Russell Smith - EF Hello

EF Hello

The London based team at EF Hello, an OS application that takes the text conversation approach to teach Engilsh, reached out to illustrate their conversion pages. There was no branding, but basing early concepts on their applications colour scheme lead the way to refining art directions.

Through close collaboration with the client, it became clear that they wished to convey those chaotic moments throughout our days when we have a chance to study. Before moving into colour drafts, I proposed a number of sketches to nail down the scenarios the client wanted to cover.

Because the artwork would exist on a small device, it would be difficult to see literal face expressions. Therefore, we needed to emphasised the use of colour to convey characters emotions as well as being pleasent to look at.

The final artwork is a balance between inspiring and warm, yet conveying those annoyences weve all experience while trying to study. These were also produced in a way to allow animation and user interface elements above and below.