming.
Which type of milk is best for you?
This video breaks down the nutritional and environmental differences between cow’s milk and plant-based alternatives like soy, oat, and almond milk.
I appreciate how it uses flat vector illustrations, clear labelling and a voiceover. It also uses visual comparisons (e.g.,carbon emissions) to help viewers make informed choices, with a neutral tone.
(TED-Ed, “Which Type of Milk Is Best for You? – Jonathan J. O’Sullivan & Grace E. Cunningham”)
This video directly inspired how I plan to approach visual clarity in my own animation. I want the viewer to feel clear on what I am trying to communicate, as the topic already lends itself to controversy – I dont want to add anymore with ambiguous imagery.
Conclusion
Over all I would my my animation tone leaning more towords emotional and symbolic, rather then containing too much complex data. As it is only going to be 30seconds I need to make an impact on the viewer, that will hopefully inspire them to then go and do further research themselves.
Bibliography.
gluckschmerz. “Cowspiracy: Diet and Resources Clip.” YouTube, 20 Sept. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWJa–XL274. Accessed 3 May 2025.
Moby. “Why I’m a Vegan | Moby’s Veganniversary #Veganforlife.” YouTube, 26 Nov. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BN1evdXqzU. Accessed 3 May 2025.
TED-Ed. “What Would Happen If Everyone Stopped Eating Meat Tomorrow? – Carolyn Beans.” YouTube, 5 Oct. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAyuHIthHco.
—. “Which Type of Milk Is Best for You? – Jonathan J. O’Sullivan & Grace E. Cunningham.” YouTube, 20 Oct. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6TXDFp1EcM.