Meditation is a powerful tool for many people, helping them to cope with the stress and pain that life can bring. It also protects against depression and anxiety. But it can be challenging to maintain a meditation practice in an everyday life filled with distractions.
In an effort to make mindfulness more accessible, Headspace commissioned a cartoon series that takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery through a set of meditation exercises. Using four animation studios and eleven directors, the series explores how to let go of anger or worry, get started or fall in love with life.
The creators of the Guide to Meditation were tasked with creating something that could be an explainer video, a TV show and an experimental cartoon all at once. They aimed to create a visual language that was not only beautiful, but also universal.
For a start, they chose a kind color palette that would help the brand stand out from the rest. Moreover, they used a combination of rounded natural shapes and angular elements to communicate feelings without being too prescriptive.
They drew inspiration from the impressionist and surrealist artists like Miro, Matisse and Magritte to convey “dreamlike imagery” in order to convey the feeling of zen.
They also drew on the meditation teachings of Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace, to create a series that teaches viewers how to live a life filled with gratitude, kindness and love. The goal is not only to educate, but also to make meditation more accessible for the modern person.