Max Francisco

Graphic Designer. Motion Designer. Photographer. Videographer. Creator of Exciting Things.


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VMB
Lock Step

Cherokee Street
You Got Hurt
Mirage


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Videography + Motion Design Cherokee Street


For this project, I conducted comprehensive research on Cherokee Street, one of St. Louis’ most vibrant cultural centers. The one-mile stretch is rich with street murals, antique shops, and a diverse collection of eclectic bars and restaurants, and it is home to the largest concentration of Hispanic/Latine owned and operated bakeries, restaurants, shops, and grocers in St. Louis City, earning it the honorary dedication of “Calle Cherokee.”

Almost immediately into my research process, I was surprised to hear about the street’s turbulent history, as it faced significant economic struggles and business closures in the late 90s and early 2000s. Additionally, researching individual businesses and landmarks helped me to understand the street’s significance to the cultivation of cultural diversity, as well as the importance of protecting these kinds of areas from gentrification.

Advised by Amy Auman
September 2024 Inspired by these learnings, I wanted my video to focus on the lively streets and walls, emphasizing the ways in which Cherokee Street energizes its community. Upon my first visit, I did a range of quick, on-the-spot form-making (sketches, photography, video/audio recordings, written observations), as well as creating some more involved collages, paintings, and motion studies. These initial, low-pressure creative exercises really helped me open up in terms of style, and many of them served to influence the visual character of my final video.

I made my second visit to the street on a Monday evening, and I was amazed by how lively the street felt, as all kinds of people were gathered together to socialize and enjoy the weather. I was most captivated by a game of pickup basketball happening at Love Bank Park, where guys of all different ages and backgrounds were playing together; they were more than happy to be a part of my project, and many of them shared stories about their own backgrounds as well.

I used creative masking and animation to create the sense of “lighting up the street” and uplifting its inhabitants, most clearly visible with the kinetic type and glowing silhouettes that follow various people, which are all animated on 2’s. Back to Home