In the wake of last(last) weekend's holy trinity of candy shaped like eggs, 4/20, and Wrestlemania, it occurred to me in a haze of pungent smoke and sweet jellybeans that if you want to study branding done right, skip the ad agencies and Fortune 500s; the real master class happens in the squared circle.
GET OVER THE TOP
Integrated 2D/3D motion graphics for product launches, brand films, and entertainment
Integrated 2D/3D work for product launches, brand films, and entertainment
MAIN EVENT ART DIRECTION & MOTION DESIGN
Born from punk 'zines, comic books, and late-night creature features, Full Nelson brings raw visual energy with purpose behind every frame.
Full Nelson is the creative practice of Jerry Nelson, a creative director and motion designer with 20 years of experience leading motion and design projects for brands that need to stand out. I've collaborated with agencies and studios like Leo Burnett, Optimus, and Digitas. My work spans CPG campaigns, product launches, and entertainment titles.
My background is in underground music, art, and design scenes where authenticity is crucial and lazy work gets called out instantly. That sensibility shows up in every project. It could be a product demo that truly holds attention or a brand film that feels different from the rest.
"Jerry understood the creative treatment and interpreted design needs without any hand-holding. We weren't just looking for someone to do what we said because we weren't looking for a paintbrush. Instead, we found a painter who would add to the project as they saw fit with intelligent problem solving and creative design." - Christian Ramirez, Grand Union
WORK THAT WORKS.
I focus on making work that actually feels like something.
The goal isn’t more content. It’s the right moments, done right. Stuff people remember. I specialize in art direction and look development for motion. I specialize in art direction and look development for motion, working with teams from the start to shape how something should look and feel. Then I build it in 2D, 3D, or both. Full Nelson is my studio; part creative lab, part scalable strike force. Sometimes it's just me, sometimes I bring in a team, depending on what the project needs.
What I Do:
- Art Direction, Look Development, & Visual Strategy
- Product Launch Videos
- Brand Films & Campaigns
- Entertainment Titles & Promos
- 2D/3D Integrated Motion Design
We make brands unforgettable where it matters: at checkout and on screen. If you're ready to invest in work that actually works, let's make something rad together.
"Jerry has a masterful knowledge of motion graphics and animation, and the way he was able to take my abstract thoughts and create something from initial concept through completion was truly refreshing." - Mike Paulucci, Alrojo Films
EXPERIENCE
2D & 3D motion graphic designer, with nearly two decades of experience in motion graphics design, visual strategy, and After Effects animation. Oh yeah, and Cinema 4D with Octane and Redshift.
PRESS
My work has been featured on the Colbert Report, Voyage Chicago, Reel Chicago, and Dead Formats 'Zine. I've also been on The Jacked Kirby Podcast, and Human Guinea Pig Podcast.
AWARDS
Effie (2008), Clio (2009), GPC Silver (2010),
Leo (2011), D&AD White Pencil (2012), GPC Gold (2013), Best of LinkedIN Profinder (2016),
Clutch Leader (2019,2020, 2021)
ANIMATION PRODUCTION
WORK
WORK
INSIGHTS
13 Types of Movie Title Design Sequences
There is a range of different types of Movie Title Design Sequences, Opening Credits, and Intros that filmmakers and directors use in their projects. Each one has its own distinct reason for existence and the role that it plays in storytelling beyond just showcasing the credit. The art of the title sequence is really a lot of detective work figuring out the themes of the story and putting that into a framework or motif of imagery that makes sense and adds to the narrative without giving too much away.
Character Design and Symbolism – An In-Depth Guide
As I mentioned in my last post Boost your Engagement With These 3 Character Design Tips, I have a detailed chart pairing physical attributes with symbolical and psychological personality associations. If you are looking for an economical way to symbolically tell your story, this character design trait list is a good place to start.
LET'S START TODAY
Ready To Tag Us In?
Let Us Be Your Secret Weapon.
We’re always game to meet new people and tackle wild motion projects. Drop us a line and we’ll hit you back with a few quick questions to get things rolling. Serious inquiries get a reply within 24–48 hours. Have questions before getting on a call? Check out the FAQ.
Want a head start?
Pro-tip: Hosting on YouTube or Vimeo? Paste your script into the description and boom, instant SEO boost. Don’t forget to drop in keywords ( Ubersuggest is your friend).
"Jerry Nelson is a talented and disciplined designer and animator. Creatively, he has a unique style that originates, in part, from his thorough knowledge of the tools of our trade. Work-wise, Jerry's patient, and refreshingly 'no-nonsense'; willing to see through whatever's required, with a level of quality and efficiency that over-exceeds." -Ben Poster, Leo Burnett
Contact:
Full Nelson
Jerry Nelson
(773) 369-9583
Chicago, IL 60625 USA
jerry@fullnelson.studio
We’re not accepting resumes or internships right now.
Please do not solicit your services to us.
© Jerry Nelson 2025 | Full Nelson is a company registered and licensed in Chicago, IL USA.
