Rattlesnake Envenomation on Erythrocyte Morphology
YEAR
2025
CLIENT
David Rini, MA, CMI
Donny Bliss, MA, CMI
MEDIA
C4D | After Effects
DESCRIPTION
This 3D animation, created in Cinema 4D, illustrates the effects of rattlesnake venom on red blood cells. It shows how envenomation destabilizes cell membranes, causing water loss, shrinkage, and the formation of spiky projections, a condition called echinocytosis. The animation depicts varying severity, from mild to severe deformation, and demonstrates how antivenom can restore normal cell structure.
The project combined research and the creation and animation of 3D models to communicate the dynamic physiological changes in this process.
PROCESS
STORYBOARD
Storyboards turn ideas into a visual plan. They help organize scenes, timing, and flow, catch problems early, and ensure everyone shares the same vision for how the story unfolds.
SCRIPT WRITING
Script writing sets the foundation for animation by defining the story, dialogue, tone, and key actions. It guides the narrative structure and ensures the visual elements have purpose and direction.
Audio Recording and Sound Production
Audio recording and sound production bring animation to life through dialogue, sound effects, and music. Clear voice work and sound design enhance mood, timing, and storytelling
ASSET DEVELOPMENT
I began building assets in Cinema 4D. This involved creating red blood cells, modeling their structural changes and creating their environment
LIGHT, materials, camera set up
In this stage, I created and applied materials to my models, adjusting textures, colors, and reflectivity to match the desired look. I then positioned cameras and lights within the scene, experimenting with angles, intensity, and shadows to achieve the composition and perspective I wanted.
Key Framing
Key frames bring things into motion. Values are set for an object’s position, rotation, scale, or other properties at designated points in the timeline. These keyframes mark the start and end of a movement or transformation.
POST PROCESSING IN AFTER EFFECTS
This included synchronizing the animation to the audio, adjusting timing, adding music, integrating backgrounds, applying visual effects, and placing labels and transitions. Each element was carefully layered and to create a cohesive, polished final animation.
STILLS
These still frames capture key moments from the 3D animation, highlighting red blood cell deformation, venom interaction, hemolysis, and the progression of echinocytosis.
