Starbucks Pumpkin Spice — Holiday 3D Animation

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice — Holiday 3D Animation

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Project snapshot

Project snapshot

Roles `& Tools

Roles `& Tools





Role: 3D / Motion Designer

Tools: Blender • AE

Deliverable: Social Ad Animation

Focus: Atmosphere + Story




A short, cozy narrative built to feel like a seasonal Starbucks moment. Warm lighting, soft pacing, and a clear call-to-action at the end.





Role: 3D / Motion Designer

Tools: Blender • AE

Deliverable: Social Ad Animation

Focus: Atmosphere + Story




A short, cozy narrative built to feel like a seasonal Starbucks moment. Warm lighting, soft pacing, and a clear call-to-action at the end.

The set

The set

The animation

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The hand

The hand was built in Blender using simple base shapes, which were refined into the final form and rigged with an armature to allow for realistic movement and animation

The car

The car was modelled in Blender using simple basic shapes based on a reference image to ensure accurate proportions and shape. Its movement was animated using keyframes, allowing precise control over position and timing within the scene

The fire (Simulation)

The fire was created using Blender’s simulation system rather than traditional keyframe animation. The motion was driven by simulation settings and timing controls, then baked to lock in the final result and ensure consistent playback during rendering

What this project demonstrates

I improved my confidence in building an environment-driven story and learned how much lighting and timing affect emotion. Next growth area: character/hand animation and more advanced motion control.


  • Brand-led storytelling through mood and pacing

  • Strong composition and lighting decisions

  • Clear “product moment” + call-to-action

Impact & Outcome

What this project demonstrates


  • Brand-led storytelling through mood and pacing

  • Strong composition and lighting decisions

  • Clear “product moment” + call-to-action

I improved my confidence in building an environment-driven story and learned how much lighting and timing affect emotion. Next growth area: character/hand animation and more advanced motion control.

What I learnt

The set was developed in multiple stages—from an initial blockout for layout and camera planning, to a fully dressed scene with textures, props, and lighting to establish mood and atmosphere

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rirandzu.ngobeni@gmail.com

© 2025 RANDZU NGOBENI - UX DESIGNER - PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA

© 2025 RANDZU NGOBENI - UX DESIGNER - PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA

© 2025 RANDZU NGOBENI - UX DESIGNER - PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA

Ready when you are

Ready when you are

Ready when you are

rirandzu.ngobeni@gmail.com

Impact & Outcome

What this project demonstrates


  • Brand-led storytelling through mood and pacing

  • Strong composition and lighting decisions

  • Clear “product moment” + call-to-action

I improved my confidence in building an environment-driven story and learned how much lighting and timing affect emotion. Next growth area: character/hand animation and more advanced motion control.

The set was developed in multiple stages—from an initial blockout for layout and camera planning, to a fully dressed scene with textures, props, and lighting to establish mood and atmosphere